To apply for recognition by the IRS of exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Code, use a Form 1023-series application. The application must be submitted electronically on Pay.gov and must, including the appropriate user fee. See Application Process for a step-by-step review of what an organization needs to know and to do in order to apply for recognition by the IRS of tax-exempt status. Frequently asked questions about applying for exemption are also available. You may also want to view some of our tools designed to help you apply for exemption. The organization should also request an employer identification number, even if it does not have any employees. See Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number PDF, and its related instructions PDF to learn how to obtain an EIN. You may obtain an EIN by applying online, by fax or by mail. International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number). Except for churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and public charities whose annual gross receipts are normally less than $5,000, organizations will not be treated as described in section 501(c)(3) unless they notify the IRS by applying for recognition of section 501(c)(3) status. Generally, organizations required to apply for recognition of exemption must notify the Service within 27 months from the date of their formation to be treated as described in section 501(c)(3) from the date formed. When the IRS determines that an organization qualifies for exemption under section 501(c)(3), it will also be classified as a private foundation, unless it meets the requirements to be treated as a public charity. A charitable organization must make available for public inspection its approved application for recognition of exemption with all supporting documents and its last three annual information returns. The organization must provide copies of these documents upon request without charge (other than a reasonable fee for reproduction and copying costs). Penalties are provided for failure to comply with these requirements. For more information, see our frequently asked questions, the final regulations published in Internal Revenue Bulletin 1999-17 PDF, or Disclosure Requirements PDF. Learn more about the benefits, limitations and expectations of tax-exempt organizations by attending the courses at the online Small to Mid-Size Tax Exempt Organization Workshop. Additional information Online courses - Tools designed to help you apply for exemption. Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization PDF Publication 4220, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status PDF Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN PDF Publication 4573, Group Exemptions PDF
