Is the Tea Party an actual political party?

No. The Tea Party takes its name from the historical Boston Tea Party.

It is a movement, not a political party.

The Tea Party movement has no central leadership but is composed of a loose affiliation of national and local groups that determine their own platforms and agendas. The Tea Party movement has been cited as an example of grassroots political activity, although it has also been cited as an example of astroturfing.

The Tea Party's most noted national figures include Republican politicians such as Dick Armey and Sarah Palin. As of 2010, the Tea Party movement is not a national political party, but has endorsed Republican candidates. A Gallup poll shows almost 80% of Tea Partiers consider themselves to be Republicans

It's not a party it's a movement. The tea party is looking for some common sense in politics.

I don't think they are, but are trying to become one. Right now it seems more like an organization than anything.

Not sure why to be honest, a number of them have become devout followers of the GOP, so I don't see why the bother. However there are a number who don't want anything to do with either party, so I guess I can see the drive.

No, it is a fully funded Republican/Conservative political action group with funding from foreign governments(China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the former government of Egypt), the Oil and Gas industry, the Insurance and banking industries and various other special interests created by Karl Rove with the help of the Koch Brothers and the founder of Cancer Centers of America

Well if you look at the definition of political party I think they could be classified as one. They could, in theory, nominate a candidate for elections, but I doubt they would have any chance against any of the two major parties.

It's a grassroots movement. They're trying infiltrate the republican party and change it from within.

It is a movement, but also a loosely-knit political party by definition.

there are many different tea parties all heading in a similar goal but it isn't exactly the same ideals for each person

No they are not. They are simple concerned individuals who want the government to return to its core responsibilities. They also provide a bogeyman for the left to complain about.