As a donor, it's crucial to ensure that the charities you support are legitimate and qualified under IRS regulations. Taking the time to verify a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status not only protects your donation but also affirms that your generosity is being directed towards a lawful and effective organization.
This page will guide you through the straightforward steps to verify a charity's 501(c)(3) status using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool. You'll learn how to check both federal and state registrations to safeguard your investment in charitable giving.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS TEOS
Navigate to the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This tool allows you to search for organizations by their Employer Identification Number (EIN) or name.
Input EIN or Organization Name
Enter the charity's EIN or name into the search field provided. This will direct you to the charity's existing IRS status information.
Verify Exemption Status
Check the status displayed on the TEOS results page. Ensure it shows 'Currently Exempt' and includes the classification 501(c)(3) to confirm the organization is a public charity.
Check for Revocation
Confirm that no revocation date is listed. A blank revocation date indicates that the charity maintains its tax-exempt status, which is crucial for tax-deductible donations.
Verify State Registration
Visit your state's Attorney General's website to check that the charity is also registered for charitable solicitation in Alabama. Each state maintains its own registry.
Document Findings
Be sure to save a printout or screenshot of your findings from the TEOS and state registry. This documentation will serve as proof that you conducted your due diligence.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Currently Exempt Status
A display of 'Currently Exempt' on the TEOS confirms the organization is recognized as a legitimate charity under IRS rules.
✓ Positive State Registration
If the charity is listed in your state’s charitable solicitation registry, it shows compliance with local regulations, enhancing donor trust.
✓ Recent Form 990 Available
Access to recent Form 990 filings indicates transparency with financials, reflecting a commitment to ethical fundraising practices.
✓ Good Ratings from Charity Evaluators
A strong rating from independent evaluators like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau is a good sign of the charity’s credibility and impact.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Revocation Date Listed
If the TEOS indicates a revocation date, the organization may no longer have 501(c)(3) status. Donations to revoked organizations are not tax-deductible.
⚠ Not Listed in State Registry
If the charity is not listed in your state’s charitable solicitation registry, it could indicate potential fraud or non-compliance with state laws.
⚠ Incorrect EIN
Entering the wrong EIN may lead to misleading results. Always double-check the EIN provided by the charity to ensure accuracy.
⚠ Missing IRS Form 990
A lack of available Form 990 filings could indicate poor financial transparency. Legitimate charities file this annually to maintain accountability.
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
- Alabama Secretary of State Charitable Organizations: sos.alabama.gov/alabama-charity-lists
Mobile state-level oversight
In Mobile, Alabama, it's important for donors to verify local charities through the state's Attorney General's office to ensure compliance with state regulations. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau offers resources to evaluate charity trustworthiness. Engaging with local nonprofit associations may also provide insights into reputable organizations in our community.