So you've submitted your IRS application and you're anxiously awaiting the letter in the mail with their response. But what if it just… never comes??

Meghan and I tackle a listener question from a new nonprofit that did everything right – they got their tax-exempt status (yay!) but still can't find the actual letter. What do you do?

Real Listener Question:

"My org got approved as a 501(c)(3) according to the IRS bulk list for my state. But I never actually received the determination letter and it's not on the website. Is this common? I know that many grants ask for the actual letter, so I'm not sure what to do."

Meghan and I break down what a determination letter is, why it might not have arrived yet, and what to do if you need a replacement (for any reason).

What You'll Learn:

• What a determination letter is and why it matters for your nonprofit
• Why your letter might not have arrived even though your status is real
• How to use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and what it actually shows
• When to wait it out vs when to request a replacement letter
• How to request a replacement determination letter from the IRS for free

Bottom line: The IRS moves SLOWLY sometimes. You can request a new determination letter anytime, but remember that every new request is another filing that will take time to complete. Take a deep breath and be ready to wait.

Resources from this Episode

• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/
• Request a replacement determination letter from the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506b.pdf
• Learn about the leadership fiasco at the IRS: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct139
• Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CT165_Transcript.pdf

Connect with Us

• Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/
• Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/

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