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.

Note: As of January 31, 2020, Form 1023 applications for recognition of exemption must be submitted electronically online at Pay.gov. As of January 5, 2021, Form 1024-A applications for recognition of exemption must also be submitted electronically online at Pay.gov.  As of January 3, 2022, Form 1024 applications for recognition of exemption must be submitted electronically online at Pay.gov as well. A grace period will extend until April 30, 2022, where paper versions of Form 1024 will continue to be accepted. For more information, please refer to the Form 1024 product page.

Charitable, religious and educational organizations (501(c)(3))

Social welfare organizations (501(c)(4) organizations)

Other nonprofit or tax-exempt Organizations (501(a))

Additional information

Online training