165: The Past Tense of Sync | How to Get a New IRS Determination Letter

165: The Past Tense of Sync | How to Get a New IRS Determination Letter

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD May 28, 2026 Duration: 16:40

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.

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Ever find yourself wishing for a direct line to seasoned nonprofit leaders, a chance to unpack the real challenges that don’t make it into the glossy annual reports? Charity Therapy is that conversation. With host Jess Birken, who brings her background as a lawyer and a Master of Nonprofit Management to the table, each session feels like pulling up a chair with a trusted advisor. The discussions move beyond theory, tackling the granular details of operations that leaders actually face-whether it’s navigating a tricky IRS compliance question, rebuilding a fundraising strategy from the ground up, or managing the complex interpersonal dynamics that define any mission-driven team. This podcast digs into the operational heart of the sector, offering pragmatic insights you can apply directly to your own work. It’s a resource built on the understanding that running a nonprofit is a continuous practice of problem-solving, and Jess guides these explorations with clarity and a deep respect for the work. Tune in for honest dialogue that treats the daily grind of management as the serious and nuanced craft that it is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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