As a donor, it's commendable to want to ensure that your contributions are going to legitimate charities. Verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status is essential for confirming that your donations are tax-deductible and that the organization operates within legal guidelines. This page provides a clear, actionable guide for you to conduct your due diligence.
In the sections below, you'll learn how to navigate the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) to check a charity's status, along with additional tips on verifying registration in Delaware. Understanding these steps not only protects your contributions, but it also supports the integrity of charitable giving in our community.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS TEOS
Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This tool is essential for verifying the 501(c)(3) status of a charity. Enter the charity's EIN or name to start.
Enter Charity Information
Input the organization’s EIN (Employer Identification Number) or name into the search fields. Ensure accuracy to retrieve the correct information about the charity you wish to verify.
Check Status
Review the search results carefully. Ensure that the status shows 'Currently Exempt' and that the subsection listed is 501(c)(3). This confirms the organization is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt charity.
Verify State Registration
Check the charity's registration with the Delaware Attorney General's office. Every state maintains its own charitable registration to help verify the legitimacy of charities operating within that state.
Document Your Findings
Take a screenshot or print the TEOS results along with any state registration confirmation, and save these documents with your donation records. This documentation is important for future reference and tax purposes.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Positive TEOS Results
A 'Currently Exempt' status on TEOS indicates that the charity is in good standing with the IRS and eligible for tax-deductible contributions.
✓ State Registration Confirmed
Finding the charity listed in Delaware's charitable registration confirms that it is recognized by the state as an eligible organization, adding another layer of credibility.
✓ Publicly Available Financials
Legitimate charities often share their financial statements and IRS Form 990, allowing donors to assess their efficiency and integrity.
✓ Positive Reviews
Favorable ratings from watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau indicate a charity's good standing and ethical practices.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Status Not 'Currently Exempt'
If the TEOS results do not show 'Currently Exempt', do not proceed with your donation. This indicates the organization may not be a legitimate tax-exempt charity.
⚠ Missing EIN or Registration
If the charity’s EIN cannot be found or is missing from state AG records, it raises significant red flags about the organization's legitimacy and compliance.
⚠ Revocation Date Listed
If the TEOS indicates a past revocation date, this suggests that the charity has lost its tax-exempt status, which means your donation may not be tax-deductible.
⚠ Lack of Transparency
If the charity is unwilling or unable to provide necessary documentation or information about its financials, this lack of transparency should make you reconsider your donation.
Tools + resources
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Delaware Attorney General's Charitable Registration: https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/charitable-organization-registration/
- Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- Better Business Bureau Charity Reviews: https://bbb.org/charity-reviews
Delaware state-level oversight
In Delaware, you can verify a charity's registration by accessing the Delaware Attorney General's office website. Additionally, the local Better Business Bureau provides charity reviews, which can help you assess an organization's credibility. The Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement is another resource that offers guidance and support for local nonprofits and can assist donors in making informed decisions.