What is a Determination Letter?


A determination letter is a formal document issued by a regulatory authority or governing body, such as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This document generally contains a formal statement regarding a company’s compliance or qualification status. For instance, in terms of employee retirement plans, the IRS issues determination letters to verify whether a retirement plan meets the guidelines set by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). 

These letters may also serve as evidence of compliance, which is useful for mitigating risks associated with regulatory disputes or penalties. They are commonly utilized in employee benefit plans, tax-exempt status for companies, and zoning or land-use approvals.

Why is a determination letter needed?

A determination letter is required to provide official confirmation from the IRS (or a relevant regulatory body) that an organization’s retirement plan, nonprofit status, or other tax-related status complies with legal and regulatory requirements. For businesses and nonprofits, this letter can help secure tax-exempt status and legal assurance for meeting federal requirements.

How to obtain a determination letter?

Getting a determination letter usually involves submitting a formal request to the IRS, or the relevant regulatory authority. The process may depend on the purpose of the request, such as the qualification of a retirement plan or a tax-exempt status for a nonprofit. Here are the general steps:

  1. Determine eligibility — Check whether your company or plan requires a determination letter. Nonprofits seeking 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and organizations sponsoring qualified retirement plans commonly apply. 
  2. Complete the required forms — The IRS requires specific forms depending on the request type. 
    • Nonprofits: File Form 1023 (for 501(c)(3) organizations) or Form 1024 (for other exempt statuses).
    • Retirement Plans: Submit Form 5300, 5307, or 5310 depending on whether it’s a new, amended, or terminating plan.
  3. Prepare supporting documents — Include governing documents such as the Articles of Incorporation, corporate bylaws, financial statements, plan documents, and a statement of purpose.
  4. Pay and submit the application — The IRS requires a user fee that varies on the type of application and entity. Then, send the completed form and supporting documents electronically via Pay.gov or by mail to the appropriate IRS office.

What happens when a determination letter is denied?

If your determination letter application for an employee benefit plan (like a 401(k)) is denied by the IRS, it generally means your plan doesn’t fully comply with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).   

Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:

Types of Determination Letters

Determination letters can vary based on their purpose and the governing authority. Common types include:

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