Applying for Tax Exempt Status

Once you have followed the steps outlined on this page, you will need to determine what type of tax-exempt status you want.

Charitable, Religious and Educational Organizations (501(c)(3))

• Form 1023-EZ
• Interactive Form 1023 (PDF)
• Form 1023 (PDF) (instructions (PDF))

Social Welfare Organizations (501(c)(4) organizations)

• Form 8976, Notice of Intent to Operate Under Section 501(c)(4)
• Form 1024-A (PDF)
• Instructions for Form 1024-A (PDF)

Other Nonprofit or Tax-Exempt Organizations (501(a))

• Form 1024 (PDF)
• Instructions for Form 1024 (PDF)

Additional information

• Exempt Organizations Form 1023-EZ Approvals
• Publication 4220, Applying for 501(c)(3) Status (PDF)
• Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization (PDF)
• Group exemptions (PDF)
• FAQs - Applying for tax exemption
• FAQs - Form 1023
• Top ten tips to shorten the tax-exempt application process
• Sample application questions
• Can the IRS expedite my application?
• Power of attorney - appointing someone to represent you
• Life cycle of an exempt organization
• Federal tax obligations of nonprofit corporations

Online training

• Applying for Tax Exemption - An Overview