Question: How Do I Apply for 501(c)(3) Status?
Answer: To achieve 501(c)(3) status, you must file IRS Form 1023 which is the Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
You can get a copy of this form plus instructions for filling it out, and other helpful IRS publications, by calling 800-TX-FORM, visiting your local IRS office, or by going to the IRS website.
However, you need to be aware that the IRS estimates it takes an average person more than four hours to learn about the form, and another eight hours to fill it in and return it to the IRS.
You may want to hire a consultant or a lawyer well versed in nonprofit work to help you at this point.
If you want to proceed and do it yourself, we have two sources for you:
- How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation, by Anthony Mancuso provides information on state, as well as federal, tax exemptions. Our review of the book will give you more information about this highly popular book.
- "Help Filling Out Your 501(c)(3) Application" is an online source that provides detailed help.
