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Tax Information
As outlined in the Student Code § 2-312, all tax and legal matters relating to organization activities are the sole responsibility of the registered organization.
- Student organizations are NOT authorized to use the University's Employer Identification Number (EIN) or tax-exempt status.
- If an organization plans to manage an outside bank account, it must apply for its own EIN and tax-exempt classification through the Internal Revenue Service.
- An EIN serves as a Social Security Number for a group or organization.
- Remember that your organization is responsible for understanding all requirements and obligations for filing reports to the IRS.
- The Department of Student Engagement cannot provide any advisement related to tax information.
Employer Identification Number
- An employer identification number (EIN) is a unique identifier for an organization.
- Applications for an EIN can be retrieved at IRS Charities and Nonprofits.
- Obtaining an EIN does not imply a student organization is non-profit or has tax-exempt status.
Non-Profit Status
- The IRS does not consider an organization a non-profit unless they apply and are granted such status.
- The IRS has established eligibility criteria for varying kinds of non-profit organizations.
- Student organizations cannot promise tax benefits for donations unless they are registered non-profits with the IRS.
- For more information regarding non-profit status, visit IRS Charities and Nonprofits.
- If your student organization wishes to receive a donation from an entity requesting a tax benefit, please see Student Org Gift Funds.
Tax Exemption
- Student organizations cannot utilize the University of Illinois tax-exemption status for purchases.