A Tax Exempt number is most assuredly not the same thing as an EIN number!! The EIN number is nothing more than an identification number, exactly the same as a social security number, but for an organization instead of an individual. Do not make the mistake of thinking that they are the same!
In New Jersey, we would have THREE different numbers - an EIN number (which you would use on tax returns, etc. instead of a social security number), a 501(c)3 determination letter (which allows people and businesses who donate to you to write off their donation), AND a state tax exempt number (which allows you to not pay sales tax). So, one number is for identification, one is so others get tax breaks, and one is so you get tax breaks.
In New Jersey, all of our schools are automatically 501(c)3 organizations. However, that can't be used by PTOs to apply for grants, etc. Many larger companies who want to make donations also require 501(c)3 status from the PTO.
Florida does use 2 different #'s for EIN & Tax Exempt, and we have both of them now. The Tax Exempt Certificate has the PTA name on it, so I know it's correct.
According to the email I received fron the County PTA President, we do indeed fall under the PTA umbrella for an EIN number, and she gave me the number; if we were a PTO then I'd need to find our paperwork to be sure we had one.
I'm still a bit embarassed at not knowing an EIN and 501(c)3 were the same thing, but even though I've been on the board before someone else always handled this stuff. Learning as I go...
It's true we have to be careful that people don't think EIN = exempt. But in this case, I believe she's a PTA. So her group should be included under the PTA umbrella. But it never hurts to check.
Flamingomom - just because you have a EIN it does not mean that you are tax exempt. If you had a hard time finding your appropriate paperwork, you may find that your organization is not recognized as tax exempt. Our pto was formed in 1985 and although they filed for state tax exemption, they never filed for federal. I am doing it now. Better late than never!
You do, now! And everyone who reads your post. In fact, all these terms are used interchangeably: tax id number, employer id number, TIN, EIN, non-profit number, tax exempt number, 501c3 number, tax exempt certificate number, and probably more I haven't heard of. Basically, they all refer to the one idenification number assigned to an organization by the IRS using Form SS-4.
As CapeDad said, the only formal piece of paperwork the IRS gives you that proves your group is 501c3, is the "determination letter". It's not a fancy cerficate, and looks rather unimportant. But don't throw it away! In our state, we copy the front page and attach a separate state form in order to claim exemption from sales tax in our state.
Depending on your state, you might be assigned another number for sales tax exemption, but in our state, no.
