Follow these steps to form your own nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Choose a name. File articles of incorporation. Apply for your IRS tax exemption. Apply for a state tax exemption. Draft bylaws. Appoint directors. Hold a meeting of the board. Obtain licenses and permits.
Historically, the IRS denies a very small number of 501(c)(3) applications (less than 1%). It is much more likely that they will ask you questions that seem too hard to answer. As many as 10% of applicants simply give up on their applications for this reason.
Nonprofit charities are under the jurisdiction of state and national laws, so they must comply with both legal systems. With that in mind, the federal government requires a minimum of three board members to acquire coveted 501c3 tax-exempt status.
An example of a 501(c)(1) would be a federal credit union.
In order to become a tax-exempt nonprofit, one must file for tax-exempt status. This is a difficult process and professional help is often recommended. The most common way to become a tax-exempt nonprofit is by establishing the organization as a section 501(c)(3) entity with the IRS.
Historically, the IRS denies a very small number of 501(c)(3) applications (less than 1%). It is much more likely that they will ask you questions that seem too hard to answer. As many as 10% of applicants simply give up on their applications for this reason.
In addition to submitting Form 8976, organizations operating as 501(c)(4) organizations may also choose to file Form 1024-A, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, to request recognition of tax-exempt status.
If you file Form 1023, the average IRS processing time is 6 months. Processing times of 9 or 12 months are not unheard of.
Common mistakes in meeting the Organizational Test can lead to your application's rejection. One frequent issue is incomplete or improper language in the articles of incorporation. For instance, failing to include specific language that reflects your nonprofit's purpose or using vague terms can raise red flags.
To apply for recognition by the IRS of exempt status under IRC Section 501(c)(3), you must use either Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ. All organizations seeking exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3) can use Form 1023, but certain small organizations can apply using the shorter Form 1023-EZ.