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501c3 Articles

Is the Government Shutdown Affecting Your 501c3 Application?

As the U.S. government shutdown continues into day fifteen with no end in sight, many anxious startup organizations are wondering how the shutdown will affect their applications currently under review by the IRS.  Having already waited months for a determination letter, should you now expect even longer delays?  And if so, how long? From what we can gather the IRS is not taking any customer service phone calls regarding applications for exemption, nor are they processing actual applications at this time.  The delay is almost certainly adding to the ever-present log jam of applications piling up on various agent's desks, and we would expect there to be even longer wait periods once the government shutdown comes to an end. For those of you already waiting on your organization’s approval letter, it is likely that any progress toward a final determination has been stopped for now, to be continued once the shutdown is over and IRS employees are back at work.  Whether [...]

2022-03-04T11:31:04-05:00
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501c3 Application Approval in Six Weeks

Just weeks ago we posted that our clients were reporting an even slower 501c3 approval process, as happens from time-to-time.  Ok, no big deal.  We just buckle down and begin reminding everyone that things may take a little longer.  Patience…out of our hands…stay encouraged… Then last Sunday we received this email: Dear Ben, Just wanted to let you know the wonderful news.  I received my approval letter from the IRS!!!  I mailed the application on Sept. 6 and it was approved on Oct. 18.  Wow!  I’m thankful that this went through so quickly and smoothly! :-)

2022-03-04T07:22:16-05:00
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Can I Speed Up the 501c3 Application Review Process?

The IRS allows for expedited requests of Form 1023 under two specific circumstances: First, if your organization is applying in direct response to a national disaster that demands urgent action, such as a major hurricane or other natural disaster.  And second, if your organization has a significant (very large) grant that is pending IRS approval and will be lost if your approval is not awarded quickly.  Even in these situations, however, expedited applications are rare.

2022-03-04T07:23:09-05:00
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IRS Taking Longer to Review 501c3 Applications / Form 1023

The last few months we’ve noticed a significant increase in the amount of time that the IRS is taking to review and approve applications for 501c tax exemption. During the first six months of 2012, our clients were receiving their Letters of Determination on average within 3-5 months.  More recently, a number of our clients are well into their fifth and sixth month of waiting.  Since there is no effective way to expedite the process, we encourage you to plan accordingly and to contact us if you have questions.

2022-03-04T11:30:46-05:00
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501c3 Application Process and Timeline

[custom_frame_right shadow="on"][/custom_frame_right] What steps are involved in the 501c3 application process, and how long does it take to gain approval?  For a brand-new nonprofit organization, the 501c3 application process usually includes the following: - Create Articles of Incorporation (Certificate of Formation) and file with state - Apply for EIN (Tax ID#) - Create Bylaws - Prepare IRS Form 1023 or Form 1024, Application for Recognition of Exemption, including narratives, financial information, schedules, and additional notes - Respond to any IRS follow up questions or requests

2022-03-04T07:25:15-05:00
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501c3 Application Mistakes

[custom_frame_right shadow="on"] [/custom_frame_right] Sometimes we’re approached by clients who have already filled out IRS Form1023 but want us to review their work before filing —  and we are happy to do it.  Here are three common mistakes that we see again and again:  1. Incomplete Purpose Clause and/or Missing Dissolution Clause in Organizing Document (Articles of Incorporation) – Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code requires that your organizing document state your exempt purpose(s), such as charitable, religious, educational, and/or scientific purposes.  Likewise, the code states that upon dissolution of your organization, your remaining assets must be used exclusively for exempt purposes, such as charitable, religious, educational, and/or scientific purposes.

2022-03-04T07:26:59-05:00
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How Long Does it Take to Get 501c3 Tax Exempt

Understandably, this is one question that we hear over and over again from startup nonprofit organizations looking for 501c3 tax exemption from the IRS. Just yesterday I heard from a woman who told me that an online startup “service” had told her it was possible to have her 501c3 application successfully processed within 30 days. Of course, now she wanted to know if we could do it even faster. The truth is, the IRS can take between 2-5 months to review your 501c3 application packet, depending on a number of circumstances. These include the time of year, type and classification of the nonprofit organization, and complexity of your application. Most recently, our clients have received their Letters of Determination within 2-3 months, a relatively quick response compared to previous years. While a 30 day response is not totally out of the question, especially for churches or nonprofit organizations with no paid employees, such a turnaround is extremely rare. [...]

2022-03-04T08:02:37-05:00
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How to Start a NonProfit: 501c3 Application & State Registrations

[custom_frame_right shadow="on"]501c3 Tax Exemption[/custom_frame_right] This is the fourth part in a five-part series on how to start a nonprofit organization. Keep in mind that the sequence in which you complete these tasks may vary, but each is important.  This post will explore the steps involved in applying for 501c3 tax exemption and state and local permits. 501c3 Tax Exemption 1. Prepare IRS Form 1023

2022-03-04T11:29:14-05:00
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