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How can we find our certificate?

Your Legal Questions Answered

How can we find our certificate?

I think the organization I just took over is 501(c)(3) but I can't find a certificate or anything in the materials handed down to me from last year's president. How might I go about obtaining a certificate?

If prior officers can't help you and you have an accountant or a lawyer for the organization, check with them first. If this is not successful, you can check at www.guidestar.org to see if you are on their list or check with IRS Publication 78, which is also on line at the IRS website. If you are exempt and want a new letter, ask the IRS to send you one.
 
If you haven't filed an income tax information return (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N) in the last 3 years, you have probably lost any exempt status that you may have had, and now that the extended deadline for filing such returns has passed, you will probably have to file a new application. (See Ready Reference Page: IRS Announces One-Time Relief For Small Nonprofits Failing to File)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010

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