IRS Exempt Organization Database Search Tool Revamped

Healthcare

On May 7, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued release IR-2018-116 introducing a new online tool on the IRS’ website; www.irs.gov, that replaces EO Select Check (“Select Check”) which was first made available in 2012 and provided a search of the IRS exempt organization database. The purpose of the new online tool, Tax Exempt Organization Search (“TEOS”) is to make information on tax-exempt organizations more readily accessible to the general public.

The IRS has overhauled its tax-exempt search tool and has launched TEOS to replace Select Check. TEOS provides access to more information on tax-exempt organizations than what was previously available on Select Check; a tool that allowed the public access to information with respect to the following:

  • Confirmation as to whether or not an organization was tax-exempt and eligible to receive tax-deductible donations;
  • Confirmation as to whether or not the organization had its tax-exempt status revoked for a failure to file an information return for three consecutive years; and
  • Confirmation as to whether or not a “small organization” filed a Form 990-N (e-postcard) annual electronic notice with the IRS.

TEOS Enhancements

In addition to this information previously available on Select Check, TEOS now also provides the following enhancements for users:

  • Access to additional information on tax-exempt organizations than previously available on Select Check;
  • Allows for a simpler search process and allows users to search across multiple data files for information in one search;
  • TEOS is mobile friendly and allows users to view images of an Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) §501(c)(3) organization’s filed Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF and 990-T filed with the IRS; and
  • Ability to download favorable determination letters issued by the IRS. The IRS plans to add determination letters granted as far back as January 2014.

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

The improvements made to the Select Check tool allow for more transparency and availability of information on tax-exempt organizations. This is particularly important for individuals and entities looking to make tax-deductible contributions to IRC §501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Thus, it emphasizes the importance of compliance with annual filings as donors now have more access to information than they previously did.

The TEOS tool can be accessed here.

For questions or more information, contact a member of our Healthcare Services team by filling out the form below.

Author: Johanna Orellana | [email protected]


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