So you've submitted your IRS application and you're anxiously awaiting the letter in the mail with their response. But what if it just… never comes??
Meghan and I tackle a listener question from a new nonprofit that did everything right – they got their tax-exempt status (yay!) but still can't find the actual letter. What do you do?
Real Listener Question:
"My org got approved as a 501(c)(3) according to the IRS bulk list for my state. But I never actually received the determination letter and it's not on the website. Is this common? I know that many grants ask for the actual letter, so I'm not sure what to do."
Meghan and I break down what a determination letter is, why it might not have arrived yet, and what to do if you need a replacement (for any reason).
What You'll Learn:
- What a determination letter is and why it matters for your nonprofit Why your letter might not have arrived even though your status is real How to use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and what it actually shows When to wait it out vs when to request a replacement letter How to request a replacement determination letter from the IRS for free
Bottom line: The IRS moves SLOWLY sometimes. You can request a new determination letter anytime, but remember that every new request is another filing that will take time to complete. Take a deep breath and be ready to wait.
Resources from this Episode
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/ Request a replacement determination letter from the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506b.pdf Learn about the leadership fiasco at the IRS: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct139 Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CT165_Transcript.pdf
Connect with Us
- Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/
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- Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story
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