Letter 947A: What It Means When the IRS Flags Your Non-Profit
Summary:
The IRS issues Letter 947A as a final notice before revoking an organization’s tax-exempt status due to unmet filing requirements. This critical notice alerts the organization that it has failed to submit mandatory returns for three consecutive years, risking the loss of its non-profit status. Letter 947A outlines the steps needed to prevent revocation, including submitting delinquent returns or providing necessary information. Taking action promptly can prevent serious financial impacts associated with the revocation of tax-exempt status.
Receiving a notice from the IRS, like Letter 947A, can be unsettling, especially when it places your organization’s tax-exempt status at risk. This letter is a final warning, signaling that your organization has not filed its required tax returns for three consecutive years. Ignoring this notice could result in the automatic revocation of your tax-exempt status, which can impact both funding and donations. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about IRS Letter 947A, including why you might receive it and the essential steps you need to take to keep your tax-exempt status intact.
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What is IRS Letter 947A?
IRS Letter 947A, commonly known as the “Final Notice Before Revocation,” is issued to non-profit organizations that are in danger of losing their tax-exempt status due to a failure to comply with annual filing requirements. This notice typically follows three consecutive years of missed filings for the necessary IRS Form 990 series, which includes Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N. The letter warns that if the organization does not take immediate corrective actions, it will lose its federal tax-exempt status. Losing this status can have significant consequences, including reduced eligibility for federal grants and the inability for donors to make tax-deductible contributions.
Pro Tip
Set up annual reminders for your IRS filing deadlines to prevent missed forms. Using a calendar alert or reminder system can help you stay on top of your filing obligations and avoid receiving Letter 947A.
Why you may receive IRS Letter 947A
Common reasons for receiving Letter 947A
- Missed filings: The most common reason organizations receive Letter 947A is due to failure to file the required tax forms for three consecutive years.
- Incomplete or incorrect submissions: Even if filings were submitted, errors or incomplete information can lead to the issuance of Letter 947A.
- Administrative errors: Occasionally, administrative errors within the IRS or clerical mistakes may result in organizations mistakenly receiving the letter, though this is rare.
How to verify if Letter 947A applies to you
If you receive Letter 947A, verify its legitimacy by checking the top right corner of the letter for the “LTR 947A” identification. Additionally, review your organization’s filing history to confirm any missed filings. If there are discrepancies, contact the IRS or check the IRS “Notices & Letters Search” tool online for further confirmation.
Steps to take when you receive IRS Letter 947A
Receiving Letter 947A requires quick action to prevent revocation of your tax-exempt status. Follow these steps to address the notice:
- Read the letter carefully: Understand the specific details of the missed filings and deadlines outlined in Letter 947A.
- Review your records: Check your organization’s records to verify which filings are missing or incorrect.
- File the required forms: Complete and file any delinquent forms, such as Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N, as instructed.
- Contact the IRS if needed: If you believe the notice was issued in error, contact the IRS directly to clarify your filing status.
Pro Tip
Consider hiring a tax advisor who specializes in non-profit filings. Their expertise can help ensure all forms are correctly filed and deadlines are met, reducing your risk of compliance issues with the IRS.
Consequences of ignoring IRS Letter 947A
If your organization does not respond to Letter 947A, the IRS will automatically revoke its tax-exempt status. This revocation can have serious repercussions, such as:
- Loss of donor support: Donors may no longer be able to claim tax deductions for contributions made to your organization, which could reduce financial support.
- Ineligibility for federal grants: Many federal grants require tax-exempt status, so losing it could disqualify your organization from these funding sources.
- Increased tax obligations: Once revoked, your organization may be subject to federal income tax, which could impact its financial health.
How to respond to IRS Letter 947A
Immediate actions to take
When responding to Letter 947A, it’s important to act quickly. Follow these essential steps to address the notice:
- File the necessary returns: Submit any missed filings as indicated in the letter. Ensure that the forms are complete and accurate to avoid further delays.
- Submit documentation: In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation to confirm your organization’s compliance.
- Contact the IRS directly: If you have questions or need clarification, call the IRS using the contact information provided in Letter 947A. This can expedite the resolution process and ensure you fully understand the requirements.
Additional steps if the notice is due to an IRS error
If you believe that your organization received Letter 947A by mistake, gather evidence of timely filings, then contact the IRS to discuss the discrepancy. Administrative errors are rare, but prompt communication with the IRS can help resolve the issue if it is indeed an error.
Pro Tip
If you believe Letter 947A was issued by mistake, gather documentation of past filings and contact the IRS immediately. Addressing errors quickly can prevent unnecessary complications with your tax-exempt status.
Preventing future issues with IRS compliance
To avoid receiving similar notices in the future, ensure that your organization has a reliable process in place for timely IRS filings. Here are some best practices:
- Set reminders: Use calendar alerts or reminder systems to ensure that all IRS forms are filed on time each year.
