If you file Form 1023, the average IRS processing time is 6 months. Processing times of 9 or 12 months are not unheard of.
Most organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) are required to notify the IRS that they are operating under Section 501(c)(4) within 60 days of formation by filing Form 8976, Notice of Intent to Operate Under Section 501(c)(4). If an organization doesn't submit a timely notification, a penalty will be assessed.
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.
A 501(c) organization and a 501(c)3 organization are similar in designation, however they differ slightly in their tax benefits. Both types of organization are exempt from federal income tax, however a 501(c)3 may allow its donors to write off donations whereas a 501(c) does not.
Most organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) are required to notify the IRS that they are operating under Section 501(c)(4) within 60 days of formation by filing Form 8976, Notice of Intent to Operate Under Section 501(c)(4). If an organization doesn't submit a timely notification, a penalty will be assessed.
Submit Form 8976: File Form 8976 with the IRS. This form notifies the IRS that you plan to operate your nonprofit as a section 501(c)(4) organization³ Submit Form 1024: Acquire tax-exemption status by filing Form 1024 with the IRS⁴ File Form 990 annually: Submit Form 990 every year.
Although they are exempt from income taxation, exempt organizations are generally required to file annual returns of their income and expenses with the Internal Revenue Service. Small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts under a certain threshold may be required to file an annual electronic notice.
Typically, an organization will receive either a determination letter or request for additional information from the IRS within 90 days of submission. REMEMBER: You do not have to wait for your determination letter – official recognition of your status – from the IRS before you can get to work.