Introduction
When setting up a Google Play Developer account, you may encounter a notice requiring additional proof-of-organization documents to verify your church. This article guides you through the accepted documents, how to obtain them, and the steps to submit them, helping you quickly resolve the issue.
You may have also received a notice from Google like this. If so, then this article is for you.
To resolve the issue with your Google Play Developer account, you need to submit one of the accepted proof-of-organization documents listed in the notice. If you want the IRS to send documentation, you can request specific IRS documents like the CP 575 (EIN confirmation letter) or Forms 8871, 8872, or 990.
Note: If you’re unsure which document to prioritize or need faster processing, the CP 575 is often the simplest IRS document to obtain.
Here’s how you can obtain each type of document:
CP 575 (EIN Confirmation Letter):
Note: Your EIN number is the Employer Identification Number that the IRS assigned to your church.
- If you have your EIN but lost the CP 575, contact the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time).
- Request a replacement EIN letter. Be prepared to verify your identity and organization details.
- The IRS will mail the letter to the address on record, typically within 1–2 weeks.
Form 8871, 8872, or 990:
These forms are typically filed by tax-exempt organizations. You can download copies from the IRS website (irs.gov) if your organization has previously filed them:
- Visit the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool.
- Search for your organization and download available forms (e.g., Form 990).
If you need assistance or the forms aren’t available online, call the IRS Tax Exempt/Government Entities hotline at 1-877-829-5500.
Other Accepted Documents:
If you can’t obtain IRS documents quickly, consider alternatives like:
- State-issued certificate of business registration or incorporation: Contact your state’s Secretary of State office or equivalent agency to request a copy.
- SEC filings (Form 10-K, 10-Q, or 8-K): If your organization is publicly traded, download these from the SEC’s EDGAR database.
- Business credit report: Request a report from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion via their respective websites.
- Government agency letter: If applicable, obtain a dated letter on official letterhead from a government or public agency.
Next Steps:
- If you’re unsure which document to prioritize or need faster processing, the CP 575 is often the simplest IRS document to obtain.
- Once you have the document, log in to your Google Play Console navigate to the section for submitting proof-of-organization documents, and upload the file.
- Ensure the document is clear, legible, and meets Google’s requirements (e.g., issued or stamped by the IRS for CP 575).
- Google will notify you once they process your document.