Before applying for tax-exempt status

 

State law governs nonprofit status, which is determined by an organization’s articles of incorporation or trust documents. Federal law governs tax-exempt status. The Internal Revenue Code specifically refers to exemption from federal income tax.  

Below are the steps you need to take before you can apply for tax-exempt status:

  1. Determine if your organization is one of the following:
  2. Gather your organization documents.
     
  3. Determine your state’s registration requirements.
     
  4. Obtain an employer ID number (EIN) for your new organization.

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