- Hire professional help: Consider hiring a certified accountant or tax advisor who specializes in non-profit filings to manage your organization’s tax responsibilities.
- Review IRS guidelines annually: IRS filing requirements may change, so it’s important to stay updated on any new regulations that may affect your organization.
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Frequently asked questions
What is IRS Letter 947A and why is it important?
IRS Letter 947A, known as the “Final Notice Before Revocation,” is a notice sent to non-profit organizations that have failed to file their required annual tax forms for three consecutive years. It serves as a final warning before the IRS revokes the organization’s tax-exempt status. Losing this status can significantly impact the organization’s ability to receive tax-deductible donations and access certain grants. Responding promptly to this notice is essential to maintaining compliance and preserving the organization’s tax-exempt benefits.
How long do I have to respond to IRS Letter 947A?
The deadline to respond to Letter 947A is typically indicated within the letter. It’s crucial to respond before this deadline to prevent automatic revocation of your organization’s tax-exempt status. Generally, the IRS provides a set period, often 30 days from the date on the letter, but it’s essential to review the specific instructions and act promptly.
Can I appeal if my tax-exempt status is revoked?
If the IRS revokes your organization’s tax-exempt status due to non-compliance with filing requirements, you may appeal the decision. To do this, file a written protest with the IRS and provide any documentation supporting your organization’s compliance or explanations for missed filings. Keep in mind that an appeal does not guarantee reinstatement, so it’s best to address the notice as soon as possible to prevent revocation.
How can I reinstate my organization’s tax-exempt status if it was revoked?
If your organization’s tax-exempt status has already been revoked, you can apply for reinstatement by filing IRS Form 1023 (or Form 1023-EZ for smaller organizations) along with the appropriate fee. Be sure to include all delinquent tax returns and any additional information required by the IRS. In some cases, you may qualify for a streamlined reinstatement process if you act within 15 months of revocation.
What are the potential consequences of not responding to Letter 947A?
If your organization does not respond to IRS Letter 947A, it will likely face automatic revocation of its tax-exempt status. This can lead to several consequences, including the inability to receive tax-deductible donations, disqualification from certain federal and state grants, and potential tax liabilities on income. Additionally, regaining tax-exempt status can be a lengthy and costly process, so responding to the notice promptly is the best way to avoid these issues.
Need help understanding other IRS letters and notices? Visit our comprehensive guide to IRS Letters and Notices or search for the document you received in the table below.
| CP01 | The IRS verified your claim of identity theft and will monitor your account. |
| CP01H | The IRS received a tax return with a social security number that belongs to a dead person. |
| CP02H | Money is due on an amended return based on a grant received due to Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma. |
| CP03C | You received the First-Time Homebuyer Credit for a house you purchased. |
| CP04 | You may be eligible for tax deferment because either you or a spouse served in a combat zone, a qualified contingency operation, or a hazardous duty station during the tax year specified on your notice. |
| CP08 | You may be entitled to additional money due to the Additional Child Tax Credit. |
| CP10 | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed. |
| CP10A | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed. |
| CP11 | You owe money because the IRS amended your return due to a miscalculation. |
| CP11A | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment also changed. |
| CP11M | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed. |
| CP12 | You are due a bigger refund because the IRS corrected one or more mistakes on your tax return. |
| CP12A | The IRS made changes to correct the Earned Income Credit (EIC) claimed on your tax return. |
| CP12E or CP12F | The IRS corrected a miscalculation on your return. |
| CP12M | The IRS made changes to the computation of the Making Work Pay and/or Government Retiree Credits on your return. |
| CP12R | The IRS made changes to the computation of the Rebate Recovery Credit on your return. |
| CP13 | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP13A | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP13M | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay credit or the Government Retiree Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP13R | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Recovery Rebate Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP14 | You owe money on unpaid taxes. |
| CP16 | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. The refund you were due was applied to other tax debts. |
| CP21A | You owe money due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns. |
| CP21B | You are due a refund due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns. The money should arrive within 2 to 3 weeks. |
| CP21C | The IRS made the requested changes to your tax return. You will not receive a refund, and there is no tax due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP21E | As a result of your recent audit, the IRS made changes to your tax return, and you owe money as a result of those changes. |
| CP21I | The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes. |
| CP22A | The IRS made the changes you requested, and you owe money as a result. |
| CP22E | As a result of your recent audit, the IRS changed your tax return, and you now owe money. |
| CP22I | The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes. |
| CP23 | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You owe taxes due to these changes. |
| CP24 | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes. |
| CP24E | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes. |
