How Do You Qualify for 501c3 Status?

Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation, social justice, education, or any other cause, it can be hard to know if your nonprofit organization can qualify for 501c3 status. This is the most common type of nonprofit designation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is only extended to specific types of organizations.

Federal tax exemption is just one of the benefits of gaining 501c3 status, along with being able to accept tax-deductible donations and gaining enhanced credibility. However, not every organization qualifies for this coveted status. So, how do you know if yours does? Here is a closer look at what you have to do to form a 501c3 nonprofit.

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What is a 501c3 Nonprofit?

A 501c3 is a type of organization that qualifies for tax-exempt status under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code. It operates for the public benefit or common good (rather than for the benefit of private interests or individuals), adheres to specific IRS regulations, and relies on charitable contributions to fulfill its mission.

These organizations are exempt from paying federal income tax on their earnings, which applies to most types of income, including donations, fundraising events, and investment income. Donors can deduct donations from their taxable income, but they have to itemize deductions on their tax returns for this advantage.

Qualifying for 501c3 Status

Qualifying for 501c3 status involves completing several steps and meeting specific IRS criteria. This includes:

A Qualifying Organizational Purpose

Your organization must have a purpose that falls within one of the categories outlined by the IRS, such as charitable, educational, religious, scientific, literary, or other similar purposes that benefit the public interest. Most 501c3 organizations are incorporated as a nonprofit corporation at the state level. This typically involves filing articles of incorporation with the appropriate state agency.

Other types of entities can be designated as tax-exempt organizations under different sections of the Internal Revenue Code. For example, social welfare organizations, real estate title companies, fraternal societies, and insurance associations can all qualify for exemptions under other sections of the code, such as 501c4, 501c6, or 501c7. They wouldn’t be eligible for 501c3 status.

Non-Engagement in Prohibited Activities

There are certain activities that 501c3 organizations are restricted from engaging in, such as:

Political Campaigns: 501c3 organizations cannot take part in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. They cannot endorse candidates, make campaign contributions, or engage in any activity that may influence the outcome of an election.
Legislative Lobbying: A limited scope of lobbying activities is permissible for 501c3 organizations, but lobbying cannot play a large part in the organization’s activities. Lobbying efforts must relate to the organization’s exempt purposes and follow specific IRS guidelines.
Excessive Private Benefit: 501c3 organizations operate only for exempt purposes. The organization’s earnings and assets cannot primarily benefit any private individual or shareholder. Activities unrelated to these purposes could put the organization’s tax-exempt status at risk.
Violating Public Policy: 501c3 organizations must follow public policy, meaning they can’t engage in activities that are illegal, unethical, or contrary to the public interest. If they participate in these kinds of activities, they risk losing their tax-exempt status and damaging the organization’s reputation.

Compliance with IRS Requirements

To qualify for 501c3 status, your organization must follow all Internal Revenue Service requirements for tax-exempt nonprofits, including:

Creating Organizational Documents: You’ll need to draft and adopt bylaws that govern how your organization operates. These bylaws should include provisions related to your charitable mission, governance structure, and operational procedures.
Filing the Appropriate Forms: The most common form for this purpose is Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ. These forms submit detailed information about your organization’s activities, governance structure, finances, and more. Accurate and thorough completion helps avoid delays or issues with your application.
Maintaining Accurate Records: Your organization must keep detailed financial records, such as bank statements, receipts, invoices, and accounting ledgers. You’ll also have to maintain records of your nonprofit’s activities, programs, and accomplishments to support compliance with your exempt purposes.
Complying with All Reporting Requirements: 501c3 organizations are required to file annual information returns with the IRS. These forms report finances, activities, governance, and compliance with tax-exempt requirements. Failing to file these returns could jeopardize your organization’s eligibility for tax exemption from the federal government.
Disclosing Information to the Public: Tax-exempt nonprofits must make certain information available to the public upon request. This includes copies of the application for tax-exempt status and annual information return. You’ll also need to have your tax-exempt determination letter from the IRS available for inspection upon request.
Complying with Other Regulations: Your organization may also be subject to other federal, state, and local regulations, depending on its activities and location. This could include regulations related to fundraising, employment practices, charitable solicitations, and more.

