Church TE determination letter copy

[Margaret CPA in OH]

The board of my church wonder if they have ever received an IRS determination letter.  No one seems to know.  The church has been in existence since 1867 and, being a church, isn't required to have this.  But some churches do.  My research attempts to find out how to get a copy (if it exists) have been futile.  Any ideas?  Thanks!

[jklcpa]

This, maybe?

https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/eo-operational-requirements-obtaining-copies-of-exemption-determination-letter-from-irs

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Thanks!  I guess I kept using the wrong search words.  This seems to be exactly what I need.

[Catherine]

12 hours ago, Margaret CPA in OH said:

I guess I kept using the wrong search words

I can *never* figure out the right search words.  My brain must work very differently from those of the people who tag for searches.

[jklcpa]

My search was for "tax exempt determination letter". From any search's resulting list for tax related issues I always look for the IRS pages.  It was the first page I clicked on. I hope that helps.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

My error was going to irs.gov first.  Just the other day someone else said to always google first. "If it isn't on Google, it doesn't exist."

[jklcpa]

1 hour ago, Margaret CPA in OH said:

My error was going to irs.gov first.  Just the other day someone else said to always google first. "If it isn't on Google, it doesn't exist."

Yes, I do a general search first and my default is Yahoo, don't know why, but I often will search again with Google because it does come up with difference sites, or that Google lists them in a difference priority.

[Jack from Ohio]

Churches do not need the determination letter.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Jack, I am aware that churches do not need a determination letter - for most purposes.  However locally there is a fundraising possibility for nonprofits that require it even for churches, no exceptions.  My church would like to participate.  For a variety of reasons, many churches have them. If my church doesn't already, I doubt they would try due to the expense and the requirements for the application.

[Jack from Ohio]

1 hour ago, Margaret CPA in OH said:

Jack, I am aware that churches do not need a determination letter - for most purposes.  However locally there is a fundraising possibility for nonprofits that require it even for churches, no exceptions.  My church would like to participate.  For a variety of reasons, many churches have them. If my church doesn't already, I doubt they would try due to the expense and the requirements for the application.

The fundraising group needs to consult with a qualified tax professional about tax matters.  Those kind of "requirements" that groups impose due to lack of knowledge, is like using a shotgun to hit one single bird in a whole flock.  Maybe you could solicit their accounting business?  Sounds like they need a knowledgeable tax professional.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Ummm, the fundraising 'group' is Kroger.  I suspect Kroger has at least one qualified, knowledgeable tax professional on staff.  But I will pass along the suggestion.  Thanks!

[Jack from Ohio]

12 minutes ago, Margaret CPA in OH said:

Ummm, the fundraising 'group' is Kroger.  I suspect Kroger has at least one qualified, knowledgeable tax professional on staff.  But I will pass along the suggestion.  Thanks!

Well, the evidence at hand does not support your suspicion.  If your suspicion is correct, that one staff member was not involved in the organization of this event.

[Gail in Virginia]

Margaret, I did this for my church several years ago, and I did not have to submit a determination letter.  However, I don't remember exactly what I did submit.  It might have been our letter issuing our EIN, and maybe something from the United Methodist denomination.  Or about the UMC.  Good luck!

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Thanks, Gail.  Our committee meeting is Aug. 17.  The person who raised this possibility for participation will be bringing criteria.  He just emailed members asking if the church had one.  I was trying to be proactive and explained how it wasn't needed, etc. even sent links showing that churches were exempt and the incorporation document on the state website.  We shall see what next to do, if anything.  If only our EIN letter is really needed, we do have that.  But I doubt, from 1867, we have a determination letter or that it was ever applied for not being needed.