Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) have two banking options they can choose from. An on-campus agency account and/or an off-campus banking account. On campus agency accounts are required to pay for services on campus or receive grant and departmental funding.
Banking Options and Resources
On-Campus Banking
See information about agency accounts.
Off-Campus Banking
Each bank has varying requirements for opening or updating bank account information. The Center for Student Involvement can provide a letter of verification for your organization that confirms the status of your RSO and identifies officers with signature authority that are listed on your Registration Application Form. To secure a letter, complete the Letter of Verification Request Form. This letter can be used to open an account or update signature authorization on an existing account.
Tax Identification or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number and is used to identify a business entity or organization. If your group wants to open a bank account, you will need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways. For information or to apply online, go to http://irs.gov. For more information see How to Apply for an EIN.
For-Profit Status
RSOs who receive an EIN/Tax ID # do not have non-profit status. To be tax-exempt, RSOs must follow state and federal rules. Donations to RSOs are not tax-deductible for donors unless they are made to the university through a gift account linked to the organization’s agency account. For more information, contact the Center for Student Involvement.
To get tax-exempt status, your group needs to submit a 501(c)(3) application to the IRS.