As a donor, ensuring that your contributions go to legitimate organizations is crucial, especially when it comes to tax-deductible charities. By verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status, you safeguard your financial support and uphold your charitable intent. This page will guide you through the essential steps to verify a charity's status.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) to confirm if a charity is currently exempt under section 501(c)(3), as well as additional considerations like reviewing the state Attorney General's charitable-registration. These steps will help you make informed decisions about your donations.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS TEOS
Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This resource allows you to check an organization's tax-exempt status directly from the IRS.
Enter Charity Details
You can search for the charity using either its Employer Identification Number (EIN) or by typing the organization's name. Make sure to enter the information accurately to retrieve the correct organization.
Review Status Confirmation
After searching, check the status displayed. Look for 'Currently Exempt' as well as the subsection listed as 501(c)(3). This confirms the charity is eligible for tax-deductible donations.
Check for Revocation
If the status is confirmed as exempt, ensure the revocation date is blank. A blank date indicates the charity has not lost its tax-exempt status due to non-filing or other issues.
Verify State Registration
Navigate to your state Attorney General's website for charitable registration. Each state has its own registry to confirm if charitable organizations are compliant with state laws.
Document Your Findings
Save a printout or screenshot of the verification results, including both the IRS TEOS results and the state AG registration. Keep these documents with your donation files for future reference.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Clear 501(c)(3) Status
✓ Active State Registration
✓ Positive Reviews
✓ Available Financial Disclosures
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ No Records Found
If the IRS TEOS returns no records for the organization, it may indicate that the charity is not registered as a 501(c)(3), raising questions about its legitimacy.
⚠ Status Shows Revoked
A status of 'Revoked' means the organization has lost its tax-exempt status and contributions made may not be tax-deductible, which could lead to disallowed claims during an audit.
⚠ Inconsistent Information
If the organization's name or EIN does not match across different platforms, such as the IRS and state registry, further investigation is warranted to ensure legitimacy.
⚠ No State Registration
A charity that isn't registered with the state Attorney General might not have met the necessary requirements to solicit funds legally, posing a risk to your donations.
Tools + resources
- https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- https://charitynavigator.org
- https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- https://bbb.org/charity-reviews
- https://www.ok.gov/omag/Charitable_Organization_Registration.html
Tulsa state-level oversight
In Oklahoma, you can verify a charity's compliance through the Oklahoma Attorney General's website, which maintains a registry of charitable organizations. Additionally, local resources such as the Better Business Bureau provide charity reviews to help you make informed decisions. Engaging with organizations like the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits can also offer insights into reputable charities operating in Tulsa.
FAQ
What is a 501(c)(3) organization?
Why is it important to verify 501(c)(3) status?
How often should I verify a charity's status?
What happens if I donate to a revoked charity?
Can new charities lose their 501(c)(3) status?
Are all nonprofits required to register with the state?
What should I do if I find discrepancies?
Other donor-verification guides
Before donating, take the empowered step to verify the charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status and ensure that your contributions are going to a legitimate organization. By following the steps outlined here, you'll protect your donation and promote transparency in charitable giving.