Non-Profit Organizations

If you are a Non-Profit Organization and you wish to apply for an Exempt (E) number, your organization should send a letter requesting the exemption, and include a copy of the following:

The articles of incorporation, if incorporated.
The organization's constitution, if unincorporated.
The by-laws.
The IRS letter, respecting federal tax-exempt status, if your organization has one. See the Internal Revenue Service's web site for information on becoming a non-profit organization.
The most recent financial statement. Religious organizations do not need to submit a financial statement with the initial request.
A brief narrative that explains purposes, functions, and activities of your organization.
Brochures or other printed material explaining the purposes, functions, and activities of your organization.
Any other information that describes the purposes, functions, and activities of your organization.

Note: A charitable organization isn’t necessarily qualified because it has a charter from the Secretary of State’s office designating it as a not-for-profit corporation, or an exemption from federal taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although the information is relevant, it doesn’t prove the charitable nature of the organization.

Please refer to the Illinois Administrative Code; Section 130.2007. The information outlined above should be sent to the following address:

Local Government Services Bureau, MC 3-520
Illinois Department of Revenue
101 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: 1 217 782-8881

Please refer to our "Publication 104" for a list of common sales tax exemptions. This publication identifies several of the most common sales tax exemptions, explains how retailers and service persons must document sales of tax-exempt items, and provides references to the Illinois Administrative Code for each exemption. For a complete listing refer to the Illinois Administrative Code; Section 130.120.

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