How to Check Nonprofit Status: EIN Lookup and Verification Guide

Whether you are a donor deciding where to give, a business evaluating a partnership, or a nonprofit confirming a potential partner's status, knowing how to verify nonprofit legitimacy is essential. The good news: this information is publicly available and free to access.

How to Verify 501(c)(3) Status

Method 1: IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (Free)

The IRS maintains a searchable database at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can search by:

• Organization name
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• City and state

The database shows: organization name, EIN, city, state, exemption type, ruling date, and deductibility status. It also flags organizations whose status has been automatically revoked for non-filing.

Limitation: The database does not include churches, which are automatically tax-exempt and not required to apply or file Form 990.

Method 2: Candid (GuideStar) (Free with Registration)

Candid (formerly GuideStar) at candid.org provides the most comprehensive nonprofit data:

• Tax-exempt status verification
• Form 990 filings (financial data, executive compensation, program descriptions)
• Organization profiles with mission, programs, and results

Free registration gives basic access. Paid plans provide deeper analysis.

Method 3: State Records

Every state maintains its own business entity database. Search for the nonprofit's incorporation status, registered agent, and good standing. This confirms the organization is a valid legal entity in its state.

State charitable solicitation registries are also public. If the nonprofit fundraises in your state, it should be registered.

How to Look Up an EIN

If You Know the Organization Name

• Search the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search by name
• Search Candid by name
• Check the organization's website -- many publish their EIN on their donation page or annual report
• Request it directly -- nonprofits are required to provide their EIN upon request

If You Have the EIN

Use the IRS search tool to find the corresponding organization. This is useful for verifying that a solicitation is coming from a legitimate entity.

What to Check Before Donating

Essential Verification Steps

Confirm 501(c)(3) status using IRS search or Candid. Tax-deductible donations require this status.

Check for revocation. The IRS maintains a list of organizations whose status has been revoked. If revoked, your donation is not tax-deductible.

Review Form 990. Look at revenue, expenses, executive compensation, and program spending. Most nonprofits spend 65-85% of expenses on programs -- below 65% warrants investigation.

Check state registration. If the nonprofit solicits donations in your state, verify it is registered with the state's charitable solicitation registry.

Look for red flags. Pressure to donate immediately, reluctance to provide documentation, no online presence, or refusal to share financial information.

Where to Find Ratings and Reviews

Charity Navigator: Star ratings based on financial health, accountability, and transparency.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance: Evaluates against 20 standards for charity accountability.

Candid Seals of Transparency: Organizations earn seals by sharing increasing levels of information.

What Nonprofits Must Disclose

Under federal law, tax-exempt organizations must provide copies of the following documents to anyone who requests them:

• Form 1023 or 1023-EZ (application for tax exemption)
• Determination letter from the IRS
• Form 990 (annual returns for the last three years)

Organizations can fulfill this requirement by posting these documents on their website or a service like Candid.

Tangible Takeaway

Before making a significant donation, spend five minutes on verification: (1) Search the organization on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to confirm active 501(c)(3) status. (2) Pull the most recent Form 990 on Candid to review financials. (3) Check your state's charitable solicitation registry. These three steps take less than five minutes and protect you from fraud and non-deductible donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to check nonprofit status? No. The IRS search tool and state databases are free. Candid offers free basic access.

What if I cannot find an organization in the IRS database? It may be a church (not required to register), may have recently filed (database updates are not instant), may operate under a fiscal sponsor, or may not actually be tax-exempt.

Can I verify a nonprofit's status by phone? Yes. Call the IRS Exempt Organizations line at 877-829-5500. Have the organization's name and EIN ready.

What does "revoked" status mean? The organization lost its tax-exempt status, usually for failing to file Form 990 for three consecutive years. Donations to revoked organizations are NOT tax-deductible.

How do I verify a charity solicitation is legitimate? Check the IRS database, verify the solicitation phone number matches the organization's official contact info, and never give credit card information over the phone to an unsolicited caller.

Are all nonprofits 501(c)(3)? No. There are over 25 types of tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c). Only 501(c)(3) donations are tax-deductible for donors. See our 501(c)(3) vs 501(c)(4) comparison.

How often is the IRS database updated? The Tax Exempt Organization Search is updated monthly. There can be a delay of several months between IRS approval and appearance in the database.

What about international nonprofits? The IRS database only includes U.S. organizations. International nonprofits may operate through a U.S. fiscal sponsor or a Friends Of organization that holds 501(c)(3) status.

About the Author

Drew Giddings is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Giddings Consulting Group, with more than 30 years of experience in organizational development and strategic planning.

Contact Giddings Consulting Group to discuss nonprofit compliance, governance, or organizational development.