Earlier this month (May 2018) the IRS replaced their online EO Select Check tool with a new searchable database called Tax Exempt Organization Search.

More Powerful Tool

The prior EO Select Check tool, available since 2012, provided users with information about an organization’s tax-exempt status. The new Tax Exempt Organization Search tool provides much more information:

• Organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions
• Automatically revoked organizations (for failure to file Form 990-series returns for three consecutive years)
• IRS determination letters dated on or after January 1, 2014. Note the IRS is in the process of adding letters and expects to have all determination letters issued since January 2014 available soon.
• Form 990-series returns – 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF and 990-T for 501(c)(3) organizations starting with returns filed in January 2018
• Form 990-N (e-Postcard) information is available for earlier years

Give it a Try!

We tried the new online search tool and we are impressed. For one organization we were able to easily find the determination letter, tax deductible status and the 2014 Form 990-N information. We imagine this tool will only become more powerful as it is populated with additional 990 returns.

Easier to Access 990 Information

Acting IRS Commissioner David Kautter said, “This new tool provides taxpayers an easy way to get information about charitable organizations. Tax-exempt organizations play a critical role in our nation, and this will provide greater insight for people considering donations.”

We agree. Form 990 has long been available to the public through services such as Guidestar, but usually there is a long time delay in posting the most recently filed return. The new IRS system makes Form 990 easier to access and available more quickly than ever before. This means it’s more important than ever to consider the public relations function of your organization’s Form 990. Are you putting your best foot forward?

Heads Up Calendar Year 990 Filers!

If your organization’s accounting year is the calendar year, then Form 990 (or 990-EZ or 990-N) is due on May 15. You can always file an extension using Form 8868 for another six months to file. Be sure to file on time or put your 990 return on extension. Penalties apply for late filing, except for Form 990-N (e-postcard) which does not have a late filing penalty.

IRS Nonprofit Updates

If you want to keep up-to-date on IRS news regarding nonprofit organizations, you can subscribe to the IRS’s Exempt Organization Update. It’s a great way to make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest IRS happenings that affect nonprofit organizations.

Don’t forget to file your 990-series return or extension of time to file by tomorrow, May 15!