7 Reasons 501(c)(3) Applications Get Rejected by the IRS 

501(c)(3) status is a designation granted by the IRS that allows nonprofit organizations to operate as tax-exempt entities. Gaining this status can be incredibly important to the success of any nonprofit as it enables your organization to receive tax-deductible donations, access certain grants, and enjoy other benefits to support its mission. If your nonprofit is pursuing charitable, educational, service, or religious goals, filing for 501(c)(3) status can be a significant step forward.


However, getting started can often seem intimidating. There is a complex landscape of requirements, paperwork, documentation, and regulations to navigate that can leave you feeling uncertain about the specifics. You’re not alone. Many organizations face challenges throughout the process, such as gathering necessary documents, articulating their mission, and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

With so many things to do to ensure you build a strong application, it can sometimes be helpful to look at what you should avoid instead. In this blog, we’ll explore common reasons 501(c)(3) applications might not be approved and what you can do to avoid unnecessary delays in approval – or outright rejections.

Failure to Meet the Organizational Test 

The Organizational Test is a fundamental requirement in the 501(c)(3) application process. It assesses whether your nonprofit is structured in a way that aligns with the IRS’s definition of a charitable organization. To pass this test, your organization must be legally established as a nonprofit entity and its governing documents must clearly state its charitable purpose. 

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. Instead of stating a general goal like “to help the community,” it’s better to detail a clear mission, such as “to provide educational resources and mentorship for underprivileged youth.” 

Another common pitfall is a lack of a defined charitable purpose or mission. If your application doesn’t explicitly outline how your organization intends to serve the public good, the IRS may question your nonprofit status. For example, if your mission statement is too broad — such as “to promote health and wellness” — refine it to specify the types of programs you’ll implement, like “to offer free fitness classes and nutrition workshops for low-income families.” 

To avoid these issues, review your articles of incorporation to see that they include precise language about your nonprofit’s purpose and operation and that your mission statement is clear and actionable. These steps can strengthen your application and help ensure your nonprofit meets the organizational test requirements for tax-exempt status. 

Inadequate Operational Test Compliance 

The Operational Test is a core component of the 501(c)(3) application process, evaluating how your nonprofit functions in practice. An eligible organization must demonstrate it primarily engages in activities and services that further its charitable purpose, which ensures the nonprofit is dedicated to serving the public good and not diverting resources to non-charitable pursuits. 

One common mistake that can lead to issues with the Operational Test is engaging in substantial non-charitable activities. If your org primarily focuses on fundraising events but dedicates only a small portion of its resources to programs that fulfill its charitable mission, the IRS may question your nonprofit status.

An example of this might be a nonprofit whose mission is to provide shelter and resources to homeless individuals. Say they spend the majority of their time and resources organizing lavish charity galas and fundraising dinners with only a small portion of the proceeds going to programs like shelter services or job placement assistance. To pass the Operational Test, the organization would have to refocus the majority of its funding on directly administering programs that have a tangible impact on the homeless in their community. 

Another concern is operating for the benefit of private interests or shareholders. Applications that show a nonprofit provides significant benefits to individuals or entities with a personal stake in the organization will likely be flagged. For example, if your board members benefit from your organization’s programs, the IRS may find that your nonprofit serves private interests rather than the public good and disqualify the application for tax-exempt status. 

To avoid this issue, clearly separate personal interests and organizational goals. Document your nonprofit’s activities and ensure that all benefits you provide align with your nonprofit corporation’s charitable mission and are accessible to the broader community. 

Overall, focusing on your nonprofit organization’s charitable activities and ensuring compliance with the Operational Test can strengthen your application and position your nonprofit organization for success. 

Incomplete or Incorrect IRS Form 1023 

IRS Form 1023, the Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is a key document for obtaining and qualifying for tax-exempt status. This form outlines your nonprofit’s purpose, activities, and financial information, providing the IRS with a comprehensive overview of how your organization operates and plans to fulfill its charitable mission. Filling out Form 1023 accurately and thoroughly is a must-do as errors or omissions can lead to delays or outright rejection of your application. 

Some common mistakes include: 

  • Failing to Include your Employer Identification Number (EIN): This is required for filing the 501(c)(3) application. The EIN is a unique identifier for your organization and is necessary for tax purposes. Without it, your application will be deemed incomplete, leading to potential delays in processing. 
  • Leaving Sections Blank: Omitting information may seem minor, but it can raise concerns about the completeness and transparency of your application. Take the time to review each section of the form and be sure that you filled out all relevant fields. If a question doesn’t apply to your organization, briefly explain why rather than leave it blank. This demonstrates your commitment to providing thorough and accurate information. 
  • Misclassifying Your Organizational Structure or Activities: If your nonprofit primarily engages in educational programs but mistakenly indicates that it operates as a social club, it can create confusion, leading to a denial of your application. You can prevent this issue by considering how you describe your organization’s purpose and activities carefully. Ensure they align with the IRS definitions for 501(c)(3) organizations and accurately reflect your nonprofit’s mission. 
  • Not Paying the User Fee: Submitting Form 1023 requires a user fee, which varies depending on your organization’s projected revenue. Be sure to pay the correct fee, as failing to do so could result in delays or the rejection of your application. You can find the current fee structure and detailed instructions for completing the form on the IRS website. 

