Name City State County Employer Identification Number (EIN)
You need to select a database. Choose “Are eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. ”
When searching, avoid using common words such as Foundation or the. You may also download the entire database of eligible organizations by clicking on the relevant link.
You can search the Revocation database using the same information: name, EIN, location, etc. You can also search by Revocation Posting Date. Enter a date range. Alternately, download the entire database of organizations that have had their federal tax exemption revoked.
The organization might claim they can’t find their letter. Tell them they can request a new copy from the IRS at 1-877-829-5500.
It has been organized exclusively for religious purposes. Net earnings do not benefit any private individual or shareholder. The organization can pay a minister or other faith leader a reasonable salary. However, it cannot pay an excessive salary or transfer property to any insider for less than market value. The organization cannot be substantially involved in influencing legislation. For example, it cannot encourage members to contact politicians either in support or in opposition to legislation. The religious organization cannot participate in political campaigns. Although a church might invite a political candidate to speak, it should provide an opportunity for opposing candidates to speak as well. The organization’s purpose and activities cannot be illegal.
The charity’s identity and mission Costs Financials, including how donations will be used Staff and board members[8] X Expert Source Rob WuNonprofit Advisor Expert Interview. 1 April 2020.
Are the statements audited? If not, then that’s a red flag. [9] X Research source Do sources of revenue change dramatically year to year? That’s atypical for a non-profit.
For example, the rep might insist time is of the essence and not let you do proper research. There is no reason for a non-profit to apply pressure to get you to donate.
The non-profit has a name that is similar to a better known organization. [10] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson Go to source They may be trying to confuse the public. The non-profit thanks you for a donation you don’t remember giving. The non-profit asks for cash donations. You should be able to donate using a check or credit card. The charity attempts to collect the donation quickly. For example, they ask for overnight delivery service. There’s no reason a legitimate charity would need a donation that quickly.
Better Business Bureau’s Wise Charity Alliance. BBB accredits charities that meet its standards for accountability. You can search by charity at its website. [13] X Research source Charity Navigator. This watchdog organization grades charities based on their financial health and their accountability. [14] X Expert Source Rob WuNonprofit Advisor Expert Interview. 1 April 2020. Charity Watch. This organization analyzes the financial reports of non-profits to determine how efficiently they will use your donation. It sometimes conducts special investigations of charities. [15] X Research source However, you must become a member to access their information. GuideStar. Use this site to obtain balance sheet data for up to 5 years and IRS filings for up to 3 years. You can also find revenue and expense data for the current year. [16] X Research source
