Can you file the IRS Form 1023 yourself? Yes, you can, and more importantly, you should. This site exists to show exactly how. It's a complete, free resource for understanding and filing the IRS Form 1023, the official application for recognition of tax exemption under section 501c3 501(c)(3). It's also the original and definitive source that every other "nonprofit help site" has shamefully copied and twisted as their own.
Here you'll find practical, page-by-page Form 1023 instructions for starting a charitable nonprofit organization, including Private Foundations. Each section explains the IRS requirements in plain English and includes real examples, sample documents, and successful application references. This site also provides in-depth guidance on starting a 501c3 501(c)(3) church or religious ministry and how to navigate the process confidently.
The new online IRS Form 1023 system is covered line by line, with clear explanations for each question, every section, and every common mistake. You can file your completed 501c3 501(c)(3) application directly on pay.gov and move one step closer to official tax-exempt status.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a 501c3 501(c)(3) Nonprofit?
The most common question I'm asked is how much does it actually cost to start a nonprofit?
If you do it yourself, usually less than $700 total. The Form 1023 (long version) filing fee is $600. The Form 1023EZ Form 1023-EZ, a simplified version I rarely recommend, costs $275. Incorporation fees average around $50. That's the entire government cost of creating a compliant 501c3 501(c)(3). Add patience and a few Advils, and you're ready to begin.
This site walks you through the entire process, from the first page of the Form 1023 to the final submission. You'll learn how to prepare:
- Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation for state-level formation,
- Nonprofit Bylaws to stay compliant with IRS requirements,
- Nonprofit Conflict of Interest Policy to protect your exemption status,
along with advanced topics like private foundations, private operating foundations, executive compensation, and international nonprofit operations. You'll also find guidance on retroactive reinstatement for nonprofits that lost their tax-exempt status.
Who This 501c3 501(c)(3) Resource Is For:
This site is designed for those starting nonprofits to serve real public purposes, organizations that meet the IRS definition of exemption:
Solely for charitable, religious, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition, or to prevent cruelty to children or animals under section 501c3 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Public Charities. The most common and recognized form of 501c3 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Private Foundations. Read starting a private foundation to confirm your classification. Many who believe they are foundations are actually public charities. The same Form 1023 guidance here applies either way.
- Private Operating Foundations. See the same section above for distinctions and details.
Who This 501c3 501(c)(3) Application Site Is Not For:
- Organizations formed solely to support another specific organization. (Contact me directly if you fall in this category.)
- For-profit businesses attempting to rebrand as nonprofits to avoid taxes. Read Successor Organizations to understand why this is not allowed.
- Large medical organizations; hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers applying for recognition of exemption. (Professional help is essential here. Contact me.)
- Insurance providers seeking exemption under section 501c3 501(c)(3). These require specialized tax representation.
Filing the Form 1023 is not simple, whether for a private foundation or a public charity. But it is absolutely possible. Thousands of organizations have earned their exemption by following the instructions on this site and completing the Form 1023 themselves.
Doing it yourself not only saves money; it forces you to understand your mission, your structure, and your purpose. That understanding becomes the foundation for every future decision your nonprofit makes.
Further Reading
- Private Foundation vs. Public Charity – Understand how the IRS defines each and how to choose the right classification for your organization.
- Church & Ministry 501c3 501(c)(3) Exemption – Step-by-step guidance for faith-based organizations seeking federal recognition.
- Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation – The core state filing document required before submitting Form 1023.
- Nonprofit Bylaws Template – A compliant, ready-to-use template that matches IRS expectations for governance.
- Conflict of Interest Policy – Learn why this policy is non-negotiable for tax-exempt status and how to write it correctly.
- Retroactive Reinstatement – What to do if your nonprofit's exemption was revoked and how to get it back.
IRS Form 1023 Questions
How long does it take for the Form 1023 to be approved?
Form 1023, also known as the 501c3 501(c)(3) application, can take up to two years to be approved or denied. However, if the application is done correctly, it usually takes about three months. The point of this website is to help you avoid common mistakes and get your exemption status as fast as possible. If you follow my Form 1023 instructions without skipping pages, you won't have to wait long. Just look at the testimonial page and see for yourself.
What is the short version of the Form 1023?
The streamlined application for tax exemption, or Form 1023EZ Form 1023-EZ, is a simplified version of the 501c3 501(c)(3) application that "tries" to make the process easier. However, it has serious limitations and several problems that make it impractical for most nonprofits. I've covered this topic in detail elsewhere on this site.
What is the difference between nonprofit and tax-exempt status?
Nonprofit status is a state designation. It may make an organization eligible for certain state benefits, such as sales, property, or state income tax exemptions. Federal tax exemption, on the other hand, is granted by the IRS under section 501c3 501(c)(3). Organizing as a nonprofit at the state level does not automatically grant federal tax exemption.
Can we file the Form 1023 if it has been 27 months since our organization was formed?
Generally, nonprofits must file their exemption application (Form 1023) within 27 months from the end of the month in which they were formed. If they file within that time, they may be recognized as tax-exempt retroactively to their incorporation date. If they miss the 27-month deadline, exemption is usually recognized only from the filing date.
Can you file the Form 1023 if the organization was formed outside of the United States?
Yes and no. A foreign organization may qualify for exemption under section 501c3 501(c)(3) even if it was formed outside the U.S. or operates mainly abroad. However, donations to foreign organizations are generally not tax-deductible in the U.S. Exceptions exist for countries that have treaties with the U.S.; for example, donations to Canadian charities may be deductible, while those to most other foreign charities are not.
