During its existence, a private foundation has numerous interactions with the IRS - from filing an application for recognition of tax-exempt status, to filing required annual information returns, to making changes in its mission and purpose. The IRS provides information, explanations, guides, forms, and publications on these subjects - they are available through this IRS website. The illustration below provides an easy-to-use way of linking to the documents most foundations will need as they proceed through the phases of their "life cycle." You can also view a graphical depiction PDF of the chart, with links to our website.
