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.HUNDREDS OF LOCAL AMERICAN LEGION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES STRENGTHEN THE NATION ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME. AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL IS ONE OF THE NATION'S MOST SUCCESSFUL AMATEUR ATHLETIC PROGRAMS EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORTSMANSHIP, CITIZENSHIP AND FITNESS. THE OPERATION COMFORT WARRIORS PROGRAM SUPPORTS RECOVERING WOUNDED WARRIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES PROVIDING THEM WITH COMFORT ITEMS AND THE KIND OF SUPPORT THAT MAKES A HOSPITAL FEEL A BIT MORE LIKE HOME. THE LEGION ALSO RAISES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN DONATIONS AT THE LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL LEV
- Income
- $80,659
- Spending
- $66,519
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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, 2025, 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, 2025, 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)
- $56,059 spent. THE AMERICAN LEGION'S SUCCESS DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP, PARTICIPATION AND VOLUNTEERISM. THE ORGANIZATION BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES AND THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH IT THRIVES.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on May 15, 2013 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on May 15, 2013.
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.