As a donor, ensuring your contributions are going to a legitimate charity is essential for both peace of mind and tax benefits. Understanding how to verify a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status can help you make informed decisions about your generosity. This page guides you through the verification process, helping you protect your charitable giving.
By learning how to check a charity’s tax-exempt status, you'll also understand the significance of supporting organizations that comply with IRS regulations. This page will provide practical steps, red flags to watch for, and resources that can help you confidently support your chosen causes.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS TEOS
Visit the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This is your primary tool for verifying a charity’s IRS status.
Input the Charity Information
Enter the charity’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) or organization name into the search field. This will help you locate the specific organization you want to verify.
Review the Status
Check that the status shows 'Currently Exempt' and confirm it lists the subsection as 501(c)(3). This indicates that the charity is properly recognized by the IRS.
Check for Revocations
Ensure that there is no revocation date listed. A blank revocation date confirms that the charity has not lost its tax-exempt status, allowing your contributions to remain tax-deductible.
Verify State Registration
Visit your state's Attorney General website to check the charity's registration. California has specific regulations for charitable solicitations that you should confirm.
Document Your Findings
Save a printout or a screenshot of your verification results. Keep this with your donation records to ensure you have proof of the charity's status in case of an audit.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Clear Tax-Exempt Status
✓ No Revocation Record
✓ Positive State Registration
✓ Active Filings
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ No IRS Listing
If the charity does not appear in the IRS TEOS, it may not have valid 501(c)(3) status, raising concerns about its legitimacy.
⚠ Revocation Date Present
A revocation date listed in the TEOS indicates the organization has lost its exempt status and your contributions may not be tax-deductible.
⚠ Inconsistent Information
If the charity's EIN or name does not match between the IRS and state AG listings, this could signal that you are dealing with a fraudulent organization.
⚠ Lack of State Registration
If the charity is not registered with the California Attorney General, it may not be compliant with state laws, increasing the risk of mismanagement.
Tools + resources
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- Better Business Bureau Charity Reviews: https://bbb.org/charity-reviews
- California Attorney General Charitable Trusts Registry: https://oag.ca.gov/charities
San Diego state-level oversight
In San Diego, you can easily access resources to verify a charity’s status through the California Attorney General's office. This office provides a charitable registry that is critical for understanding a charity's compliance with state laws. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers charity reviews, providing another layer of transparency. Engaging with local nonprofit organizations can also offer insights into reputable charities within the community.