As a donor, it’s commendable to want to ensure your contributions are directed towards legitimate charities. Verifying a charity’s IRS 501(c)(3) status is a crucial step to confirm that your charitable donations are tax-deductible. This page aims to guide you through the process and empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions when donating.
By following our simple step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to check the status of Wheels for Wishes or any other charity. We’ll also share important flags to watch for that may help you identify potential issues. Being diligent in this process not only protects your financial interests but also supports the integrity of charitable giving.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access the IRS TEOS
Visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This is the official site where you can verify the tax status of any organization.
Enter the Organization Name or EIN
In the TEOS search, you can input either the name of the charity, 'Wheels for Wishes', or its Employer Identification Number (EIN) for accurate results.
Check Status Results
Look for the status to show 'Currently Exempt' and that it is classified under subsection 501(c)(3). This confirms the organization is a qualified public charity.
Verify State Registration
After confirming the IRS status, check the state Attorney General’s (AG) office website for Wyoming's charitable registration to ensure compliance with state solicitation laws.
Document Your Findings
Before you sign over your donation, save a screenshot or printout of the TEOS results and any relevant state AG registration. Keep this with your donation records for your tax preparation.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Valid 501(c)(3) Status
A confirmed 'Currently Exempt' status on TEOS with a 501(c)(3) classification indicates that the charity is legitimate and tax-deductible donations are appropriate.
✓ State AG Registration
If the organization is registered with the Wyoming AG’s office, it adheres to state laws and is a good indicator of legitimacy and transparency.
✓ Public Access to Form 990
A readily available and complete Form 990 reflects financial transparency and accountability in how the charity operates and utilizes its funds.
✓ Positive Reviews and Ratings
Good ratings from independent sources like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau can reassure you of the charity’s credibility.
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Revocation Status
If the organization’s status shows as revoked or expired on TEOS, it is no longer eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. This is a serious red flag.
⚠ No State Registration
If Wheels for Wishes is not registered with the Wyoming Attorney General, this may indicate it is operating illegally, which can put your donation at risk.
⚠ Inconsistent Information
If the name or EIN entered does not match any organization or yields conflicting information, proceed with caution as this could be a sign of a scam.
⚠ Lack of Transparency
Be wary if the organization is unable or unwilling to provide its Form 990 financials or other documentation regarding its operations and finances.
Tools + resources
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Wyoming Department of Justice AG Charitable Registration: https://ag.wyo.gov
- Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- Better Business Bureau Charity Reviews: https://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews
Wyoming state-level oversight
In Wyoming, it's essential to check the Wyoming Attorney General's website for the latest charitable registration requirements. Nonprofits operating in the state must comply with state regulations to solicit donations legally. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also provides evaluations of charitable organizations in Wyoming, ensuring that donors can make informed decisions. Additionally, the Wyoming Nonprofit Network offers resources and support for local nonprofits, promoting best practices and transparency.