American Legion
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
As the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, the federally chartered American Legion is committed to lifelong assistance and support for men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, significant activities of which include free benefits counseling, education (continued on schedule O)
- Income
- $58.6 million
- Spending
- $71.5 million
- Employees
- 250
- Volunteers
- 61
- Highest pay
- $436,031, national adjutant (thru may 2024)
Source: Form 990 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 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 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 (3)
- Member magazines and newsletters: The American Legion Magazine exists to publish professionally written, accurate and relevant articles that promote the growth of American Legion programs, the attainment and understanding of American Legion policy objectives and a sense of esprit de corps and pride in being a veteran and member of The American Legion.
- One purpose of the American Legion National Headquarters is to contribute to Americanism, veteran's affairs, children, and youth programs. Various committees and commissions are organized to provide programs in these areas. Youth programs available to the public include a nationwide baseball program; the educational program called Boys Nation where participants learn about the federal government through intense workshops; support for the Boy Scouts of America to build character and positive traits among the youth of America; and the junior shooting sports program that teaches marksmanship and hosts competitions.
- The American Legion National Headquarters provides scholarships and other financial assistance to veterans, dependents of veterans, and participants in various youth programs. The organization is raising funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families. Providing for the children our military personnel left behind is our civic duty. An education is a powerful way to show our thanks.
Source: Form 990 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 September 7, 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 7, 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.