As hurricane season gets underway–and with it, the possibility of scam groups masquerading as charitable organizations–taxpayers should know about the new tax-exempt organization search tool. Located on the IRS website, the Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool replaces the EO Select Check tool and enables taxpayers to search and access information about tax-exempt organizations quickly. TEOS is mobile friendly as well, accessible on tablets or smartphones.
When you use the new TEOS tool you will be able to:
- Access images of an organization’s forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, and 990-T filed with the IRS. Initially, only 990 series forms filed in January and February 2018 will be available. New filings will be added monthly.
- Find out additional information about exempt organizations than was previously available using EO Select Check.
- Conduct a simplified search process.
- Access favorable determination letters issued by the IRS when an organization applied for and met the requirements for tax-exempt status. At first, a limited number of determination letters will be available. Determination letters issued since January 2014 will also be available in the future.
Taxpayers can use TEOS to find information previously available on EO Select Check including whether an organization:
- Is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
- Has had its tax-exempt status revoked because it failed to file required forms or notices
- Filed a Form 990-N annual electronic notice with the IRS; this applies to small organizations only.
for three consecutive years.
Publicly available data from electronically-filed 990 forms are still available through Amazon Web Services. Please call or visit the IRS website for additional details. If you have any other questions about the new TEOS tool, don’t hesitate to contact the office.