Tool
Tax-Exempt Organization Lookup & EIN Search
Data is provided by the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and reflects information from IRS filings and public data files. It may be incomplete or out of date, and it is not an authoritative statement of an organization’s current federal tax-exempt status. Verify status with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
Methodology & Sources
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API v2
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for authoritative status verification
These tools provide estimates for educational and planning purposes only and are not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Actual IRS calculations, assessments, filing requirements, and organization status may differ based on specific facts and applicable law. Consult a qualified professional regarding specific circumstances.
How to look up a tax-exempt organization
Most tax-exempt organizations in the United States are assigned an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and file an annual information return with the IRS. Because those returns are publicly disclosed, researchers, grantmakers, donors, and compliance teams can search them to verify an organization's identity, classification, and recent financial history.
This lookup queries ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, a widely used index built from IRS release files. Enter a full or partial organization name, or a nine-digit EIN, to see matching records. Each result shows the organization's location, subsection (such as 501(c)(3)), foundation classification, NTEE activity code, and the latest available filing year with revenue and assets when reported.
- Search by EIN: The most precise way to find a specific organization, since every exempt entity has a unique EIN.
- Search by name: Useful when the EIN is unknown, but verify the match against location and classification before relying on it.
- Verify with the IRS: Use the official IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to confirm current tax-exempt status and filing compliance.
- Download filings: Each result links to the organization's ProPublica profile and, when available, the latest filed Form 990 PDF.
Frequently asked questions
What is an EIN lookup for nonprofits?
An EIN lookup searches the public records associated with an employer identification number to identify the organization, its location, subsection classification, and recent filing history. It is commonly used to verify a nonprofit before making a grant, donation, or filing submission.
Where does this lookup data come from?
This tool queries the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, which is built from IRS release files such as the Exempt Organizations Business Master File and processed Forms 990. For authoritative current tax-exempt status, verify directly with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
Can I search by organization name instead of EIN?
Yes. Enter a full or partial organization name to see matching results. Searching by EIN usually returns the most precise match because each exempt organization has a unique nine-digit identifier.
What does subsection mean in the search results?
Subsection refers to the Internal Revenue Code section under which the organization is recognized as exempt, such as 501(c)(3) for public charities or 501(c)(4) for social welfare organizations. Private foundations are generally described separately through foundation classification.
Why might revenue or assets show as unavailable?
Not every organization files a full financial return. Small organizations may file Form 990-N, which has no financial data, and some returns may not yet have been processed or released by the IRS for the most recent year.
Does this tool replace verification with the IRS?
No. This lookup is a research aid, not an official certification of tax-exempt status. Always confirm status, filing requirements, and other material facts with the IRS or a qualified professional before making decisions.