Passing the Public Support Test

Most organizations seeking 501c3 status must pass a public support test that shows financial support from the general public or certain government sources. This information shows that support for the organization doesn’t come from a small group of private donors or foundations, but from the greater public the nonprofit serves.

Proof of public support includes contributions, gifts, grants, and other forms of support that come from individuals, corporations, governmental units, and public charities. Support from these sources has to make up at least one-third of the organization’s total support over a designated period.

Organizations can use several strategies to meet the public support test requirements, such as:

Diversifying fundraising efforts to attract support from a broader range of donors
Engaging in community outreach and education to increase public awareness and support
Seeking partnerships and collaborations with other nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies

Failing the public support test could result in classification as a private foundation rather than a public charity. Private foundations are subject to stricter regulations and requirements, such as higher excise taxes on investment income and more limited fundraising opportunities.

The Application Process for Federal Tax Exemption Status

If your organization meets the qualifications for 501c3 status, you can apply for recognition of tax exemption from the IRS. Include required supporting documentation and filing fees; the fee amount depends on your organization’s annual gross receipts and can be found on the IRS website.

Here’s an overview of the information required on a Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ application for 501c3 status:

Basic Information:
- Legal name of the organization
- Address and contact information
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Date of incorporation or formation
Organizational Structure:
- Description of the organization’s structure (e.g., corporation, trust, association)
- Names and titles of officers, directors, trustees, and key personnel
- Articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other governing documents
Exempt Purposes:
- Detailed description of the organization’s mission and purposes
- Explanation of how the organization’s activities further its exempt purposes
Activities and Programs:
- Description of the organization’s current and planned activities, programs, and services
- Explanation of how these activities are consistent with the organization’s exempt purposes
- Details of any fundraising or grantmaking activities
Financial Information:
- Statement of revenues and expenses for the current year
- Projected budgets for future years
- Description of the sources of funding and anticipated sources of support
- Explanation of how the organization will generate revenue and sustain its operations
Governance and Policies:
- Description of the organization’s governance structure and decision-making processes
- Conflict of interest policy and procedures for handling conflicts of interest
- Compensation arrangements for officers, directors, and key personnel
Additional Attachments:
- Copies of the organization’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, and any amendments
- Financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements
- List of current officers, directors, and trustees, including their names, addresses, and affiliations

Review the instructions for the applicable form and provide all required information accurately and completely. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in delays or issues with the IRS’s review process. The IRS will review your application to determine if your organization meets the requirements for 501c3 status. This process may involve requesting additional information or clarification from your organization.

Once the IRS approves your application, you’ll receive a determination letter officially recognizing your organization as tax-exempt under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Benefits of Working with an Attorney When Filing for 501c3 Status

Navigating the application process for 501c3 tax-exempt status can be complex and daunting, which is why enlisting the help of an experienced attorney is often a good idea.

Nonprofit law attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the legal requirements and regulations. They provide invaluable guidance on the eligibility criteria and application process, minimizing the risk of errors or omissions that could delay or jeopardize your application.

Preparing the required documents and forms for a 501c3 application is time-consuming and complex. Nonprofit law attorneys are experienced in drafting and reviewing these documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. This includes preparing the organization’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, conflict of interest policy, and other governance documents.

There are circumstances where you may encounter challenges or issues during the application process and need advocacy or representation before the IRS. An attorney can serve as a trusted advocate on behalf of your organization. They can also provide ongoing guidance and assistance with compliance matters, such as annual reporting, governance issues, fundraising activities, and tax-related concerns.

Get Help Filing for Federal Tax Exempt Status

Choosing the right legal firm to help navigate the process of obtaining 501c3 status for your nonprofit organization is crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful application. Chisholm Law Firm specializes in nonprofit law, with a deep understanding of the unique legal and regulatory requirements governing tax-exempt organizations.

Our experienced team provides personalized guidance tailored to the specific needs and mission of your nonprofit organization. We take the time to understand your goals and objectives, then offer strategic advice to maximize your chances of obtaining 501c3 nonprofit status. And when you’ve received your official designation, Chisholm Law will be there to support your nonprofit. From governance and compliance to ongoing legal support, we will be your trusted partner every step of the way.

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