| CP25 | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You are not due a refund, nor do you owe any money. Your balance is zero. |
| CP31 | You need to update your address because your refund check was returned to the IRS. |
| CP45 | The IRS was unable to apply your overpayment to your estimated tax as you requested. |
| CP49 | The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt. |
| CP53 | Your refund check will be sent by mail because the IRS can’t provide your refund through direct deposit. |
| CP57 | The bank declined your payment, so the IRS was unable to draft funds from your bank account. |
| CP71 | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
| CP71A | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
| CP71C | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
| CP71D | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
| CP88 | The IRS is holding your refund because you haven't filed one or more tax returns, and it believes you will owe tax. |
| CP90 | The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy in a Collection Due Process hearing. |
| CP91 | The IRS will levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes. |
| CP120 | The IRS needs documentation of your tax-exempt status. |
| CP120A | Your organization’s tax-exempt status has been revoked because it failed to file a Form 990 series return for three consecutive years. |
| CP130 | You may no longer need to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) because your tax return filing requirements changed. |
| CP152 | The IRS received your return. |
| CP153 | The IRS will send your refund by mail because your direct deposit did not go through. |
| CP161 | You have an unpaid balance due to the IRS. |
| CP166 | Your monthly payment to the IRS did not go through due to insufficient funds in your bank account. |
| CP178 | You may no longer owe excise tax because your tax return filing requirements changed. |
| CP231 | You need to update your address because your refund was returned to the IRS. |
| CP259 | You did not file the business tax return identified in the notice. |
| CP259A | You should have filed these forms but did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, or Form 990-N (e-Postcard). |
| CP259B | The IRS requires you to file these forms but did not – Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation. |
| CP259C | The IRS believes that you are a private foundation, but did not file the required Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation. |
| CP259D | You must file this form, but you did not – Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return. |
| CP259E | You should have filed this form, but you did not – Form 990-N (e-Postcard) or Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. |
| CP259F | The IRS requires you to file this form but did not – Form 5227, Split-Interest Trust Information Return. |
| CP259G | The IRS requires you to file this form, but you didn’t – Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations. |
| CP259H | As a tax-exempt political organization, you must file this form, but you did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. |
| CP276A | You submitted your tax liability schedule incorrectly. The IRS typically charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty for this but did not this time. |
| CP276B | The IRS did not receive the correct amount of tax deposits. It normally charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty but did not this time. |
| CP297 | The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing. |
| CP297A | The IRS has levied your assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing. |
| CP298 | The IRS notifying you of its intent to levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes. |
| CP501 | You have a balance due on one of your tax accounts. |
| CP503 | You have an unpaid balance on one of your accounts, and the IRS has not heard from you. |
| CP504 | You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy your state income tax refund to apply it to the amount you owe. |
| CP504B | You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy certain property or rights to property to apply it to the amount you owe. |
| CP521 | A reminder that you have an installment agreement payment due. |
| CP523 | You have defaulted on your payment agreement. Therefore the IRS is terminating the agreement and will levy your assets. |
| CP601 | Usted tiene un saldo pendiente de pago (dinero que le debe al IRS) en una de sus cuentas contributivas. |
| CP603 | No hemos recibido respuesta de parte de usted y todavía tiene un saldo sin pagar en una de sus cuentas contributivas. |
| CP604 | Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará cualquier reembolso de impuestos estatales al que tenga derecho y aplicarlo al pago de su deuda. |
| CP604B | Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará ciertas propiedades o derechos de propiedad y lo aplicará al pago de su deuda. |
| CP621 | Este aviso es para notificarle que usted tiene un plan de pagos a plazos vencido. Por favor, envíe el pago inmediatamente. |
| CP623 | Este aviso es para informarle nuestra intención de cancelar su plan de pagos a plazos y confiscar (embargar) sus bienes. Usted incumplió en su acuerdo. |
| CP711 | Nosotros realizamos cambios a su planilla debido a que entendemos que hubo un cálculo erróneo. Como resultado de estos cambios, usted adeuda dinero por sus contribuciones. |
| CP721 | Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos. |
| CP722 | Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos. |
| CP771 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
| CP772 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
| CP773 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
| CP774 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
| CP959 | Usted no radicó su planilla de contribución de negocios identificada en este aviso. |
| CP2000 | The income or payment information on file doesn’t match your tax return. The discrepancy may result in an increase or decrease in your tax due. |
| CP3219A | The IRS has received information that is different from what you reported on your tax return. This may result in an increase or decrease in your tax. |
