As a donor, ensuring your contributions go to legitimate and tax-exempt organizations is crucial for maximizing their impact. Verifying a charity’s IRS 501(c)(3) status not only safeguards your tax deductions but also assures that your support is making a genuine difference in the community.
This guide will walk you through the process of checking a charity’s IRS status using the Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool. With just a few steps, you can confirm the legitimacy of AutoLift LA and other charities before making your generous donation.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS TEOS Website
Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search page at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This tool allows you to search for organizations by name or Employer Identification Number (EIN) to check their tax-exempt status.
Enter the Organization's Information
Input the charity's name or EIN into the search bar. Make sure to enter the details accurately to locate the correct organization. This will help you find the specific status of AutoLift LA.
Verify the Status
Check the results to ensure the charity shows 'Currently Exempt' and has a designation of 501(c)(3). This confirms that AutoLift LA is eligible for tax-deductible donations. If the status shows anything else, proceed with caution.
Confirm State Registration
Check your state’s Attorney General’s (AG) office website for charitable solicitation registration. Each state maintains its own registry of non-profits, ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing further validation.
Document Your Findings
Before transferring any assets or signing over titles, save a printout or screenshot of the verification results. Keep this documentation alongside your donation records to support any tax claims you may file in the future.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Current 501(c)(3) Status
If the charity shows 'Currently Exempt' with a valid 501(c)(3) status, you can feel secure that your donations are tax-deductible, reinforcing the charity’s compliance with IRS regulations.
✓ Registered with State AG
A successfully registered charity with your state’s AG office demonstrates it meets local legal requirements, providing additional reassurance about its operational integrity.
✓ Positive Ratings
Favorable ratings on platforms like Charity Navigator or the BBB reflect good standing in the community and responsible financial practices, indicating the charity is legitimate.
✓ Transparent Financials
A charity that consistently files Form 990 is transparent about its finances and operations. This openness is a good sign that funds are being managed effectively.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Status Shows Revoked
If the IRS TEOS indicates that the charity has been revoked, do not proceed with your donation. Revocation may mean the charity has failed to comply with tax requirements and could jeopardize your tax deduction.
⚠ No State Registration
If you cannot locate the charity on your state AG’s registry, this may indicate that the organization is not authorized to solicit donations, raising a significant red flag about its legitimacy.
⚠ Incomplete or Missing Form 990
Organizations are required to file Form 990 annually. If you find missing filings for three consecutive years, this could lead to automatic revocation of their tax-exempt status.
⚠ Negative Reviews
Check for negative feedback or warnings on platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau. Consistent complaints could indicate potential misuse of funds or unethical practices.
Tools + resources
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- Better Business Bureau Charity Reviews: https://bbb.org/charity-reviews
- State AG Charitable Registration Search: [YOUR STATE AG URL HERE]
Los Angeles state-level oversight
In California, you can access the state Attorney General's charitable registration database to verify a charity's compliance with state laws. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides non-profit reviews that can aid your decision-making process. The California Association of Nonprofits (CANP) is another resource offering support and information about non-profit organizations operating within the state.