How to Check IRS 501c3 Status

Whether you are starting a nonprofit organization or want to verify your nonprofit’s status, there are several ways to determine if you qualify for 501c3 status. You can ask your nonprofit if they have received this type of status, check the IRS database, or check their website.

The 501c3 status may increase your organization’s visibility and help you receive donations. On the other hand, you may also be subject to government scrutiny and lose your tax-exempt status if you fail to follow the rules. That is why it is important to maintain records and follow certain legal restrictions. For example, it cannot officially endorse candidates and must pass on any capital it has earned to another nonprofit.

501c3 Eligibility

In order to get your 501(c)(3) status, you have to file an application with the IRS. Form 1023 is a detailed application that requires your organization to fulfill a series of requirements. These include completing the application, paying the filing fee, and providing evidence that your organization meets the IRS’s requirements. The approval process can take anywhere from two months to twelve months.

The IRS website also offers a tool called the Tax Exempt Organization Search, which allows you to search for nonprofit organizations by state and region. The site also includes an eligibility worksheet to help you determine if your organization is eligible for a streamlined version of the form. The IRS website will post comments when you are running behind on your application.

If your organization is eligible, you will be able to file Form 990, a form that shows your organization’s finances, governance processes, and key staff. The 990 Form is open for public inspection, and if your organization is a limited liability company, you will need to fill out a more elaborate version of the form.