Tax ID numbers have nothing to do with tax deductions. There is no problem with giving out tax ID numbers. In fact, anyone you pay has the right to request it. However, in this time of "identity stealing", I would not just give out the ID as a matter of course. I am an accountant for a not-for-profit and what we give, if asked, is a copy of our 501(c)3 designation. Usually, just a thank-you with our full name and a statement that we are 501(c)3 is plenty.
This is my second year requesting local and corporate donations. Usually a note with the school letterhead is enough for the businesses. However,we have given out our number on a couple of occassions without any problems.
This is my second year working on our silent auction. If a business ask for our tax ID we give it to them. Most only require a letter on school letterhead, but we've never had any trouble after giving out our number.
Okay, I've now officially volunteered to chair the auction at our carnival in March. I've looked over the list that was so kindly shared by you wonderful people and have several addresses to send letters out to.
Here is my problem. When I brought up the topic of the "celeb/corprate" donations and the need to send letter with our non-profit number on it, our treasure bawked about giving out the number? She said they've never been asked to give out the number before, even to the local businesses who have donated in the past? Can you believe this? Anywhoo, she said I'd have to clear that with the principal, which is no big deal for me. But it just seemed odd to me that they don't give out the number so companies can use it for tax deductions.
So I'm just looking for some recommendations. Well basically some assurance that others have "safely" sent out their number (I can't see how it could get misused), so when I go meet with the principal I can tell her that others do do this.
