Tax Exempt Status
Tax on University Purchases – Tax-Exempt Status
Please visit Procurement and Payment Services, if you are:
- Buying a good or service for a Northwestern University unit
- Receiving a request from a vendor for the Illinois Tax-Exempt Certificate
- Receiving a request for a tax-exempt certificate
When making a purchase from a vendor, Northwestern University is exempt from certain taxes. For documents or certificates related to the University's tax-exempt status, please refer to Procurement and Payment Services. For more information about the tax-exempt status, please review the information provided by Procurement at their site.
IRS Determination Letter
Northwestern University is exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). To request a copy of the University's determination letter reflecting this exemption, please contact Tax and Regulatory Services.
IRS Form 990 and IRS Form 990-T
The University annually files Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax and Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return. Public disclosure copies are available as follows.
To request a copy of Northwestern University's Form 990 and/or Form 990-T, please submit a written request specifying the type of return and year, and provide an address where the copy should be sent or whether an electronic copy is acceptable.
- For requests from media, please see Northwestern Global Marketing and Communications' For Journalists website.
- For all other requestors, contact by mail or email:
Tax and Regulatory Services
Financial Operations
619 Clark Street
Evanston, IL 60208