Not every veterans organization is a 501(c)(3)

The veterans organizations people know best, such as local posts of national service organizations, are often exempt under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code, which covers organizations of past and present members of the armed forces. Others are 501(c)(3) charities, and some are 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations.

The distinction matters to donors because deductibility differs. Contributions to some veterans organizations are deductible and contributions to others are not, depending on how the organization is structured and who its members are.

The simplest way to check is the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool on irs.gov. Look the organization up by name or EIN. The result shows its exemption type and a deductibility status code. If you are unsure what the code means, ask the organization directly. A well-run group will know the answer.

For groups raising money for veterans, the same tool is worth checking before you partner with anyone who asks you to collect on their behalf.