Tax Exempt Status Information
Non-profit 501c3 status is tied to a unit's chartered organization.
Northern Star Scouting (Council Level)
Northern Star Council, BSA (EIN 20-3000282, doing business as Northern Star Scouting) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. While we provide support and programming for local Scouting units, we are a separate legal entity from the individual Packs, Troops, and Crews within our jurisdiction.
As Northern Star Scouting is a 501(c)3 non-profit organziation, contributions made directly to Northern Star Scouting are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Learn More About Giving
Unit Tax Exempt Status (Pack, Troop, Crew, etc.)
Under the Chartered Partner Concept, Chartering Organizations (such as churches, service clubs, and community organizations) own the Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, Team, and Post units affiliated with the Scouting America program.
Key Guidelines for Units:
- Units are technically "owned" by their Charter Organization, not the Council.
- Units are encouraged to obtain their own federal ID number (EIN), which is required to open a bank account. This is often linked to the Charter Organization, or the unit can apply directly.
- Often, the IRS will provide the unit with a federal ID number over the phone (1-877-829-5500) or a unit can apply online at the IRS website listed in related content.
- When applying for an EIN, the IRS typically classifies Scouting units under the category of "Community or Volunteer Group" or "Social Welfare Organization."
- Always consult with your Charter Organization representative before finalizing your tax filing status.
- Units are encouraged to seek sales tax exempt status through their Charter Organization or apply via state revenue departments.
- For a MN or WI sales tax exempt number, go to the respective state revenue website (linked below).
- Local units should not use the Northern Star Council EIN for their own bank accounts or sales tax exemptions, as units are separate accounting entities.
Other Help