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
• Form 1023  (instructions)

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

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

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

• Form 1024
• Instructions for Form 1024

Additional information

• Exempt Organizations Form 1023-EZ Approvals
• Publication 4220, Applying for 501(c)(3) Status
• Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization
• Group exemptions
• 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
• Starting and Operating Charities for Disaster Relief