501c3 Lookup

Interested in finding which nonprofit organizations have 501c3 tax exempt status according to the Internal Revenue Code? Use our 501c3 lookup tool to search for nonprofit organizations and check their status.

501c3 Lookup Table

What is a 501c3 Lookup?

A 501c3 lookup is a process of verifying that a nonprofit organization has been granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This status allows the organization to accept tax-deductible donations from individuals and businesses.

The IRS maintains a searchable database of all organizations that have been granted 501c3 status. To conduct a 501c3 lookup, you will need the organization's name and location. You can also search for organizations by their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

If you are considering making a donation to a nonprofit organization, it is always a good idea to conduct a 501c3 lookup to confirm that the organization is legitimate and that your donation will be tax-deductible.

How to Use a 501c3 Lookup?

This 501c3 lookup is a free tax exempt organization search tool that allows you to find out information about a nonprofit organization. This can be useful if you want to make a tax deductible charitable contribution to a specific charity, or if you are considering working with a nonprofit.

To use the 501c3 lookup table, simply enter the name of the organization into the search bar.

It is important to note that not all nonprofits are required to have a 501c3 designation. However, many of the most well-known and reputable charities do have this designation.

Looking for a nonprofit organization in a specific state?

Forming a 501c3 Nonprofit in the United States

It is easy to form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Below, we’ll briefly walk you through the seven steps to starting a nonprofit. Should you want a deeper dive into the subject, be sure to read our How to Start a Nonprofit guide.

Step 1: Name Your Nonprofit

Deciding on a name for your nonprofit is the first step to starting your nonprofit corporation. Be sure the name you land on complies with your state’s naming requirements and is easy for future members and donors to remember and search for.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

Most nonprofits are required to nominate a registered agent for their organization. A registered agent is an individual or business entity that’s responsible for handling vital legal documents for your nonprofit. This registered agent must be a resident of your state or an authorized registered agent service.

Check out our How to Choose a Registered Agent for Your Nonprofit guide for more information about choosing the best registered agent for your small business.

Step 3: Select Your Directors and Officers

Your nonprofit must have at least three directors not related to each other. These directors will form your board of directors. 

The president, secretary, and other members of your nonprofit who have individual responsibilities and authorities are known as officers.

Step 4: Adopt Bylaws and Conflict of Interest Policy

Your nonprofit is required to have bylaws and a conflict of interest policy to be eligible for 501(c)(3) status. 

Bylaws are the rules outlining the operating procedures of the nonprofit. A conflict of interest policy is the collection of rules put in place to ensure that any decisions made by the board of directors benefit the entire nonprofit and not simply individual members.

Step 5: File Articles of Incorporation

To register your nonprofit, you must file the Articles of Incorporation with your state. Make sure your Articles of Incorporation have everything needed to ensure your nonprofit is eligible to apply for 501(c)(3) status by reading our How to Form a Nonprofit guide.

Step 6: Get an Employer Identification Number

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used by the federal government to identify your business entity. Think of it as a social security number for your nonprofit. Having an EIN is required to form your nonprofit.

You can get your EIN through the IRS for free after forming your company. Use our EIN Lookup guide to learn more.

Step 7: Apply for 501(c)(3) Status

Before your nonprofit can apply for 501(c)(3) status, you must complete the above steps. Once you’ve done so, you can apply by filing Form 1023 online. As soon as your application is approved, the IRS will send you a letter confirming your tax-exempt status.

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To learn more about starting a 501(c)(3) in a specific part of the US, select the desired state below:

Final Thoughts

There’s a variety of nonprofit categories offered by the IRS; however, the 501(c)(3) category is by far the most popular. This category relates to what’s considered charitable organizations and comes with quite a few benefits.

By meeting some basic qualifications, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit does not have to pay federal taxes on earnings. These nonprofits can also enjoy state, local sales, and property tax exemptions as well.

Having 501(c)(3) status is equally enticing to donors, who can deduct any donations made to a nonprofit from their taxes. Learn the benefits and requirements of forming a nonprofit by reading our What Is a Nonprofit Corporation article.