Congratulations! I figured it would be simple, but that was one where you couldn't afford to be wrong. It definitely takes some determination to work through the paperwork, but I think you'll find the benefits are worth it.
Good News! I just spoke with the IRS and the man was very helpful. I explained our situation in detail and we just use the original EIN - no changes necessary!!! Yippee!!!!! He said the IRS will make the official name change to the EIN, just make sure that our name is exactly the same on Form 1023 as it is on our state AOI.
We're printing up the final checklist copy and will put it in the mail. I will be celebrating all the way home from the post office!!!
JHB - I liked your point about getting the name of the IRS agent (and their ID #) and taking notes - great idea!
Thanks JHB. I'll call the IRS this AM. I'm just getting very frustrated with this entire process and the principal is questioning if it's really worth it. We've come to far to quit now.
By following the steps in the PTOToday Start-Up Guide and on these boards, this problem is not addressed. Yet I can't be the first one to encounter it. We needed the EIN to get started and open our bank account but we couldn't include "Inc." on our name since we weren't incorporated yet. Oh well, hopefully you're right and the answer is simple. I'll post after I talk to the IRS.
I'm not sure on the answer to your question, but it's very important you call the IRS tax exempt group and ask them before you send in your paperwork.
When you incorporate, you establish a new legal entity. I don't know if you can simply update your EIN at this stage or not.
But if you process your 501(c)(3) application under your old identity, it will not count towards your incorporated identity. You'd have to reapply and pay the fee again.
I'm sure it's a simple answer - but you need to get this one directly from the IRS. (And make notes as to who tells you what.)
As I was going through the checklist for form 1023 I had one (hopefully) final question before sending it off. We followed the steps listed and got our EIN, then filed with the state and now filing form 1023. Once we filed with the state, our name changed to add "Inc." and they would not allow any abbreviations (PTCA) which we used in parentheses when originally requesting our EIN. Do we need to get a new EIN since our name changed slightly or is there a form to file to change the name. A new number would be difficult, since we've opened a bank account with the existing one.
Also, do we need to send the IRS form showing our EIN or just have it filled in where appropriate on form 1023 and attachments?
We're so close - everything is ready to go otherwise - I just want to get this in the mail!! Thanks for your help.
