501(c)(3) APPLICATION PREPARATION SERVICES

Let Us Help Prepare Your 501c3 Application With the IRS

*State fees are included in the price for non profit filings in Florida.  For all other states, the state filing fees will be added to our purchase price. 
    
**Customer is responsible for payment of the IRS User Fee directly to the IRS.


To apply for 501c3 tax exempt status, please fill out the
Online Information Questionnaire by clicking the link below:

501c3 General Information & Instructions

The Ordering Process

• The Initial Step
  
• Package Options
  
• IRS Application Fee
  
• Refund Guarantee

Applying for 501(c)(3) Status – General Information

• Benefits of Obtaining 501(c)(3) Status for your Charity
  
• IRS Approval Procedure
  
• State Tax Exemption Issues
  
• Soliciting Donations from Contributors – State Requirements

Non Profit / 501(c)(3) Formation – Florida  

• Florida Non Profit Corporate Name
  
• Number of Directors
  
• State Tax Exemption Requirements
  
• Solicitation of Contributions from Potential Donors
  
  

THE ORDERING PROCESS:

The Initial Step:   To begin the process, you must first complete the Online Information Questionnaire by clicking the bar tab above.  This will allow us to obtain some preliminary information concerning your proposed charitable non profit organization.  By filling out the online form, you are not under any obligation to purchase our services. 

Package Options:  It typically takes 3 – 6 weeks to prepare the “Complete Package” mainly due to the necessity of filing the non profit articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State.  You should only choose the “Complete Package” if you have not yet incorporated your non profit.  If you already incorporated your non profit, then you should choose the “Simple Package”.  The Simple Package takes about 2 – 4 weeks for processing.  See pricing package options above.  If you are not sure which package to choose, then please contact us for further information.    

IRS Application Fee:  The IRS charges a separate fee upon submission of the 501(c)(3)application to the IRS.  Our price does not include the IRS user fee upon submission of the 501(c)(3) application to the IRS.  Please note, our “Complete Package” includes all of the state filing fees (Florida) associated with preparing and filing your non profit Articles with the Secretary of State.

Refund Guarantee:  In the unlikely event that your application is disapproved by the IRS, we will refund the total purchase price less any applicable state fees.

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APPLYING FOR 501(c)(3) STATUS: GENERAL INFORMATION

Benefits of obtaining 501(c)(3) Status for Your Charity:

• Gain exemption from federal income taxes
• Become eligible to receive tax deductible contributions from donors to your charity
• Corporate and private donors are more likely to donate to organizations with 501(c)(3) status
• Your organization may also become exempt from state income, sales and property taxes
  

IRS Approval Procedure
Upon submission of the completed 501(c)(3) application (Form 1023) to the IRS, within about 30 days of receipt, the IRS will furnish a notice of receipt.  Generally, it may take the IRS approximately 3 – 4 months to approve the application.  In such event the IRS will issue to the organization a Determination Letter which officially recognizes the organization’s tax exempt status.  In some situations, the IRS may request additional information from the organization before making a final determination.  We will assist you in furnishing such additional information to the IRS in order to complete your 501(c)(3)application.    

State Tax Exemption Issues
Many states allow exemption from some or all of their income, property, sales or other taxes for religious, charitable, and educational organizations qualifying for exemption as 501(c)(3)’s.  The process for obtaining such exemptions varies with each state and locality.  Your tax exempt charity should obtain current information and forms directly from the appropriate state agency to assure your organization’s tax exempt status with the state.  In practice, the procedure will likely be handled through your state’s department of revenue.  In Florida, you would contact the Florida Department of Revenue to complete the proper tax exemption forms.  For more information regarding compliance with state tax exemption requirements, you may wish to consult a professional, such as an accountant or other tax specialist in your state. 

Soliciting Donations from Contributors – State Requirements
If you plan on soliciting donations for your charity, you may be required to register your charity with the state in which you will be conducting your charitable solicitation activities.  Most states regulate charitable fundraising and have specific registration requirements.  This usually means filing an initial registration form and filing reports on an annual basis.  In Florida, for example, charitable organizations intending to solicit contributions in that state are required to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  For more information regarding charitable solicitation requirements, you can visit www.nasconet.org.    

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NON PROFIT / 501(c)(3) FORMATION – FLORIDA

Florida Non Profit Corporate Name:  The corporate name of a Florida non profit corporation must be distinguishable from the names of all other entities or filings except certain fictitious name registrations. The corporate name must contain the word “corporation” or “incorporated” or the abbreviation “corp.” or “inc.”.  The corporate name cannot contain the word “company” or its abbreviation “co.”

Number of Directors:  Three (3) or more directors are required for a Florida non profit corporation.  

State Tax Exemption Requirements:

• Florida Corporate Income Tax – A Florida non profit corporation that has obtained tax exemption with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) entity is generally exempt from payment of Florida corporate income taxes.  For more information, you should contact the Florida Department of Revenue or consult with a tax professional.    
  
• Sales Tax Exemption – To obtain exemption from Florida sales tax, a Florida non profit corporation that is federally exempt must file a Consumer’s Certificate Exemption (Form DR-5) with the Florida Department of Revenue.  You should contact the Florida Department of Revenue for further information regarding exemption from Florida sales tax as a 501(c)3 organization.      
  
• Solicitation of Contributions from Potential Donors:  Prior to soliciting donations from the public, your entity must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  The registration fee ranges from $10 to $400 (depending on the amount of contributions received annually).   For further information, you can contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 850-488-2221. 

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