501(c) Applications

At Church & Charity Law, we have successfully filed for 501(c) status for hundreds of non-profit organizations. These include churches, charities, private foundations, endowments, and schools. We manage the entire process of applying for federal 501(c) tax exemption, and handling IRS communication to ensure a smooth, efficient process.

Our 501(c) Services

When you retain Church & Charity Law to apply for 501(c)(3), we start by reviewing your articles of incorporation and bylaws to determine whether they will meet IRS requirements.  We then gather information about your organization’s mission, intended activities, finances, and other special issues pertinent to your type of non-profit organization.  We assemble this information, prepare the IRS Form 1023 application for tax exemption, file the application and materials with the IRS, and respond to the IRS’s questions about the application.  We work with the IRS so you don’t have to.

  • 501(c)(3) for churches

    Churches are not required to apply to the IRS for 501(c)(3) federal income tax exemption.  A validly formed and operating church is considered exempt from federal income tax and able to receive tax deductible donations whether or not it has received 501(c)(3) approval from the IRS.  However, church leaders should strongly consider obtaining formal IRS approval.  A church 501(c)(3) determination allows the church to provide proof of income tax exemption to its town, city, or state, or to a donor asking for verification of deductibility. At Church & Charity Law, we have almost 30 years of experience applying to the IRS for 501(c)(3) for church and religious organizations. 

  • Other kinds of 501(c) non-profits

    We are also skilled at obtaining 501(c) status for other kinds of organizations, such as 501(c)(2) title holding corporations, 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, 501(c)(5) labor organizations, 501(c)(6) business leagues, and 501(c)(7) social clubs.  These organizations must typically file IRS Form 1024 to obtain exemption.

Timing of 501(c) applications

Applications for 501(c)(3) federal income tax exemption should be filed no later than the first 27 months after the non-profit corporation is formed. Applications for other types of non-profits, such as 501(c)(4)s, may be filed even later. Depending upon the type of application, the IRS may take as little as a month or as much as six or eight months to respond. The IRS’s short-form application, the 1023-EZ typically allows for a quick turnaround. However, applications using the “long form” 1023 or IRS form 1024 require extended IRS review and lengthy processing times

Contact Us

Schedule a consultation to get started.

Legal issues shouldn’t stand in the way of your mission. If you’re ready for peace of mind with legal guidance you can trust, we’re here to help. 

Let’s work together to protect your church or nonprofit so you can focus on what truly matters.

Request a consultation to ensure your organization is protected by an experienced team of attorneys who understand your mission and share your values.

Address:
252 West 16th St
Tulsa, OK 74119

Phone:
(918) 392-1956

Fax:
(918) 517-3333