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Tax-Exempt Status

Northwestern University is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, coeducational institution, created by Charter by the State of Illinois in 1851. The University is exempt from Sales Tax, Use Tax, Retailer's Occupation Tax, Service Occupation Tax (both state and local), and Service Use Tax in the State of Illinois.

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Use of University tax-exempt status in Illinois

Tax exemption is to be used exclusively to make purchases for use by Northwestern University and is not for personal use by individuals, faculty, staff, or students. Any purchase by a student organization must be University related and paid for through University funds. Northwestern’s tax-exempt status is very serious and the integrity of how it is utilized must be protected due to the potential for abuse. Misuse of the University’s tax privileges could affect our tax-exempt status. 

The University’s tax exempt status is NOT to be used for personal purchases by individual faculty, staff, or students.  Not only can mis-use of NU’s E-Number result in possible revocation of the tax exemption if an individual uses NU’s E-number for personal use (or for purchases that are not in furtherance of NU’s educational and research purpose), the State can impose personal liability for the taxes due as well as impose criminal penalties on the individual.

Exceptions to tax-exemption

Requests for Northwestern’s Tax-Exemption Certificate

Procurement and Payment Services keeps information related to Northwestern’s tax-exempt status in Illinois, as well as several other states on file. If a department/school needs proof of Northwestern’s tax-exempt status, please adhere to the following: 

Reimbursement for taxes

Since the University is exempt from paying Sales and Use tax, these taxes are generally not reimbursable when an employee has extended personal funds for the purchase. A special exception may be requested from the employee’s dean or department head in cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the purchase and payment of tax was unavoidable or an emergency. This should be rare.

Use of University's tax-exempt status in other states

As a non-profit education institution, the University may also realize Sales and Use tax exemptions in several other states. This would apply to events you are planning in another state, or if you need to purchase goods and/or services from a vendor located in another state.

Northwestern University has been granted tax-exempt status in the states listed below. If you need proof of our tax-exempt status, contact Procurement and Payment Services and we will provide the vendor with the necessary documentation.

Alaska* Michigan** Oregon*
Colorado
Minnesota** Rhode Island
Connecticut  Mississippi Tennessee
Delaware* Missouri Texas**
Florida Montana* Utah
Hawaii* New Hampshire* West Virginia
Idaho** New Jersey Wisconsin
Illinois New Mexico Wyoming**
Kansas** New York
Maine North Dakota
Massachusetts** Ohio**

* Does not have State Sales Tax
** Self Certification