Tax Exempt Entities
Overview
Every organization that qualifies for tax exemption as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) is a private foundation unless it falls into one of the categories specifically excluded from the definition of that term (referred to in section 509(a)). In addition, certain nonexempt charitable trusts are also treated as private foundations. Organizations that fall into the excluded categories are institutions such as hospitals or universities and those that generally have broad public support or actively function in a supporting relationship to such organizations.
Caution
This guide primarily deals with the tax filing obligations of tax exempt entities. IRS Website links, forms and publications are listed below for further information.
IRS Website Links
Application for Recognition of Exemption
Churches & Religious Organizations
Exemption Requirements - 501(c)(3) Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions – Applying for Tax Exemption
Private Foundations
Public Charities
Related IRC and IRS Publications and Forms
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Form 990 - Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax
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Form 990-N (e-Postcard) - Small organizations with annual gross receipts normally under $50,000
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Form 990-EZ - Short Form Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax
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Form 990-PF – Return of a Public Foundation
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Form 1023-EZ – Application – Sec 501(c)(3)
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Form 1023 – Application – Sec 501(c)(3)
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Form SS4 – EIN ApplicationIRC Sec501 - Exemption from Tax on Corps, Certain Trusts, Etc.
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IRC Sec 509 – Private Foundation Defined
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IRC Sec 527 – Political Organizations
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Pub 557 - Tax Exempt Status of Your Organization
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Pub 1635 - Understanding Your EIN
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Pub 4220 - Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status
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Pub 4573 – Group Exemptions