With the 2025 tax season on the horizon, are you looking to support your favorite causes while saving on taxes? Recent tax reforms, like the expanded charitable deduction for non-itemizers ($1,000 for single filers, $2,000 for married filing jointly, effective 2026) and the increased standard deduction ($15,750 for single, $31,500 for joint filers), make charitable giving more rewarding than ever. But how do you ensure your donations qualify for these tax benefits?

The key is verifying that the charity is a tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS. This guide answers your questions about using IRS tools to confirm a charity’s status, helping you give confidently and maximize your tax savings in 2025.

 

Why Should You Verify a Charity’s Tax-Exempt Status?

 

Wondering why it’s so important to check a charity’s status before donating? Only contributions to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations—or a few other qualifying entities—are tax-deductible on your federal tax return. Donating to a non-qualified organization could mean missing out on valuable tax breaks, especially with the new 2025 tax rules that make giving easier for both itemizers and non-itemizers. Plus, the IRS revokes tax-exempt status for organizations that fail to file Form 990 for three years, and donating to a revoked charity could cost you your deduction. Verifying tax-exempt status ensures your generosity pays off on tax day.

 

What Tax Benefits Can You Get from Charitable Giving in 2025?

 

Curious about how charitable giving can lower your tax bill? The 2025 tax reforms offer several incentives to encourage donations:

Non-Itemizer Deduction: Starting in 2026, if you take the standard deduction, you can deduct up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (married filing jointly) for cash donations to 501(c)(3) organizations. This benefits the 90% of taxpayers who don’t itemize.

Itemized Deductions: If you itemize, you can deduct cash donations up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), with a new 0.5% AGI floor for charitable contributions starting in 2026.

Higher Standard Deduction: The 2025 standard deduction ($15,750 single, $31,500 joint) means fewer people itemize, but the non-itemizer deduction makes giving tax-smart for everyone.

SALT Deduction Strategy: The new $40,000 State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap (phasing out at $500,000 income) lets high-income donors combine charitable gifts with SALT deductions for bigger tax savings.

To claim these benefits, your donation must go to a qualified organization. Let’s explore how to verify this.

 

How Can You Use the IRS TEOS Tool to Check a Charity’s Status?

Want to know if a charity qualifies for tax-deductible donations? The IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool is your go-to resource. Here’s how to use it step-by-step:

 

How Do You Access TEOS?

Visit www.irs.gov/charities and click on “Tax Exempt Organization Search.” This free tool is available 24/7. You can also download the IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check app for iOS or Android for on-the-go access.

 

How Do You Search for a Charity?

Enter the charity’s name or Employer Identification Number (EIN) in TEOS. The EIN, a unique ID for organizations, is often found on a charity’s website or donation forms. If needed, narrow your search by city or state to avoid confusion with similar names.

 

What Should You Look for in the Results?

Is It a 501(c)(3)?: TEOS shows if the organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity or private foundation. Most tax-deductible donations go to 501(c)(3)s, though some other types, like 501(c)(19) veterans’ groups, may qualify.

 

Has Its Status Been Revoked?

Check for a “Revocation Date.” If listed, donations made after that date aren’t tax-deductible unless the charity’s status has been reinstated.

 

Is It Reinstated?:

If a charity was revoked but reinstated, TEOS will show the updated status and reinstatement date. Ensure your donation is made after reinstatement.

 

What Else Can TEOS Tell You?

Form 990 Filings: Review the charity’s Form 990 filings to see its financials, mission, and programs, helping you gauge its legitimacy and impact.

Deductibility Limits: TEOS shows deduction limits (e.g., 60% of AGI for public charities, 30% for private foundations), which is key for itemizers planning large gifts.

Auto-Revocation List: If the charity isn’t in TEOS, check the IRS’s “Automatic Revocation of Exemption List” to confirm if its status was revoked.

 

What Records Do You Need to Claim Your Tax Deduction?

Not sure what documentation you need for your taxes? To claim a charitable deduction:

For donations under $250, keep a receipt, canceled check, or bank statement showing the donation amount and date.

For donations of $250 or more, get a written acknowledgment from the charity stating the donation amount and whether you received any goods or services in return.

Store these records with your 2025 tax return to support your deduction.

 

Why Is 2025 the Perfect Year to Donate?

Feeling inspired to give back? The 2025 tax reforms make it easier than ever to support causes you care about while saving on taxes. Whether you’re claiming the new non-itemizer deduction or combining charitable gifts with the $40,000 SALT cap, verifying a charity’s tax-exempt status with TEOS ensures your donations are tax-deductible. Give with confidence and make a difference in 2025!

 

Ready to Start Giving and Saving?

Want to maximize your tax savings while supporting great causes? Head to www.irs.gov/charities to verify your chosen charity’s tax-exempt status with TEOS. (Reference: IRS GOVT.) Plan your 2025 donations now to take advantage of the new tax benefits. For personalized advice, reach out to a tax professional to tailor your giving strategy to the latest rules.