Critter gives some good information. When I started everyone said we were a recognized 501c3, but I couldn't find any evidence. (And we also had confusion over tax ID's.) So I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with the IRS reps - who are truly wonderful. Thank goodness it's an 800 number. (But note - unlike other IRS lines, hold time is minimal.)

Actually, they were very patient about trying to look us up by name - but it did take awhile. As Critter pointed out, you have to check for multiple ways the name could be listed.

Our IRS rep was a real pro and kept asking me questions and looking it up different ways, various spellings, by address, by phone number, etc.

Also there is an online search at www.irs.gov/exempt/display/0,,i1%3D3%26g...icId%3D15053,00.html. However, it may not be totally up to date at any given moment, you probably still need to call if you don't find it.

And, no - we weren't set up.

To start, you can call the IRS Non-Profit Help Line at 1-877-829-5500 (thanks JHB) and verify that the tax id number is, in fact, registered to your PTO. If it is not your PTO's number, you can complete the process to get your own number by printing Form SS-4 from the IRS website (see the forms section at www.irs.gov)and then calling the number above and setting it all up over the phone in a couple of minutes. (be forewarned - the IRS rep asked for my SS# even tho this is for a PTO. I declined to give it to him). ***This step only gets you a tax id number (also called Employer Id Number or EIN), it does NOT make your PTO a federally recognized non-profit organization, but it is the first step.

It's virtually impossible for the IRS to just look up your PTO's name to see if you already have an EIN due to the numerous variations of the format of the organization's name. However...

If you have a valid EIN already, the IRS rep might be able to tell you if the organization is 501c3. But honestly, if you can't find any paperwork in your PTO's files, and none of your old timers remember actually filing the paperwork, you probably arent. Also, the application requires that your PTO have both a Constitution and a separate Bylaws. If you can't find evidence of both documents, that might be another clue that the application has never been completed. Your PTO very well may have its own EIN, and never have known that actual non-profit status must be applied for, that it isn't automatic just by getting an EIN.

Don't shy away from working with the IRS phone reps. I have always found them to be accessible and helpful.

Good luck! You're doing the right thing for your PTO.

I am tring to find out if our group has a 501c non profite status. Noone seems to know. We do have a tax exempt number is this the same thing? if not any idea on how to find out if we already have a 501c. Tnanks