As a donor, your commitment to supporting charitable causes is commendable. However, ensuring that your contributions are going to legitimate organizations is crucial. Understanding how to verify a charity’s IRS 501(c)(3) status not only protects your donation but also helps you maximize your tax deductions. This page will guide you through the verification process step-by-step.
By utilizing the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) and checking your state's charitable registration, you can confirm a charity's legitimacy. Here, you’ll learn the specifics of using these tools, why it matters, and how to safeguard your charitable contributions.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Visit the IRS TEOS website
Go to the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This is the official tool to verify if a charity is recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
Enter the EIN or organization name
Input the Employer Identification Number (EIN) or the name of the charity you wish to verify. This helps narrow down search results to find the exact organization.
Check the status
Look for the status of the organization. It should indicate 'Currently Exempt' and specify the subsection as 501(c)(3). This confirms the organization is valid and eligible for tax-deductible donations.
Confirm state AG registration
Each state has its own charitable registration. Check your state attorney general’s website for the charity’s registration, ensuring they are compliant with state regulations.
Save your findings
Before completing your donation, take a screenshot or print the verification results. Keep this document with your donation file for future reference, especially for tax purposes.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Registered with state AG
If the charity is listed as registered with your state attorney general, it signifies compliance with local laws and enhances its credibility.
✓ Positive reviews
Check platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau for favorable reviews and ratings, signaling responsible management and transparency.
✓ Active Form 990 filings
An organization that regularly files Form 990 demonstrates accountability and transparency. Look for recent filings on platforms like ProPublica.
✓ No revocation history
If the organization's status history shows no revocations, this indicates stability and adherence to IRS regulations, which is a good sign for potential donors.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Status shows 'Not Exempt'
If the IRS TEOS indicates the charity is not currently exempt, it may not qualify for tax-deductible donations. Proceed with caution and further research.
⚠ Recent revocation noted
A charity may have lost its 501(c)(3) status. If the TEOS indicates a revocation date, do not donate without verifying why the status was revoked.
⚠ No state registration found
If you can’t find the charity registered on your state’s AG website, it may be operating illegally. This should raise serious concerns about its legitimacy.
⚠ Inconsistent information
If the information on TEOS does not match what the charity is promoting (like name or EIN), this may indicate potential fraud or misrepresentation.
Tools + resources
- apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- charitynavigator.org
- projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- bbb.org/charity-reviews
- yourstate.gov/ag-charity-registration
Phoenix state-level oversight
Phoenix, Arizona, has a dedicated Office of the Arizona Attorney General that oversees charitable organizations. Donors can check local charities through the Arizona AG Charitable Registration website to verify compliance. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides charity reviews and ratings to help donors make informed decisions. Local nonprofit associations, such as the Arizona Association of Nonprofits, can also provide guidance and resources regarding charitable giving in the state.