| CP3219N | The IRS didn’t receive your tax return, so it calculated your return based on the information received from employers, financial institutions, and others. If you want to challenge the proposed tax, you have 90 days from the date of this notice. If you are outside the country, you have 150 days. |
| Letter 0012C | The IRS needs additional information to process your tax return. |
| Letter 0484C | The IRS wants a completed |
| Letter 0525 | Updates you on proposed changes after an IRS examination. Any changes are explained and details the refund due or taxes owed. |
| Letter 531 | IRS Notice of Deficiency. The information the IRS received about you was different from what you reported on your return. |
| Letter 0668D(LP 68) | The IRS released their levy. |
| Letter 0549C | Your tax bill was paid. |
| Letter 0681C | The IRS accepted your payment proposal. However, this is not a formal Installment Agreement. |
| Letter 0757C | You did not adhere to the terms of your Installment Agreement. |
| Letter LT 11 | The IRS plans to seize your property or rights to property. |
| Letter 1058 | The IRS has not received your payment. It plans to seize your property or rights to property. |
| Letter 1615 (LT 18) | You must respond to the IRS within 10 days of this notice regarding past due tax returns. |
| Letter 1737 (LT 27) | Complete and sign Form 433F, Collection Information Statement. |
| Letter 1961C | Your application for a Direct Debit Installment Agreement was declined. It explains why and what you need to do to qualify. |
| Letter 1962C | Your application for a |
| Letter 2050 (LT 16) | The IRS is trying to collect unpaid taxes from you from returns that have been filed or from returns that have not been filed. |
| Letter 2257C | The IRS is providing the payoff amount that you requested. |
| Letter 226-J | An IRS letter to large employers notifying them that they may be liable for an Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (ESRP). |
| Letter 2271C | A request for an Installment Agreement has been approved. It explains the fees and how to qualify for a Low Income Fee Reduction. The letter may also request missing information. |
| Letter 2272C | An IRS letter explaining why your request to pay the balance due in installments was declined. |
| Letter 2273C | A confirmation letter of your request to pay the balance due in installments. It contained the amount to pay, fees charged, and where to send payment. Instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction included. |
| Letter 2318C | A response to a request to pay taxes due to payroll deductions. It also explains the fees that are charged. |
| Letter 2357C | The IRS is admitting that it did not send you the balance due notices that it should have. |
| Letter 2603C | The IRS accepted your installment agreement. The IRS will file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien on your personal property. |
| Letter 2604C | The IRS has accepted your request for installment payments. This IRS letter provides the monthly payment, the address where to send it, and the fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction. |
| Letter 2761C | The IRS is requesting your combat zone service dates to ensure that it provides you with the special provisions and protection of the combat zone deferment. Copies of military orders or other documentation to support your time served may be requested. Civilians working in support of the Armed Forces may be required to provide a Letter of Authorization or a letter from their employer. |
| Letter 2789C | An annual reminder notice, as required by law, of the balance due to the IRS. It explains that penalties and interest continue to accrue until the balance is fully paid. |
| Letter 2840C | Confirms your Installment Agreement request and includes the payment amount and due date. This IRS letter explains the fees charged for paying monthly and explains how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify). |
| Letter 3030C | Provides an explanation of the tax, penalty, and interest still due on your account. |
| Letter 3127C | A confirmation of your request to make a change to your Installment Agreement. This IRS letter explains the fees for the change. Changes can be to the payment amount or due date, or it can include additional liabilities. |
| Letter 3174 | A reminder of taxes due after the IRS has sent a Notice of Intent to Levy. |
| Letter 3217C | The IRS has accepted your request to pay the balance in installments. This IRS letter provides your payment amount, the due date, and fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on applying for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify). |
| Letter 3228 (LT 39) | A request to pay the balance due within 10 days using the envelope provided. |
| Letter 3500 | The IRS has received your documents, and it needs additional time to review them. |
| Letter 3572 | Your Federal Income Tax Return has been selected for examination. The IRS auditor requests that you call to schedule an audit appointment. |
| Letter 4883C | The IRS received your federal income tax return but needs more information to verify your identity in order to process your tax return accurately. |
| Letter 4903 (LT 26) | You must file your tax returns immediately. The IRS has previously contacted you, but it did not receive a response. |
| Letter LP 47 | The IRS is trying to locate the person identified in the letter and is requesting that you provide their new address. |
| Letter LP 59 | The IRS has not received a response to the notice of levy it previously sent. |
| Audit Letter 2205 | The IRS manages audits either by mail or through an in-person interview to review your records. The interview may be at an IRS office (office audit) or the taxpayer’s home, place of business, or accountant’s office (field audit). |
| Letter 915 | You recently underwent an audit, and the IRS informs you that you now owe taxes. |
Key takeaways
- IRS Letter 947A is issued as a final warning before revoking an organization’s tax-exempt status.
- Organizations that fail to file the required Form 990 for three consecutive years may receive this notice.
- To prevent revocation, submit any missing filings and contact the IRS if you need clarification or assistance.
- Ignoring Letter 947A can lead to revocation, impacting your ability to receive tax-deductible donations and federal grants.
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