As a conscientious donor, it's essential to ensure that your contributions support legitimate and tax-exempt organizations. Verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status is a crucial step in safeguarding your donations and ensuring they qualify for tax deductions. This guide will walk you through the process, empowering you to make informed decisions.
Understanding how to navigate the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) and checking your charity's registration with the state Attorney General can provide peace of mind. This page will guide you through each step, helping you confirm the nonprofit's legitimacy and protect your financial interests.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS TEOS
Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search website at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This is a reliable resource for checking the tax-exempt status of a charity.
Enter Charity Information
You can search by entering the organization's name or their Employer Identification Number (EIN). This information will help you pull up the correct entity details from the database.
Verify Status
Check the results to ensure the status shows 'Currently Exempt' and the subsection listed is 501(c)(3). This confirms the charity is officially recognized as a public charity.
Check for Revocation
Make sure the revocation date is blank. If a charity has lost its status due to non-filing of Form 990 for three consecutive years, it will be flagged in the TEOS.
State Charitable Registration
Visit your state's Attorney General website to confirm that the charity is registered for charitable solicitation. Each state has its own registry that should be checked.
Document Verification
Save a printout or screenshot of the TEOS results and charitable registration confirmation. Keep this documentation with your donation records for future reference.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Positive IRS Status
✓ Good Standing with State
✓ Transparent Financials
✓ Positive Reviews
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ No IRS Status
If the charity does not appear in the IRS TEOS or shows a status other than 'Currently Exempt', do not proceed with the donation. This indicates potential issues with legitimacy.
⚠ Revocation Date Present
If you find a revocation date listed, it means the charity has lost its tax-exempt status. Contributions to revoked charities are not tax-deductible.
⚠ Missing State Registration
If the organization is not registered with the state Attorney General’s office, it may not be legally allowed to solicit donations in your state, raising a red flag.
⚠ Inconsistent Information
If the information you find on the charity's website does not match what is displayed in the IRS TEOS or state registry, be cautious. Verify before proceeding.
Tools + resources
- https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- https://charitynavigator.org
- https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- https://bbb.org/charity-reviews
- https://www.nasafp.org
- https://www.npcc.org
Maine state-level oversight
Maine has its own Attorney General’s office that maintains a charitable organization registry. Be sure to check this registry before donating to ensure compliance and transparency. Additionally, the Maine Better Business Bureau offers resources and reviews on local charities, allowing you to make informed decisions. Local nonprofit associations can also provide support and information on credible organizations in Maine.
FAQ
What is a 501(c)(3) status?
Why is verifying IRS status necessary?
How often do charities need to file Form 990?
Can I still donate to a charity that has lost its 501(c)(3) status?
What should I do if a charity is not registered with the state?
How can I find out more about a charity's operations?
What if I find discrepancies in a charity's information?
Other donor-verification guides
Taking the time to verify a charity's 501(c)(3) status and state registration is vital in ensuring your donation goes to a legitimate organization. Empower yourself by utilizing the tools and steps outlined on this page. Remember, due diligence not only protects you but also enhances the effectiveness of your charitable giving. Start verifying today and make a confident contribution to causes you care about!