The IRS currently offers two ways to apply for the 501(c)(3) Tax Exemption: the standard 1023 form or the 1023EZ online form. The 1023 form is more comprehensive and suitable for larger organizations, while the 1023EZ form is simpler and quicker, designed for smaller organizations with less complex financial structures. Each application has vastly different timelines.
1023EZ Application: The 1023EZ is a more straightforward, less complicated form that takes 2-4 months for the IRS to review and approve. It’s designed for smaller organizations with less complex financial structures. Filing a 1023 EZ application has a much quicker review process for qualified organizations. Not all organizations can qualify for the 1023-EZ. In our experience, it’s about a 50/50 ratio of who qualifies.
1023 Standard (long): The 1023 standard, also known as the long form, takes a predictable 6-9 months for the IRS to review and approve. However, this timeline can be longer based on macro events, such as a government shutdown or events such as COVID-19, which impacted the day-to-day operations of the IRS. Understanding the difference in the form timelines will help you set proper expectations as you wait for the confirmation of your 501c()(3) status.
How to Check the status of your 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Application!
The IRS receives more than 95,000 applications for tax-exempt status each year. If you’ve already applied and submitted your 1023EZ or 1023 standard application, we’ve conveniently provided the following guidelines for when you can expect to hear from the IRS.
There is no need to call.Check to see if the IRS has begun processing your application: Click here to check to see if the IRS has started working on your 1023 tax-exempt application!
IRS Organizational Look-Up Tool
Once Approved, how can I find my organization on the IRS website?
You can search existing 501(C) organization on the IRS website here: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search
What else can I find using the IRS look-up feature?
You can also search for information about an organization’s tax-exempt status and filings, including:
- Check out current status
- Form 990 Series Returns
- Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
- 78 Data
- Automatic Revocation of Exemption List
- Determination Letters
If you hired the 501(c)(3) Center to file your 1023EZ application and have additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. We are here to provide the support you need and will be happy to answer them.