Free Public Records
Is My Travel Club a Nonprofit? How to Check in 10 Minutes
Short answer
You can't tell from the club's name. A travel club can be set up as a nonprofit or as a for-profit business, and some parents are surprised which one theirs is. Here is how to check.
Plain English
Nonprofit vs for-profit
Nonprofit corporation
Organized under state law with a charitable or educational purpose. Money left over generally stays in the organization instead of going to owners. Some, not all, also apply to the IRS for federal tax-exempt status, often called 501(c)(3).
For-profit business (often an LLC)
Owned by one or more people who can keep profits.
How to check
Four steps, about 10 minutes
- Step 01
Find the club's legal name
Public records are filed under the legal name, which may differ from the jersey name. Read the full guide.
- Step 02
Search your state's business records
The state record shows whether the club is an LLC, a corporation, or a nonprofit. Find your state's search.
- Step 03
Check the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
See whether the IRS lists the organization as tax-exempt. IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search ↗
- Step 04
Read the Form 990 on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
The Form 990 shows how much money comes in and how it is spent. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer ↗
Common snag
What if I can't find a Form 990?
Not finding a full Form 990 does not by itself mean something is wrong. Very small tax-exempt organizations may file a short electronic form called the Form 990-N, sometimes called the e-Postcard, instead of a full Form 990. The 990-N shows very little detail, mostly basic contact information.
Some organizations are not required to file an annual return at all. The IRS explains who may file the 990-N and who is exempt from filing.
IRS: Form 990-N (e-Postcard) filing requirement ↗
If you cannot find a filing, ask the club for its most recent return.
Reading the records
What the results mean
| If you find | What it means |
|---|---|
| State record shows an LLC | The club is usually organized as a for-profit business. |
| State record shows a nonprofit corporation, but the IRS search finds nothing | It may be a state nonprofit without federal tax-exempt status, so ask the club. |
| IRS search lists it as tax-exempt | Read the Form 990 for revenue and spending. |
Ask for numbers, not adjectives.
Checklist
Questions to ask the club
- What is the legal name?
- Is it a nonprofit or a for-profit business?
- Who is on the board or who owns it?
- Can I see the most recent Form 990?
- Where does the money go?
Common Questions
Is a soccer club a nonprofit?
A soccer club can be organized as a nonprofit or as a for-profit business, and the name will not tell you which. The IRS reviews each organization on its own facts, so the only way to know is to check the club's state business record and IRS records. You can search the legal name in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and in ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Can a sports club be a nonprofit?
Yes, a sports club can be organized as a nonprofit corporation under state law, and some are set up as for-profit businesses instead. The IRS reviews each organization on its own facts when deciding federal tax-exempt status, so the only way to know is to check the records. You can search the legal name in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and in ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Can a youth sports team be a 501(c)(3)?
A youth sports organization can be organized as a nonprofit or a for-profit business, and some nonprofits apply for and receive 501(c)(3) status. The IRS reviews each organization on its own facts, so the only way to know is to check the records. You can search the legal name in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and in ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
This page is educational and not legal or tax advice. Travel Sports Truth does not rate, rank, or make claims about any club. Always verify information directly with the official sources linked above.
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