where is the NYS database to check for 5013c names

The main NYS place to check nonprofit corporation names is the New York Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database. It includes business and not-for-profit corporations, so that’s the right starting point for a 501(c)(3) name search.

Where to search

• New York Department of State database: Corporation and Business Entity Search Database

• Direct public inquiry page: Public Inquiry

What it shows

The NYS database includes current and past legal names, filing history, and assumed names for nonprofit corporations.

Another useful NYS source

For charities registered with the New York State Attorney General, use the Charities Bureau registry search: Charities database search.

IRS option

If you want federal 501(c)(3) status specifically, the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search is also useful: Tax Exempt Organization Search.

A practical approach is to search the NYS Department of State database first for the nonprofit’s exact or partial name, then confirm registration status in the Charities Bureau search if needed.