As a donor, you have every right to verify the legitimacy of a charity before contributing your hard-earned money. Understanding how to confirm a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status is crucial for ensuring that your donations are tax-deductible and go to genuine causes.
This page will guide you through the steps to verify a charity's tax-exempt status using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) and highlight the importance of checking with your state Attorney General's office for additional assurance. Protect your philanthropic efforts with informed decisions.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access IRS TEOS
Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This online tool allows you to search for charities by their Employer Identification Number (EIN) or organization name.
Enter Charity Details
Input the charity's EIN or full name in the search fields. Ensure that you enter the details accurately to pull up the correct organization.
Verify Status
Check the results to confirm that the charity's status shows 'Currently Exempt' and indicates subsection 501(c)(3). This confirms its eligibility for tax-deductible donations.
Check Revocation Date
Make sure that the revocation date is blank. A filled revocation date indicates that the organization has lost its 501(c)(3) status, which may disqualify your donation from being tax-deductible.
Confirm State Registration
Visit your state Attorney General’s website to check the charity’s registration and compliance status in charitable solicitation. This extra layer of verification ensures broader legitimacy.
Save Documentation
Save a printout or screenshot of the IRS TEOS results and the state AG registration confirmation. This documentation is essential for your records and may be required during tax filings.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Clear IRS Confirmation
The charity is listed as 'Currently Exempt' under 501(c)(3) in IRS TEOS, indicating that it is recognized as a valid nonprofit organization by the IRS.
✓ Active State Registration
Registration with the state Attorney General's office confirms the charity complies with state regulations, enhancing credibility and donor trust.
✓ Positive Impact Reports
The organization provides transparent reporting of its activities and financials, such as Form 990 filings, allowing donors to assess its impact effectively.
✓ Charity Navigator Rating
A positive rating on Charity Navigator suggests that the charity is financially healthy and accountable for its operations, adding another layer of assurance for donors.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ No Valid EIN
If the charity cannot provide a valid EIN or if the EIN does not match with their name in TEOS, consider this a major red flag. Verify thoroughly before donating.
⚠ Revocation Date Present
A filled revocation date indicates the charity has lost its 501(c)(3) status. Donations to revoked organizations are considered non-deductible, leading to potential issues during audits.
⚠ No State Registration
If a charity is not registered with the state Attorney General’s office, it may lack transparency. Unregistered charities can pose higher risks for donors.
⚠ Negative Reviews
Excessive complaints or negative reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) or Charity Navigator can indicate potential issues within the organization.
Tools + resources
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Charity Navigator: charitynavigator.org
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- Better Business Bureau Charity Reviews: bbb.org/charity-reviews
- State Attorney General Websites: [Your State AG links]
- Association of Fundraising Professionals: afpglobal.org
San Francisco state-level oversight
In San Francisco, potential donors can access resources through the California Attorney General’s Office, which maintains a charitable registry for nonprofits operating in the state. It’s also beneficial to check with local chapters of organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the California Association of Nonprofits for additional insights on local charities. Always ensure that your chosen charity adheres to both federal and state regulations to maintain your peace of mind while giving.