Incorrect or Incomplete Financial Documentation 

Financial transparency is important for nonprofits, especially when you’re applying for 501(c)(3) status. Accurate financial documentation helps the IRS assess and determine your organization’s eligibility for tax-exempt status. 

Common mistakes in financial documentation include missing or incomplete financial statements and incorrect budget projections for the next three to five years. To avoid these issues, provide complete financial statements reflecting your organization’s income, expenses, and assets. Also, create realistic budget projections based on your activities and anticipated funding sources. 

Missing Required Documents 

Submitting a complete application with all necessary documents is a requirement when you’re applying for 501(c)(3) status. Accompanying Form 1023, you must provide several documents to help the IRS evaluate your organization’s eligibility for tax-exempt status. These typically include: 

  • Articles of Incorporation: This document establishes your organization’s legal existence as a nonprofit corporation and its purpose. 
  • Bylaws: Bylaws govern your organization’s operations and decision-making processes.
  • Conflict of Interest Policy: This policy helps ensure that you and your team make decisions in the organization’s best interest, preventing personal interests from interfering with charitable purposes. 
  • Financial Statements: These should include income statements, balance sheets, and budgets to show your organization’s financial health clearly. 

Common mistakes in this area often stem from overlooking required documents or not providing them in the proper format. To avoid these issues, ensure that you: 

  • Include and submit all necessary documents with your application. Missing items can lead to delays or rejection. 
  • Double-check that all required signatures and contact numbers are included, as missing signatures can render your application incomplete.
  • Provide any supplemental or additional contact information as requested by the IRS officer, as this additional information can further clarify your organization’s operations and intentions. 

Misunderstanding Private Inurement Prohibitions 

Private inurement refers to the use of a nonprofit’s earnings or assets to unfairly benefit individuals closely associated with the organization, such as founders, directors, or key employees. Under IRS regulations, 501(c)(3) organizations are strictly prohibited from allowing any part of their income or assets to inure to the benefit of private individuals, especially insiders. If the IRS finds that an organization has violated this prohibition, the nonprofit can lose its tax-exempt status. 

Public charity nonprofits can engage in some private inurement in several ways, but the most common examples involve compensation or benefits provided to those who have significant control over the nonprofit. For instance, if the organization pays excessive salaries or bonuses to its founders or provides exclusive benefits such as personal loans, vehicles, or housing, the IRS may determine these actions constitute private inurement. 

Another example is using the nonprofit’s resources to pay for the personal expenses of the organization’s leaders or insiders, even if such expenses are loosely tied to the nonprofit’s operations. These actions violate the principle that the nonprofit should be focused solely on public benefit, not the enrichment of its insiders. Even a single instance of private inurement can trigger significant penalties or a loss of tax-exempt status. Here are a few ways to avoid this: 

  • Curb Excessive Compensation or Benefits to Insiders: Nonprofits often make the mistake of paying their founders or key employees salaries or benefits that exceed fair market value. To avoid this mistake, ensure your organization’s compensation is reasonable and comparable to similar roles in the industry, documenting this process thoroughly. 
  • Include Clear Safeguards Against Private Inurement: Establish clear safeguards, such as requiring board approval for major financial decisions, maintaining detailed records of compensation agreements, and ensuring transparency in financial reporting. Implementing these steps can demonstrate to the IRS that the organization is dedicated to avoiding conflicts of interest and protecting its resources for public benefit. 

Public Disclosure Issues 

When your organization secures 501(c)(3) status, the IRS requires that you make your determination letter publicly available. This letter officially confirms your tax-exempt status and should be easily accessible on your website or provided upon request. Showing this level of transparency is vital for fostering public trust and demonstrates that your organization is committed to its stated charitable purpose.

Neglecting to comply with this public disclosure requirement can raise significant concerns with the IRS. Such oversight might suggest that your organization attempts to conceal information or lacks transparency in its business operations. Suppose the IRS discovers that you haven’t publicly made additional information in your determination letter. In that case, it may initiate an audit or other investigations, which can be time-consuming and stressful for your organization. 

Failure to adhere to public disclosure regulations can also damage your nonprofit’s reputation and erode public trust. Donors, volunteers, and community members are more likely to support organizations and services that operate transparently. Remember, transparency is a foundational principle of nonprofits, and maintaining open access to your determination letter and website is a crucial step in building and sustaining that trust. 

Chisholm Law Can Help You Successfully File your 501(c)(3) Application 

Navigating the complexities of the 501(c)(3) application process can be daunting, especially when considering the top reasons why applications get rejected. Seeking professional guidance and assistance from legal counsel experienced in 501(c)(3) applications can significantly enhance your chances of approval. A knowledgeable attorney, like those at Chisholm Law, can provide the insights, information, and assistance your organization needs to avoid mistakes and ensure that your application meets all IRS requirements. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your nonprofit corporation’s tax-exempt status, contact Chisholm Law today for a free consultation with an attorney. We’re here to help you navigate this process smoothly and effectively. 

*Past results do not determine future outcomes