The Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to business entities operating in the United States and is issued for the purpose of tax administration. All chapters must obtain an FEIN and follow IRS regulations regarding annual reporting.
Nearly all 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations are subject to automatic revocation of their tax exempt status if they fail to file a required annual information return or notice for three consecutive years.
Which return form an organization must file depends on its financial activity as indicated by this chart:
Status | Form to File |
Gross receipts normally ≤ $50,000 | 990-N |
Gross receipts < $200,000 and total assets < $500,000 | 990-EZ or 990 |
Gross receipts ≥ $200,000 or total assets ≥ $500,000 | 990 |
Private Foundation—regardless of financial status | 990-PF |
For more information about forms please visit the “which forms do exempt organizations file” on the IRS website. :
The IRS Exempt Organization Select Check link is also helpful to confirm a chapter’s FEIN and research current tax exempt status and tax filing history.