If it makes you feel any better, I've probably filed for about a dozen EINs over the last few years--soccer teams, PTOs, booster clubs, a new business, etc. I've suffered no ill effects from putting my SSN on any of the applications.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Craig, Rose H
Hi Jennifer -- It's true that the IRS now requires a social security number when you apply for an EIN. They have told us that it's a security measure aimed at tracking people who set up layers of dummy companies. Giving your social security number doesn't in any way make you responsible for the organization -- it just gives the IRS a way to pinpoint the origin of the business or organization. This has been required for a couple of years, so many PTO leaders have gone through it. It seems off-putting, but I don't think it has any consequences for the person filing the application.
The online application now requires a SS number for the responsible party and will not let you continue the form with out it. I also tried to contact the IRS business number and it stated that they are not issuing EIN's by phone anymore.
Has anyone else experienced this problem?
Technically, the "tax" return for a 501c3, called Form 990 or Form 990EZ, isn't required until you cross the $25,000 gross receipts threshhold. The IRS suggests you might want to go ahead and file a "blank" return even in the years you don't exceed $25k so you have an intact filing history. If you do have to complete Form 990EZ (the short form used for group which are less than $100,000 gross receipts), it's not that bad, just tedious like most governemental forms. Help is available in the PTOToday Start Up Guide were there are instructions for the 990EZ.
if we're over $5000 do we have to fill out a tax return also. our budget is usually around $6000-$7000 a year? i told you guys i was stepping into a mess! i know that this has never been done before.(taxes)
