As a thoughtful donor, verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status is a crucial step before making a contribution. This verification helps ensure that your donations are tax-deductible and supports genuine causes. Understanding how to confirm a charity's status not only protects your financial interests but also reinforces your commitment to supporting trustworthy organizations like Drive Forward Jax.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) to verify a charity’s status. We'll also cover the importance of checking state registries and highlight key indicators of a legitimate nonprofit organization. With the right knowledge, you can confidently support charities that align with your values.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search
Visit the IRS TEOS page at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This tool allows you to search for charities by entering their name or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Enter the Charity's Information
Input the charity’s name or EIN into the search field. This will pull up the organization’s details and tax-exempt status, confirming its eligibility under section 501(c)(3).
Check the Status and Subsection
Verify that the status shows 'Currently Exempt' and specifically lists the subsection as 501(c)(3). This confirms that the charity is a recognized public charity eligible for tax-deductible donations.
Verify State Charitable Registration
Each state has its own charitable registry. Check the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website to confirm that the organization is registered and in good standing.
Document Your Findings
Save a printout or screenshot of the IRS TEOS result along with your state registration verification. This documentation can serve as proof of the charity’s eligibility for your records.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Positive TEOS Results
✓ Clear State Registration
✓ Transparency in Reporting
✓ Positive Reviews from Trusted Sources
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ No Status Listed
If the TEOS search yields no results or the status is not listed as 'Currently Exempt', this raises concerns about the charity's legitimacy and eligibility for tax-deductions.
⚠ Revocation Date Present
If the TEOS indicates that the charity has been revoked or has a date next to its status, this means it is no longer eligible for tax-exempt status, posing a risk for your donation.
⚠ Lack of State Registration
If the charity is not listed in the state’s charitable solicitation registry, it may not be compliant with state laws, which is a critical red flag for potential donors.
⚠ No Form 990 Filings
Charities must file Form 990 annually. If a charity fails to file for three consecutive years, it risks automatic revocation of its 501(c)(3) status, indicating financial mismanagement.
Tools + resources
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: freshtfromflorida.com
- Charity Navigator: charitynavigator.org
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- Better Business Bureau Charity Reviews: bbb.org/charity-reviews
- Association of Fundraising Professionals: afpglobal.org
Jacksonville state-level oversight
In Jacksonville and throughout Florida, it's crucial for donors to be aware of the state's charitable regulations. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services maintains a registry of all legally operating charities. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau provides evaluations of charities to help guide your choices, while the Florida Nonprofit Alliance offers resources and support for local nonprofits. By tapping into these local resources, you can make informed decisions about where to direct your charitable contributions.