When you choose to donate to a charity, you want to ensure your contribution is making a real difference, particularly through organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under IRS rules. Verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status is an essential step in doing your due diligence. This page will guide you through the process of checking a charity's status and what to look out for.
Understanding how to verify the IRS designation, and knowing the importance of state registration, empowers you to make informed decisions. Here, you will find a detailed walkthrough of how to use the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search, as well as critical considerations for ensuring your donation qualifies for tax deductions.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Visit the IRS TEOS Site
Go to the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This tool is vital for verifying the tax-exempt status of charities you are considering supporting.
Enter Charity Information
Input either the charity’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) or its name in the search field. This will help you locate the specific organization you wish to verify.
Check the Status
Once you find the charity, make sure it shows 'Currently Exempt' and specifically identifies the subsection 501(c)(3). This status confirms it's a public charity eligible for tax-deductible donations.
Review State Requirements
Check your state’s Attorney General's website for a separate charitable registration. Each state maintains its own registry, which can indicate if the charity is compliant with local regulations.
Save Your Verification
After successfully verifying the charity, save a printout or screenshot of the TEOS results and state registration. This documentation will support your tax-deductible claims if necessary.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Currently Exempt
A charity marked as 'Currently Exempt' under 501(c)(3) in TEOS indicates it meets IRS standards and can properly receive tax-deductible donations.
✓ Registered with State AG
Charities registered with the state's Attorney General demonstrate compliance with state laws, indicating an additional layer of accountability.
✓ Positive Charity Ratings
Look for positive reviews on platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A high rating reflects transparency and effective management.
✓ Consistent Filing History
A charity's consistent filing of annual IRS Form 990 confirms ongoing compliance with tax regulations, essential for maintaining their 501(c)(3) status.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Revoked Status
If the charity appears with a revoked status or shows a revocation date, it indicates they no longer qualify for tax-deductible donations, which could lead to issues during tax filing.
⚠ Inconsistent Information
If the organization’s name or EIN doesn’t match the records found in TEOS, it raises questions about legitimacy. Always ensure the information aligns.
⚠ No State Registration
If a charity solicits donations without being registered with the state AG, it may not adhere to local laws, which is a significant red flag.
⚠ Frequent Changes in Status
Charities that frequently change their status (e.g., from exempt to revoked) may be financially unstable or mismanaging resources.
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 AG Charitable Registration: [Your State AG Website URL]
Kansas state-level oversight
In Kansas, the Attorney General maintains a charitable registry that helps ensure local nonprofits meet compliance standards. You can access this registry through the Kansas AG website. The Better Business Bureau also assesses charities in Kansas, providing insights into their practices and accountability. For further support, consider reaching out to the Kansas Nonprofit Association for additional resources tailored to local charities.