Relevant to Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) only, Campus Life Programs (CLPs) do not require an EIN
Any RSO that raises or spends money will need to maintain their own banking accounts. Student organizations that wish to establish a bank account must file a Form SS-4 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to apply for and receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Any financial accounts associated with the organization must be managed under this number. Organizations should not apply for a new EIN each year. Keep records of the EIN with other financial records for continued use.
Pro-tip: Putting an electronic copy in your BulldogConnect "Documents" online storage will ensure that future leadership will have access.
Application Process:
- Explore the required information and forms on the IRS website. To begin the application, click 'Apply Online Now' in the center of the page.
- Read through the online questionnaire instructions. Note that the online questionnaire must be completed in one sitting. To start, click 'Begin Application'.
- For Step 1, 'Identify', select 'View Additional Types, Including Tax-Exempt and Governmental Organizations'. Then choose the definition that most closely matches the purpose of the student organization:
• Community or Volunteer Group: Any specialized group that comes together to provide volunteer services.
• Social or Savings Club: A social club is organized for pleasure, recreation, and other similar non-profitable purposes and substantially all of its activities must be for this purpose. Most RSOs qualify as social clubs. - For Step 2 'Authenticate', enter the information of the leader applying for the EIN
- For step 3 'Addresses', enter
1120 Kirby Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
- For Step 1, 'Identify', select 'View Additional Types, Including Tax-Exempt and Governmental Organizations'. Then choose the definition that most closely matches the purpose of the student organization:
- Complete Steps 4-5 accurately.
- When the form is completed, a CP-575 confirmation form will be generated with the new EIN. An electronic or hard copy should be retained for completion of tax forms both in the present and in the future.