As a donor, your desire to support meaningful causes is commendable, and ensuring your contributions go to legitimate organizations is crucial. Verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status not only protects your financial interests but also helps maintain the integrity of charitable giving.
This page will guide you through the process of checking a charity’s tax-exempt status using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool, highlight what to watch for, and provide additional resources to ensure your donation is working as intended.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access IRS TEOS
Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This is the most reliable way to check a charity’s tax-exempt status.
Enter Organization Details
Type in the charity's Employer Identification Number (EIN) or its name. This will allow you to search for the specific organization you want to verify.
Review Status
Once you find the organization, ensure its status shows 'Currently Exempt' and includes the designation 501(c)(3). This confirms its eligibility for tax-deductible donations.
Check State AG Registration
Visit your state Attorney General's website to verify the charity's charitable registration. Each state maintains its own registry of charitable organizations.
Save Confirmation
Take a screenshot or print the verification results for your records. This documentation will be valuable if you need to substantiate your donation for tax purposes.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Positive IRS Status
A status marked 'Currently Exempt' with a 501(c)(3) designation is a solid green flag. This shows the organization meets IRS requirements for tax exemption.
✓ Registered with State AG
Verification of registration with the state Attorney General’s office underscores that the charity is compliant with legal obligations and is operating correctly.
✓ Transparent Financials
Availability of detailed financial reports and Form 990 filings indicates a commitment to transparency, suggesting the charity is trustworthy and well-managed.
✓ Positive Reviews
Positive ratings on platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau demonstrate a charitable organization's strong reputation and accountability.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Status Not 'Currently Exempt'
If the IRS TEOS indicates the organization is not currently exempt, it’s a major red flag. Without 501(c)(3) status, your donations will not be tax-deductible.
⚠ No State Registration
If the charity is not registered with the state Attorney General's office, it may be operating illegally. Always verify state registration as an essential step.
⚠ Recent Revocation
A recently revoked status or a notice of automatic revocation can indicate poor governance. If a charity has lost its status, your contributions may not be tax-deductible.
⚠ Lack of Transparency
If the organization refuses to share its Form 990 or does not have a public presence, these could be warning signs of mismanagement or an untrustworthy charity.
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
- BBB Charity Reviews: https://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews
- Texas Attorney General's Office Charity Registration: https://www.oag.state.tx.us
- Association of Fundraising Professionals: https://afpglobal.org
Austin state-level oversight
Austin, Texas has a strong commitment to nonprofit transparency and accountability. The Texas Attorney General’s office maintains a registry of charitable organizations, providing donors with easy access to verify the legitimacy of local charities. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers reviews and ratings to help donors make informed decisions. Engaging with local resources can enhance your confidence in the charitable organizations you choose to support.