Verify Charity 501(c)(3) Status in Greenville

As a donor, it’s essential to ensure your contributions are going to qualified organizations. Verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status not only protects your donation but also ensures you can claim the appropriate tax deductions. This page will guide you through the verification process using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) and other essential resources.

By understanding how to check a charity’s status, you can confidently support organizations that align with your values while safeguarding your financial interests. We’ll walk you through the steps to confirm a charity’s exemption status and highlight what to look out for in the process.

Step-by-step walkthrough

Access IRS TEOS

Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This is the official platform to verify if a charity has a current IRS 501(c)(3) status.

Enter EIN or Organization Name

Using either the Employer Identification Number (EIN) or the organization's name, input the details into the TEOS search bar to begin the verification process.

Review Status

Check the results for the charity's status. Confirm that the status shows 'Currently Exempt' and that the subsection indicates '501(c)(3)'.

Check for Revocation

Ensure the revocation date field is blank. This means the charity has not lost its exemption and remains eligible for tax-deductible donations.

Verify State Registration

Visit your state Attorney General's website to confirm that the charity is registered for charitable solicitation in South Carolina.

Save Documentation

Take a screenshot or print the TEOS results and save it with your donation records. This documentation can be crucial for tax purposes.

Positive signals (green flags)

✓ Clear 501(c)(3) Status

A charity that is listed as 'Currently Exempt' with the correct subsection is a strong indicator that it meets IRS requirements for tax-deductible donations.

✓ Timely Form 990 Filings

Regularly filed Form 990s show that the charity is accountable and transparent about its finances, an essential factor for donor trust.

✓ Positive State AG Registration

Confirmation of registration in South Carolina's charitable-solicitation database demonstrates compliance with state laws, adding credibility to the organization.

✓ High Ratings on Charity Review Sites

Favorable reviews on platforms like the BBB or Charity Navigator can indicate a well-managed charity that adheres to ethical practices and effectively serves its mission.

Warning signals (red flags)

⚠ Revocation Date Present

If the TEOS search shows a revocation date, it indicates that the charity has lost its 501(c)(3) status, making donations to it non-deductible.

⚠ No Registration in State AG Database

If the charity is not registered in the South Carolina AG database, this could signal issues with transparency or compliance in fundraising.

⚠ Incomplete or Vague Information

A lack of detailed information available about the charity or its programs could indicate poor transparency, which is a red flag for potential donors.

⚠ Negative Reviews and Ratings

Checking platforms like the BBB or Charity Navigator for negative reviews can help identify organizations with questionable practices or histories.

Tools + resources

IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: apps.irs.gov/app/eos
Charity Navigator: charitynavigator.org
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
Better Business Bureau Charity Reviews: bbb.org/charity-reviews
South Carolina Attorney General's Charitable Registration: scag.gov
Association of Fundraising Professionals: afpglobal.org

Greenville state-level oversight

In Greenville and across South Carolina, it's vital for donors to ensure charities are operating legally and ethically. The South Carolina Attorney General oversees charitable registrations, providing information on organizations soliciting donations in the state. Additionally, local resources such as the Better Business Bureau can help assess the credibility of charities. By taking advantage of these resources, local donors can make informed decisions that positively impact their communities.

FAQ

What is a 501(c)(3) charity?

A 501(c)(3) charity is a nonprofit organization that the IRS recognizes as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, allowing donors to claim tax deductions for their contributions.

Why is it important to verify a charity's status?

Verifying a charity's status ensures that your donations are tax-deductible and that you are supporting legitimate organizations that follow legal requirements and ethical standards.

What happens if a charity loses its 501(c)(3) status?

If a charity loses its 501(c)(3) status, contributions made to that organization may no longer be tax-deductible, which could lead to complications during tax preparation or audits.

How can I report a charity that seems fraudulent?

Concerns about a potentially fraudulent charity should be reported to the South Carolina Attorney General's office, which can investigate and take appropriate action.

What documents do I need to keep for tax deductions?

For tax deductions, keep receipts and documentation of your donations, including printouts or screenshots confirming the charity's 501(c)(3) status and state registration.

Can new charities lose their 501(c)(3) status?

Yes, new charities can lose their 501(c)(3) status if they fail to file the required Form 990 for three consecutive years, resulting in automatic revocation.

Where can I find more information about local charities?

Local charities can be researched through the South Carolina Attorney General’s website, the Better Business Bureau, and Charity Navigator, which provide insights and evaluations.

Other donor-verification guides

Read Form 990

Read Form 990 guide →

Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator ratings →

Donor Bill of Rights