What is a 501(c)(3) organization?
By definition, nonprofit corporations — also called nonprofits, nonprofit organizations, NPOs or not-for-profits — are formed exclusively for the purpose of providing a “public benefit”.
Because nonprofits are designed not to make money for the owners or shareholders, these organizations receive special treatment under the law. They may even qualify for tax-exempt status.
A 501(c)(3) organization is a nonprofit business entity that has filed for tax-exempt status with the IRS under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 501(c)(3) public charities and private foundations are created for religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, safety-oriented or amateur sports-related purposes. There are also a number of other types of organizations considered tax-exempt by the IRS, but not charitable. These may include trade associations, social clubs and certain advocacy organizations involved in political lobbying.
How to become a 501(c)(3) organization: The key to tax-exempt status for non-profits
Some mistakenly believe that just by incorporating a nonprofit, the resulting organization is automatically tax-exempt. In actuality, incorporating a nonprofit simply establishes it in the state where it was incorporated.
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.
Once you file your organization’s tax-exempt status request with the IRS you must wait on the tax collection agency’s approval.
Step 1: Incorporate before applying for tax-exempt status
Like for-profit corporations, nonprofits must be established with the state. Once that is approved, the nonprofit can then start the process of applying for tax-exempt status.
The formation process for nonprofit and for-profit corporations is similar. You must:
- Choose a business name
- File the articles of incorporation,
- Appoint a board of directors
- Designate a registered agent
The exact steps will vary from state to state. Some states have different rules for naming nonprofits, while others require you to choose your board of directors before filing your incorporation articles.
From the beginning, it’s essential that the paperwork be prepared with the goal of acquiring tax-exempt status. The formation documents must specifically state that the organization has an exempt purpose, whether it’s religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, safety-oriented or amateur sports-related. In addition, the formation papers must show that the organization meets the 501(c)(3) requirements for disposition of assets in the event the nonprofit is terminated.
Merely stating the purpose or plan for the final distribution of assets in the bylaws or operating agreement is not sufficient. These must be listed in the formation documents; otherwise, the documents will have to be amended before you can apply for tax-exempt status.
Once the formation documents are correct, requesting tax-exempt status requires the completion of IRS Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption.
Ideally, Form 1023 should be filed within the first 27 months after forming the entity with the state. Filing within this timeframe allows you to retroactively apply your tax-exempt status back to the date of incorporation or formation.
Filing after the 27-month window only allows you to apply the tax-exempt status back to the filing date of your application.
Organizations that have assets of $250,000 or less and annual gross receipts of $50,000 or less are eligible to file Form 1023–EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Step 2: Get an EIN
Before applying for tax-exempt status, the organization must have an employer ID number (EIN) secured for tax and banking purposes. This is required whether or not the organization has any employees.
Nonprofits are also required to submit financial statements and other information—including the salaries of directors, officers and key employees—to the IRS. If the organization’s name has been legally changed by an amendment to its organizing documents, an exact copy of that amendment must also be attached to the application.
Step 3: File form 1023 with the IRS
Organizations can apply for recognition of exemption from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) by electronically filing Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ, if eligible.
Step 4: Ensure your 501(c)(3) also has tax-exempt status at the state and local level
After your organization gets approval at the federal level, you'll need to ensure your organization is also considered tax-exempt at the state and local levels. This prevents the organization from having to pay state corporate income tax, sales tax or property tax.
Requirements vary by state. Sometimes the IRS recognition is all the organization needs to be approved at the state level.
Remember: just because the organization is tax-exempt, that does not mean you don't have to comply with local regulations, including building codes. Working with a trusted legal partner ensures you have all the permits and licenses required to operate your business without concern of penalty.
Step 5: Keep up with ongoing requirements
To ensure the organization doesn’t lose its tax-exempt status, it must continue to operate under the purposes that were listed in its application. The organization must also comply with state requirements for filing annual reports and maintaining a registered agent.
If an organization does not file its required annual return with the IRS (or files late), the IRS may assess penalties. If the organization does not file the annual report as required for three consecutive years, it will automatically lose its tax-exempt status.
Additional ways to lose tax-exempt status include allowing income or assets to benefit insiders including directors and board members and participating in political campaigns. The IRS has resources on what organizations should do to maintain their exempt status.
Finally, if the organization changes directors a company management amendment must be filed with the state to ensure there is no change in taxing status.
Visit our nonprofit services page for more information on how BizFilings can help.
