As a donor, ensuring that your contributions are going to a legitimate charity is essential. Verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status not only protects your donation but also ensures you can claim necessary tax deductions. Many donors are unaware of how easy it is to check a charity's status. This page will guide you through the verification process and explain why it matters.
By following our simple step-by-step guide, you can confirm whether a charity is current with its tax-exempt status, thereby protecting your financial contributions. We’ll also highlight common red and green flags to watch for, equipping you with the knowledge to donate confidently.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access IRS TEOS
Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This is the primary tool for verifying a charity's 501(c)(3) status.
Enter Charity Information
You can search by the charity's name or its Employer Identification Number (EIN). Be sure to input accurate information to retrieve correct results.
Check Status
Review the results to ensure the charity’s status shows 'Currently Exempt.' Also, confirm that it is listed under the subsection 501(c)(3). This confirms the charity's eligibility for tax-deductible donations.
Verify with State AG
Visit your state Attorney General's website to confirm the charity's registration. Each state maintains a separate registry for charities operating within its borders.
Document Your Findings
Save a printout or screenshot of the IRS TEOS results and the state AG registry. This documentation will be useful for your records when making tax deductions.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Currently Exempt
An active status of 'Currently Exempt' on TEOS is a positive indication that the organization maintains its 501(c)(3) status.
✓ Clear Mission Statement
A well-defined mission statement and transparent financials on the charity’s website can indicate that the organization is committed to accountability.
✓ Positive Ratings
High ratings on charity evaluation sites such as Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau reinforce the organization's credibility and reliability.
✓ State Registration Confirmation
If the charity is listed as registered with the state AG, it shows compliance with state regulations for charitable solicitation.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Revoked Status
If the TEOS indicates that the charity’s status is revoked, do not proceed with your donation. Revoked organizations lack tax-exempt status, making your contributions non-deductible.
⚠ Inconsistent Information
If the charity's name or EIN does not match your records, take extra caution. Verify with other sources to ensure the organization is who they claim to be.
⚠ Lack of State Registration
If the charity is not listed on your state AG's registry, it may not be authorized to solicit donations in your state, raising concerns about its legitimacy.
⚠ No Form 990 Filing
A lack of publicly available Form 990 filings could indicate financial mismanagement or a lack of transparency. Legitimate charities typically file this annual information return.
Tools + resources
- IRS TEOS: apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Charity Navigator: charitynavigator.org
- ProPublica Nonprofits: projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- BBB Charity Reviews: bbb.org/charity-reviews
- AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals): afpglobal.org
- AAFRC (Association of American Fundraising Counsel): aafrc.org
Las Vegas state-level oversight
In Las Vegas and across Nevada, verifying a charity’s legitimacy is crucial. The Nevada Attorney General’s office maintains a charitable registration database where you can independently verify organizations soliciting donations. Additionally, local resources such as the Better Business Bureau provide valuable charity reviews specific to our community. By utilizing these tools, you can make informed decisions and foster trust in charitable contributions.