Check before you give

Direct Selling Association

EIN 41-0659918 · Washington, DC

Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.

What it says it does

To protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. See Schedule O

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate

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

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

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)

Education: Provide educational programming designed to enhance knowledge of the direct selling industry. DSA's meetings, conferences and seminars cover a wide range of issues relevant to direct selling companies.
Government Affairs: Evaluate tactics to cause the public to perceive direct selling as a valid channel for distributing products and services and as an attractive earnings opportunity. Maintain a proactive legislative and regulatory profile and take steps to create and preserve an environment conducive to free enterprise.
Communications: Identify issues of importance to the industry, assess resources available to the industry and periodically review and reprioritize issues.
Other programs include: Research, International, and Membership Services

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate

Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(6) business league.
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 November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not 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 2024.
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 May 1984.
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 November 4, 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.