How to Check if a Charity Is Legitimate Before Donating

The IRS says donors can verify a charity in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search by legal name or EIN. Then confirm state registration, review Form 990 finances, and check an independent watchdog rating before you give. EIN means Employer Identification Number, the tax ID a charity uses on IRS filings.

Tax-exempt status means the IRS recognizes the group as exempt from federal income tax, which relates to whether gifts can be tax-deductible.

Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 13, 2026.

Match the exact name first

Dishonest fundraisers copy familiar names with one changed word or letter. The FTC advises donors to confirm the exact legal name, website, and mailing address before giving. Do not rely on a caller's description alone.

The FTC also advises searching the charity name with words that surface problems. Run these three searches before you donate: Look for victim reports, watchdog findings, and fraud warnings tied to that exact name. A pattern of pressure tactics or unclear use of funds deserves a pause.

• [charity name] + complaint
• [charity name] + review
• [charity name] + scam

Is it registered to ask for money?

Enter the EIN when possible because numbers avoid name confusion. Check that the IRS listing shows current tax-exempt status and deductibility eligibility. Open the determination letter and listed Form 990 filings for detail.

Most states require charities or their fundraisers to register to solicit. The FTC and NASCO point donors to the NASCO state charity regulator directory to find the state regulator and confirm registration. An IRS listing proves federal tax status and deductibility, not careful spending.

You still need finances, watchdog ratings, and state standing to judge responsibility.

Where does the money go?

Form 990 is a public annual return showing revenue, expenses, executive pay, governance, and programs. The IRS makes it available through its search tool, and aggregators such as ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer also publish copies. Compare total revenue with total expenses and program expenses.

Look at executive pay, governance answers, and the written program description. Large gaps between money raised and money spent on programs deserve closer reading. Use several years when available to see stable patterns rather than one unusual year.

Missing or outdated filings limit what you can confirm about current operations.

What do watchdogs say?

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance evaluates publicly soliciting charities against 20 accountability standards. The standards cover governance, results reporting, finances, and truthful communications. Free reports are published at Give.org.

Charity Navigator rates only United States 501(c)(3) public charities with three years of IRS Form 990s. It assigns zero to four stars, with 90 and above meaning Great, across finance, impact, leadership, and culture beacons. Coverage differs by evaluator, so a small or new group may have no rating.

Use the rating as one check alongside tax status, state registration, and Form 990 detail.

How should you pay?

The FTC advises donors to pay by credit card or check and keep a receipt. Refuse demands for cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Untraceable payment demands are a red flag for misuse.

The FTC asks donors to report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Learn more in this FTC guidance on donating before you respond to an urgent appeal.