Utilizing the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search

By: Jack Johnson, CPA

Tax-Exempt Organization Search, or TEOS, is a new tool offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which allows anyone to access certain information about tax-exempt organizations, including:

1. Organization’s eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions
2. Newly filed Form 990s (as filed January and February 2018)
3. Favorable IRS determination letters
4. Information on revocation of tax-exempt status, if applicable

TEOS is an upgrade to the previous tool offered by the IRS, EO Select Check. While TEOS offers expanded functionality over EO Select Check, it is still new, and as such not all the items in the list above are available for all tax-exempt organizations. However, the IRS will be adding new documents monthly, including Form 990s filed March 2018 and later, and all favorable IRS determination letters released as far back as January 2014.

TEOS is useful not just for those in the not for profit industry, but any individual considering a donation to a tax-exempt organization. TEOS makes it easy to determine if your donation will be deductible on your personal tax return. Before donating, take a few moments to check if your contributions will be tax deductible via TEOS at the following link: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/