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What should I do if a section 501(c) organization will not let me see its Form 990 or 990-T returns or exemption application materials?
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What should I do if a section 501(c) organization will not let me see its Form 990 or 990-T returns or exemption application materials?

Write to IRS EO Classification, Mail Code 4910, 1100 Commerce Street. Dallas, TX 75242. Your letter should provide the name and address of the organization that refuses to allow public inspection or provide copies of its documents, and request that the documents be made available for public inspection.

The Tax Exempt/Government Entities Division of the IRS will contact the organization and arrange a time during which the documents may be inspected. If the organization fails to provide the documents at the agreed upon time, statutory penalties may be assessed. For more information, see our frequently asked questions, the final regulations published in IR Bulletin 1999-17, or Disclosure Requirements.

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.