How to Find Your Organization’s Tax Exempt Number

An organization’s tax-exempt number is a unique identifier that proves its special status to government agencies and vendors. Its most common use is for making purchases without paying sales tax, as it allows sellers to verify that the organization is not required to pay tax on its purchases. The process for finding proof of federal tax-exempt status is different from locating a state-issued sales tax exemption number.

Finding Your Federal Tax Exemption Status

The primary document that proves an organization’s federal tax-exempt status is the determination letter issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This official document confirms that the organization qualifies for exemption from federal income tax, often under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The determination letter contains the organization’s unique nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is used on all federal tax filings and official correspondence.

If the original determination letter is misplaced, an organization can verify its status and find its EIN using the IRS’s online Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool. This public database allows anyone to search for an organization by its legal name or EIN. The search results can confirm if an organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions and may provide access to copies of determination letters issued since January 2014. The tool also shows if an organization’s tax-exempt status has been automatically revoked for failing to file Form 990-series returns for three consecutive years.

Organizations needing an official copy of their original determination letter, if it is unavailable online, can file Form 4506-B with the IRS. While this service is often free for non-commercial requesters, fees may apply for large documents. The form can be submitted by mail or fax, but the IRS now prefers email submissions. This process provides a certified copy of the letter for grant applications or other official purposes.

Locating Your State Sales Tax Exemption Number

While federal exemption relates to income tax, making sales-tax-free purchases requires a separate number issued by a state government. Vendors almost always require this state-issued number to process a transaction without charging sales tax. This number is not the same as the federal EIN. State tax agencies provide this credential after an organization applies for and is granted exemption from state sales tax.

Upon approval, the state agency issues a tax exemption certificate or a letter. This document contains the specific state exemption number and outlines the rules and limitations for its use. It is the official proof an organization must present to a seller to make a tax-exempt purchase.

If this certificate is lost, the number can be found by accessing the organization’s online account with the state’s tax agency, as most states have such portals. Alternatively, many state revenue departments offer an online verification tool on their websites. Searching for phrases like “[State Name] department of revenue business lookup” or “verify state tax exemption” will usually lead to the correct page where an organization can search for its status and locate its number.