On May 7, 2018, the IRS launched Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS), a new tool designed to replace Select Check, which was a limited tool that allowed users to search for an organization’s tax-exempt status.

 

The TEOS features major enhancements over Select Check. The tool has expanded search capabilities and is user- and mobile-friendly. The five search options are listed below. The search results are sortable by name, employer identification number, state and country.

 

1. Pub 78 Data (Organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions).  This list can be searched to determine deductibility of contributions. The complete list also can be downloaded. Be aware, certain eligible donees, such as churches, group ruling subordinates and governmental units, may not be listed. In addition, organizations’ “doing business as” names aren’t listed. The data in this list is expected to be updated monthly.

2.  Auto-revocation list.  Tax-exempt status is revoked when an organization doesn’t file a Form 990-series return for three consecutive years. This search will allow users to search for organizations that have experienced the automatic revocation; however, be aware this isn’t necessarily the organization’s current tax-exempt status. The organization can apply for reinstatement from the IRS and again be recognized as tax-exempt after the automatic revocation effective date. This data is expected to be updated weekly.

3. Determination letters dated on or after January 1, 2014.  Approved determination letters recognizing an organization as tax-exempt under the requested subsection will now be available to the public to search. The May 2018 release contains a limited number of determination letters, and the IRS is in the process of adding more. It expects to have all determination letters issued since January 2014 available soon.

4. Form 990-N.  The postcard filing required of most small tax-exempt organizations (annual gross receipts of $50,000 or less) will be available, similar to Select Check. The listing will be updated weekly.

5. Copies of returns (990, 990-EZ, 990-PF & 990-T).  All Form 990-series returns (990-T returns for 501(c)(3) organizations only) will be available. The May 2018 initial data includes the returns filed in January and February 2018, with future filings added monthly.

 

The IRS has indexed documents using a naming convention that indicates the type of organization and whether the return is an original or amended filing.

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• • Form 990EO – 501(c)(3) filer

  • Form 990EOA – 501(c)(3) amended return

  • Form 990O – Other than a 501(c)(3) filer

  • Form 990R – Additional information received after original filing