Tax Identification Numbers

We sometimes find organizations that use a public entity’s tax identification number when the organization is not part of the public entity. For example, some entities have employee “Sunshine” clubs where employees chip in money for flowers or cards for other employees. Similarly, employees in a particular department may donate their own funds for parties or banquets.

The public entity’s tax identification number should only be used for the public entity’s financial accounts. Financial accounts containing employee funds or the funds of outside groups should not use the public entity’s tax identification number. Public entities should periodically check with their financial institutions to be sure no one else is using the public entity’s tax identification number on an account.

Date this Avoiding Pitfall was most recently published: 9/30/2022