Planning to Donate to a Charity?

Are you planning to donate to a charitable organization this year? Make sure it's legitimate and tax deductible before donating.

The IRS has a Tax Exempt Organizations search to help users find out if the organization is recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt.

Note: Churches, group ruling subordinates and governmental units will not be found in this search but are still tax deductible.

All charitable 501c3 organizations must file a tax return annually called a 990. This form includes information about a non-profit's mission, programs and detailed financial information and is open to the public. The 501c3 or non-profit status can be revoked from an organization if this form is not filed with the IRS three years in a row.