As a conscientious donor, your desire to ensure that your contributions are making a genuine impact is commendable. 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 page will guide you through the essential steps to confirm a charity's eligibility and protect your philanthropic intentions.
Understanding how to navigate the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) and checking state registries can empower you as a donor. This guide offers a straightforward walkthrough of verifying a charity's status, along with red flags to watch for and positive signs of legitimacy. Be informed and confident in your charitable contributions!
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS TEOS
Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This tool allows you to search for charities by their Employer Identification Number (EIN) or name, providing essential information about their tax-exempt status.
Search for the Charity
Enter the charity's EIN or name in the search field. Review the results and ensure that the status shows 'Currently Exempt' along with the subsection indicating 501(c)(3). This confirms the organization qualifies as a public charity.
Check for Revocation
Ensure that the revocation date is blank. If a charity has been revoked, they can no longer claim tax-exempt status, which means your donations would not be tax-deductible.
Consult Your State AG
Different states require charities to register for charitable solicitation. Visit New Hampshire's Attorney General's website to check if the organization is properly registered to solicit donations in the state.
Document Your Findings
Save a printout or screenshot of the IRS TEOS results and your state AG registry check. Keeping this documentation with your donation records offers proof that the charity is legitimate and tax-exempt, protecting you in case of an audit.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Active Status
Finding the charity listed as 'Currently Exempt' in the TEOS confirms its eligibility for tax-deductible donations, providing peace of mind for your contributions.
✓ Good Standing in State
A charity registered with the New Hampshire Attorney General indicates compliance with state laws, suggesting a commitment to transparency and accountability.
✓ Positive Reviews
Favorable ratings from independent organizations like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau indicate that the charity is reputable and well-managed.
✓ Transparent Financials
A charity that readily shares its financial statements and Form 990 filings demonstrates transparency, helping you understand how donations are utilized.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Missing EIN
If the charity does not provide an EIN or if it is not listed in the TEOS, this raises concerns about its legitimacy and compliance with IRS regulations.
⚠ Revoked Status
If the charity's TEOS status indicates it has been revoked, your donations will not be tax-deductible, and you risk supporting an organization that may no longer be active.
⚠ Inconsistent Information
Any discrepancies between the information on the charity’s website and what you find in the TEOS or state registry should trigger further investigation.
⚠ No State Registration
A charity soliciting donations without being registered with the New Hampshire Attorney General can indicate potential non-compliance, making it a risky choice for your contributions.
Tools + resources
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Charity Navigator: charitynavigator.org
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- BBB Charity Reviews: bbb.org/charity-reviews
- New Hampshire Attorney General's Charitable Organizations: doj.nh.gov/charitable-organizations/
New Hampshire state-level oversight
In New Hampshire, verifying a charity's legitimacy is crucial to ensure your donations are used effectively. The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office maintains a registry of charitable organizations that you can consult for compliance status. Additionally, local resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) offer charity reviews that evaluate accountability and transparency, further empowering you to make informed decisions. Engaging with these local tools can help you ensure that your contributions truly benefit the causes you care about.