Understanding how taxes apply to money raised through crowdfunding can be difficult. Crowdfunding is a relatively new phenomenon, so there are no cut and dried laws regarding crowdfunded money.
One thing is clear, however, other than the fees they collect, crowdfunding companies and platforms are not responsible for the money you raise through their service, the person crowdfunding is. So, it is important to be cautious and to do your research if you have recieved money through crowdfunding, especially with April 15th just around the corner.
There are four taxable ways money raised in crowdfunding can be categorized: Sales Tax, Income Tax, Equity, or Gifts.