As an entrepreneur, you may be looking to start a non-profit organization. This can be a very rewarding endeavor, but there are rules and restrictions you must follow in order to become tax-exempt and manage nonprofit taxes effectively. In this article, we will outline the process of becoming tax-exempt and what form you need to fill out. We will also discuss the rules and restrictions that come with this status to ensure compliance with tax regulations and maintain your nonprofit’s tax-exempt status in the long run.
What Are The Rules And Restrictions To Become Tax Exempt?
There are a few rules and restrictions you must follow in order to become a tax-exempt non-profit organization.
First, your organization must be organized for one or more of the following exempt purposes: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition or preventing cruelty to children or animals.
Second, your organization must not be organized for profit. This means that your organization cannot be operated for the benefit of private interests. All money earned by your organization must be used for the furtherance of your exempt purpose.
Furthermore, your organization must also not be organized for profit and you must not engage in any political activities. If you do engage in political activities, you will lose your tax-exempt status.
Additionally, your non-profit must meet certain public support tests in order to maintain its tax-exempt status. These tests vary depending on the type of non-profit you have organized.
What Form Do You Fill Out To Become Tax Exempt?
The form you need to fill out in order to become tax-exempt is the IRS Form 1023. This form is used to apply for recognition of exemption from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The form must be submitted with the appropriate filing fee and supporting documentation.
What Is The Process Of Becoming Tax Exempt?
Now that we have outlined the rules and restrictions of becoming tax-exempt, as well as the form you need to fill out, let’s discuss the process.
Prepare Your Organization For Tax-Exempt Status
The first step is to make sure your organization meets the requirements for tax-exempt status. You will need to have a clear understanding of the exempt purposes of your organization and make sure you are not engaging in any political activities. You will also need to organize your finances in a way that all money earned by your organization is used for the furtherance of your exempt purpose.
Apply For An Employer Identification Number
The next step is to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is a nine-digit number that is assigned by the IRS. You will need this number in order to file your tax-exempt application.
Fill Out A Form 1023 Or 1024
Once you have prepared your organization for tax-exempt status, you will need to complete the IRS Form 1023. This form is used to apply for recognition of exemption from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The form must be submitted with the appropriate filing fee and supporting documentation.
If you are not applying for 501(c)(3) status, you will need to complete the IRS Form 1024. This form is used to apply for recognition of exemption from federal income tax under other sections of the Internal Revenue Code.
Get All The Required Documentation
When you are ready to apply for tax-exempt status, you will need to gather all of the required documentation. This includes your organization’s Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, or other organizing documents. You will also need to provide financial information, such as your organization’s most recent tax return.
Submit Your Application And Pay The Fee
Once you have gathered all of the required documentation, you will need to submit your application and pay the filing fee. The filing fee for Form 1023 is $850. The filing fee for Form 1024 is $400. You will need to submit your application to the IRS office that serves your area. You can find the address of your local IRS office on the IRS website.
Track Your Application And Make sure You Are Approved
After you have submitted your application, you will need to track your application to make sure it is being processed. You can do this by calling the IRS customer service number at 1-800-829-1040.
You will also need to make sure you are approved for tax-exempt status. You can do this by checking the IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check tool. This tool will allow you to search for organizations that are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Conclusion
The process of becoming tax-exempt can be complex, but it is important to make sure you are following all of the rules and regulations. If you are not sure if your organization qualifies for tax-exempt status, you can consult with a professional. They will be able to help you determine if your organization is eligible and guide you through the application process.