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Problems with My Exemption Application
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Problems with My Exemption Application

Sometimes, representatives of exempt organizations and practitioners question why certain applications for tax exemption are processed faster than others. Not all applications are the same. While many are complete when received and involve
straight-forward scenarios, others may be incomplete or involve complex issues that require further development. This web page describes the application process and provides information on how to determine the status of an application.

EO Determination Application Process: Upon receipt, exemption applications accompanied by the required user fee are initially separated into four categories:

(1) those that can be approved immediately based on the information submitted,

(2) those that need minor additional information to be resolved,

(3) those that are submitted on obsolete forms or do not include the items specified on the Procedural Checklist, and

(4) those that require development.

If your application falls within one of the first three categories, you will receive either your determination letter or a request for additional information, via phone, fax, or letter, within approximately 90 days of the date the application was submitted.

If your application falls within the fourth category, you will be contacted once the application is assigned to an EO agent for further development. Because these applications may experience some “wait time” before they are assigned, we regularly publish the receipt date for applications currently being assigned, to help you track your application.

If you submitted your application after the month indicated above, continue to check this web page for updated assignment information.

If you submitted your application before the month indicated above and you have not been contacted by the IRS about your application, you may want to contact the toll-free Customer Account Services at 877-829-5500. You will need the following information when calling:

  1. The name of the organization on whose behalf the request was submitted;
  2. The organization’s employer identification number (EIN);
  3. The document locator number assigned to the request (if you have received one); and
  4. A proper power of attorney submitted with the exemption application, unless you are an officer or director and legally authorized to represent the organization.

Additional Information

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide legal or accounting advice,
or to address specific situations. Please consult with your legal or tax advisor to supplement and verify what you learn here.