Changes to the EO Determinations Process Rejecting Incomplete Applications

We continue to make changes to our Exempt Organizations (EO) determination letter program to improve the program's efficiency and consistency.

We'll return your application package and user fee if you submit a paper Form 1023, Form 1023-EZ, Form 1024, Form 1024-A or Form 8940.

See About Form 1023, About Form 1024, About Form 1024-A and Form 8940 for information about the electronic submission process.

EO Determinations will no longer process substantially incomplete applications

If you submit a substantially incomplete determination letter request, we'll return the application package and user fee to you with a letter of explanation.

Revenue Procedure 2023-5, (updated annually), lists the requirements of a completed application as:

The current version of the application form found at IRS.gov
The correct user fee
A signature by an authorized individual
An employer identification number
A statement of receipts and expenses
A copy of your organizing document that meets the requirements of a conformed copy
A detailed narrative of your proposed activities
A copy of your bylaws or similar governing rules, if adopted

Note: If your particular letter request doesn't require a listed element, we won't consider that element when determining whether your application is substantially complete.

If we return your application package, our records won't show a pending application for a determination letter. If you still want a determination letter, you must resubmit your entire application package, including the missing information, and the correct user fee.

If your request is substantially complete, we'll review it to determine if it meets the requirements for the type of request and ask for any additional information needed. You can find information on case processing in Revenue Procedure 2023-5 as well as on the website at IRS processing of exemption applications.

Nonacceptance of Form 1023

If you attempt to electronically submit an incomplete Form 1023, Pay.gov won't accept the submission. See About Form 1023 for information about the electronic Form 1023. Also, once submitted, if we determine your Form 1023 is incomplete or otherwise not acceptable for processing based on Revenue Procedure 2023-5, (updated annually), we'll send you a letter of explanation, and we'll refund your user fee (certain exceptions apply).

Nonacceptance of Form 1023-EZ

Generally, if you attempt to electronically submit an incomplete Form 1023-EZ, Pay.gov won't accept the submission. Also, once submitted, if we determine your Form 1023-EZ is incomplete or otherwise not acceptable for processing based on Revenue Procedure 2023-5, (updated annually), we'll send you a letter of explanation, and we'll refund your user fee (certain exceptions apply).

Nonacceptance of Form 1024

If you attempt to electronically submit an incomplete Form 1024, Pay.gov won't accept the submission. See About Form 1024 for information about the electronic Form 1024. Also, once submitted, if we determine your Form 1024 is incomplete or otherwise not acceptable for processing based on Revenue Procedure 2023-5, (updated annually), we'll send you a letter of explanation, and we'll refund your user fee (certain exceptions apply).

Nonacceptance of Form 1024-A

If you attempt to electronically submit an incomplete Form 1024-A, Pay.gov won't accept the submission. See About Form 1024-A for information about the electronic Form 1024-A. Also, once submitted, if we determine your Form 1024-A is incomplete or otherwise not acceptable for processing based on Revenue Procedure 2023-5, (updated annually), we'll send you a letter of explanation, and we'll refund your user fee (certain exceptions apply).

Nonacceptance of Form 8940

If you attempt to electronically submit an incomplete Form 8940, Pay.gov won't accept the submission. See About Form 8940 for information about the electronic Form 8940. Also, once submitted, if we determine your Form 8940 is incomplete or otherwise not acceptable for processing based on Revenue Procedure 2023-5, (updated annually), we'll send you a letter of explanation, and we'll refund your user fee (certain exceptions apply).