American Legion
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE AMERICAN LEGION WAS CHARTERED AND INCORPORATED BY CONGRESS IN 1919 AS A PATRIOTIC VETERANS ORGANIZATION DEVOTED TO MUTUAL HELPFULNESS. IT IS THE NATION'S LARGEST WARTIME VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION, COMMITTED TO MENTORING YOUTH AND SPONSORSHIP OF WHOLESOME PROGRAMS IN OUR COMMUNITIES, ADVOCATING PATRIOTISM AND HONOR, PROMOTING STRONG NATIONAL SECURITY, AND CONTINUED DEVOTION TO OUR FELLOW SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS.
- Income
- $123,500
- Spending
- $49,800
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- FOREMOST, THE AMERICAN LEGION WAS FOUNDED BY VETERANS TO HELP VETERANS AFTER THEIR DISCHARGE FROM MILITARY SERVICE. WITHIN THIS PILLAR CAN BE FOUND AMERICAN LEGION SERVICES AND PROGRAMS. THE AMERICAN LEGION'S NATIONAL SECURITY POSITIONS AND PROGRAMS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS PILLAR. THE AMERICAN LEGION IS A PROMINENT VOICE OF SUPPORT FOR U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL AND RESERVE COMPONENTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF QUALITY OF LIFE, AND BENEFITS. THE AMERICAN LEGION'S PORTFOLIO OF YOUTH PROGRAMS HAS INFLUENCED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE OVER THE YEARS. PROGRAMS INCLUDE COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES, COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS, EDUCATIONAL CONTESTS, CITIZENSHIP PROGRAMS, SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN IN NEED AND MANY LOCAL ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS. THE AMERICAN LEGION IS, AT HEART, A PATRIOTIC ORGANIZATION AND THE NATION'S LEADING AUTHORITY ON U.S. FLAG EDUCATION, RESPECT AND ETIQUETTE. THE AMERICAN LEGION PROMOTES GOOD CITIZENSHIP, RESPECTFUL EXPRESSION OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, AND MARCHES IN PATRIOTIC PARADES AND ACTIVITIES.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(19) veterans' organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Worth knowing.
Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for local chapters covered by a parent organization's exemption. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1946.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.