Skip to main content

Taxes and Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University, a Missouri not-for-profit corporation, is an exempt organization as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

University tax compliance is handled by various designated areas within the controller's office. Each area is responsible for assuring compliance with the appropriate taxing authority including reporting and payment of specific taxes.

The University has a Federal Employer Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) assigned to it (similar to an individual's social security number) that is required to be reported in all banking and external financial transactions as well as included in all federal and state tax reports that the University is required to file.

Sales Tax Exemption

The University has been granted exemption from payment of Missouri sales and use taxes, and has been assigned a sales-tax-exemption identification number by the Missouri Business Taxes Bureau. Illinois has granted a similar exemption and number for the University’s business activities in that state. Such exemptions are subject to continual review by the granting agencies.

Download SLU's Tax-Exemption Letters

When making purchases, keep in mind:

  • Sales tax exemption may be applied only to purchases and sales made within the conduct of the University’s activities and cannot be used by individuals or agents for their personal use.
  • Organizations whose financial activities are not included in the financial reports of the University are not permitted to use the University’s sales tax exemption status or number.
  • The applicable sales tax exemption number will be supplied to vendors upon request to Purchasing.
  • To obtain sales tax exemption, all purchases should be initiated by submitting a purchase requisition to Purchasing. Accounts Payable will make subsequent payments directly to the vendor.
  • Expenses appropriate to business and entertainment may also include legitimate sales tax charges.
  • Sales tax should not be included on a Concur Non Travel report for reimbursement. If erroneously included, it will be deducted before approval.

IRS Form W-9

Payers to the University will often solicit the University's correct name and Taxpayer Identification Number for reporting purposes via IRS Form W-9 (PDF) or a substitute. It is important that this information be accurately reflected for use by the payer in preparing IRS Forms 1099 for the University, rather than to an individual employee.

For more information, contact supplieraccounts@slu.edu or Theresa Leisure at theresa.leisure@slu.edu .