In an age where philanthropy is integral to community support, it’s crucial to ensure your donations are going to legitimate organizations. Verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status not only safeguards your contribution but also helps you understand the tax benefits associated with your generosity. By knowing how to check a charity’s status, you can be confident that your donations are making a real difference while being tax-deductible.
This page will guide you through the process of verifying a charity's tax-exempt status using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) and checking state-specific registries. With simple steps, you can ensure that the organization you wish to support meets all necessary legal and tax requirements.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS TEOS
Go to the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This tool helps you easily check a charity's tax-exempt status.
Enter the EIN or Organization Name
In the search bar, input the charity's Employer Identification Number (EIN) or its name. This will help you locate the charity in the IRS database.
Verify Status
Look for the status labeled as 'Currently Exempt' and ensure it includes the subsection '501(c)(3)'. This confirms the organization is a qualified public charity.
Check for Revocation
Make sure the revocation date is blank. A revoked status indicates the charity may no longer be eligible for tax-deductible donations, which is crucial for your tax returns.
Review State AG Registration
Visit your state Attorney General’s website to confirm the charity's registration. Each state has its own charity registry, which helps ensure compliance with state laws.
Save Your Verification
Take a screenshot or print out the verification details from the IRS TEOS and the state registry. Keep this in your donation file for future reference.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Currently Exempt Status
A status of 'Currently Exempt' on the IRS TEOS is a strong indicator that the charity is compliant and eligible for tax-deductible donations.
✓ Good Standing with State AG
Finding the charity listed in your state's AG charity registry signifies it is in good standing and has met local regulatory requirements.
✓ Positive Reviews
Check platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau for positive reviews and ratings, indicating a reliable and reputable charity.
✓ Transparent Financials
A charity that readily shares its IRS Form 990 and other financial documents demonstrates transparency and accountability in its operations.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Revoked Status
If the IRS TEOS shows a revoked status, do not donate. This indicates the charity has lost its tax-exempt status, potentially affecting your tax deduction.
⚠ Missing EIN
A charity that cannot provide its EIN might be operating informally or without proper registration. Verify their status before considering a donation.
⚠ No State Registration
If you cannot find the charity in your state Attorney General’s registry, it may not be authorized to solicit donations legally. Proceed with caution.
⚠ Lack of IRS Form 990
If the charity fails to file IRS Form 990 for three consecutive years, it risks automatic revocation of its tax-exempt status. This is a significant red flag.
Tools + resources
- IRS TEOS: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- BBB Charity Reviews: https://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews
- Kentucky Attorney General Charity Registry: https://ag.ky.gov/Pages/Charity.aspx
Kentucky state-level oversight
In Kentucky, verifying a charity's status is essential to ensure your contributions are properly utilized. The Kentucky Attorney General maintains a charity registration database where you can check if organizations are compliant with state regulations. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau offers charity reviews that can provide insight into a charity's trustworthiness. For those looking to donate, it’s vital to do your due diligence to support worthy causes effectively.