As a donor, your desire to ensure that your contributions go to legitimate charities is both commendable and necessary. Verifying a charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status is vital to ensure that your donations qualify for tax deductions and truly support the causes you care about.
This page will guide you through the steps to verify Heart Wheels' 501(c)(3) status using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool. We'll cover how to check for potential red flags, identify reassuring signs, and provide you with useful resources to deepen your understanding of charitable giving.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Access IRS TEOS
Go to the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. This tool allows you to verify the tax-exempt status of charitable organizations.
Enter Charity Details
You can search for Heart Wheels by entering its Employer Identification Number (EIN) or the organization's name in the search fields provided.
Review Status
Check the search results to ensure that the charity's status shows 'Currently Exempt' and that it confirms subsection 501(c)(3). This means it is recognized by the IRS as a public charity.
Check for Revocations
Make sure no revocation date is listed next to the charity’s name. If it is blank, the organization is in good standing with the IRS and can accept tax-deductible donations.
Verify State Registration
Visit your state Attorney General's website to verify Heart Wheels' charitable solicitation registration. Each state has its own registry that provides additional credibility.
Save Your Verification
After completing the verification, save a printout or screenshot of the information. Keep this with your donation records for future reference and to ensure tax compliance.
Positive signals (green flags)
✓ Positive IRS TEOS Status
✓ Transparent Financial Reporting
✓ State Registration Confirmed
✓ Positive Reviews from Charity Evaluators
Warning signals (red flags)
⚠ Status not 'Currently Exempt'
If the IRS TEOS indicates that the charity's status is not 'Currently Exempt,' it may no longer be eligible for tax-deductible donations.
⚠ Revocation Date Present
A listed revocation date suggests the organization has lost its tax-exempt status, meaning any donations made may not be tax-deductible.
⚠ No State Registration
If Heart Wheels is not listed in your state’s charitable registration, it could indicate that it is not compliant with local regulations.
⚠ Missing Form 990
501(c)(3) organizations are required to file Form 990 annually. Missing filings could indicate financial mismanagement or lack of transparency.
Tools + resources
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- 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
- National Association of State Charity Officials: https://www.nasconet.org
Nevada state-level oversight
In Nevada, it’s important to verify any charity's registration through the Nevada Secretary of State's office or the Attorney General's website. Local organizations like the Better Business Bureau can also provide reviews of Heart Wheels. The Nevada Nonprofit Association may offer additional resources and support for donors looking to give wisely within the state.