Difference between revisions of "How to obtain tax-exempt status"
From NGO Handbook
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*No private shareholder or individual receives a benefit from the NGO’s net earnings | *No private shareholder or individual receives a benefit from the NGO’s net earnings | ||
*Lobbying or political campaigning are not a substantial part of the NGO’s activities.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | *Lobbying or political campaigning are not a substantial part of the NGO’s activities.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
| − | + | '''Exempt Purposes''' | |
An exempt purpose includes one or more of the following: | An exempt purpose includes one or more of the following: | ||
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*Temples | *Temples | ||
*Mosques.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | *Mosques.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
| − | Churches are automatically considered to be tax-exempt, but many apply for formal recognition of this status regardless.<ref>Ibid.</ref | + | Churches are automatically considered to be tax-exempt, but many apply for formal recognition of this status regardless.<ref>Ibid.</ref> |
An NGO is considered ''organized for an exempt purpose'' if the NGO’s organizing documents: | An NGO is considered ''organized for an exempt purpose'' if the NGO’s organizing documents: | ||
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==Applying for Tax-Exempt Status== | ==Applying for Tax-Exempt Status== | ||
| − | + | The basic process and all forms can be found on the [http://www.irs.gov Internal Revenue Service website], under the section on [http://www.irs.gov/charities/index.html?navmenu=menu1 Charities and Nonprofits]. The basic procedure is outline under the Frequently Asked Questions section on [http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=136196,00.html Applying for Exemption: Procedure for Applying]. Publication [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p557.pdf 557] provides the instructions for the application. | |
| − | *IRS Form SS-4 Employee Identification Number | + | Basically, an NGO’s application for federal tax-exempt status must include: |
| − | *The | + | |
| − | *IRS Form 1023 Application for Recognition of Exemption | + | *'''IRS Form SS-4 Employee Identification Number'''. |
| − | *The required accompanying documents and statements or explanations | + | *'''Form 8718 and the appropriate application fee'''. The United States charges an administrative fee to process each application. This form certifies the payment of this fee. The 1023, 8718 and the fee payment in U.S. dollars are sent to the address in Covington, Kentucky listed on the Form 8718. For each of these steps, there is help available on the IRS website or by calling the toll-free number listed on each form. |
| − | *The relevant financial data | + | *'''IRS Form 1023: Application for Recognition of Exemption'''. Form 1023 is the application for recognition of tax exempt status. The instructions are outlined in the Pub 557 and within the 1023 form. It is on this form that the organization explains exactly what they do and how they do it. The form requires that the organization provide a copy of the "organizing document." That is the official form or document that created your NGO. It might be a government application, a constitution or other official form. It should be submitted in its original format. Organizations are also asked to provide a document that describes how the organization operates, known in the United States as organizational bylaws. . |
| − | *Additional information related to their particular activities (for certain specific types of NGOs). | + | *The '''required accompanying documents''' and statements or explanations |
| + | *The '''relevant financial data''' | ||
| + | *'''Additional information''' related to their particular activities (for certain specific types of NGOs). | ||
An NGO’s application package must show that the following is true: | An NGO’s application package must show that the following is true: | ||
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===IRS forms=== | ===IRS forms=== | ||
| − | Various IRS Forms, described in this section, are required to be submitted as part of the application for tax-exempt status. In addition to these forms, if an NGO will have a designated appointee representing the organization with the IRS, the NGO must also file IRS Form 2848 Power of Attorney and Declaration of Responsibility and IRS Form 8821 Tax Information Authorization. IRS Form 2848 authorizes someone other than the NGO’s principal officer or [[The Primary Responsibilities of an NGO Executive Director|director]] to represent the organization on matters regarding the application. IRS Form 8821 authorizes any individual, corporation, firm, organization, or [[NGO Networking|partnership]] designated by the applicant NGO to inspect and/or receive the NGO’s confidential tax [[NGO Information Management|information]] in any office of the IRS. | + | Various IRS Forms, described in this section, are required to be submitted as part of the application for tax-exempt status. All forms can be downloaded from the [http://www.irs.gov Internal Revenue Service website] from the [http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html Section on Forms and Publications]. |
| + | |||
| + | In addition to these forms, ''if'' an NGO will have a designated appointee representing the organization with the IRS, the NGO must also file IRS Form 2848 Power of Attorney and Declaration of Responsibility and IRS Form 8821 Tax Information Authorization. IRS Form 2848 authorizes someone other than the NGO’s principal officer or [[The Primary Responsibilities of an NGO Executive Director|director]] to represent the organization on matters regarding the application. IRS Form 8821 authorizes any individual, corporation, firm, organization, or [[NGO Networking|partnership]] designated by the applicant NGO to inspect and/or receive the NGO’s confidential tax [[NGO Information Management|information]] in any office of the IRS. | ||
=====Form SS-4 Employee Identification Number===== | =====Form SS-4 Employee Identification Number===== | ||
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*Aid a community in bringing industry development to the area. | *Aid a community in bringing industry development to the area. | ||
| − | ''Required | + | ''Required Additional Documents and Information'' |
If the foundation engages in scientific research, along with its application materials the NGO must submit:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | If the foundation engages in scientific research, along with its application materials the NGO must submit:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
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*The disposition of results | *The disposition of results | ||
*Information on the ownership and control of the results of the research | *Information on the ownership and control of the results of the research | ||
| − | *A copy of the NGO’s publications. | + | *A copy of the NGO’s publications. |
=====Literary Organizations===== | =====Literary Organizations===== | ||
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If an NGO wants to be deemed a public charity it must state so on Part III of Form 1023.<ref>Public charities are not required to file an application unless their annual charitable gross receipts are at least $5,000. Ibid., at 10. Such organizations receive an automatic tax exemption. A tax-exempt NGO must file an application for recognition of its tax exempt status within 90 days of the end of the year of exceeding the $5,000 gross receipts threshold. Ibid. To meet the gross receipts test an NGO must have received $7,500 or less its first tax year, $12,000 or less during its first two years and $15,000 or less for the current and preceding two years. Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, at 19.</ref> Generally, the IRS considers information from the current and preceding four tax years to determine if an NGO qualifies as a public charity. However, new organizations, or organizations that have been in operation less than five years, may request an advance ruling of its public charity status.<ref>Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, at 6.</ref> At the end of the advanced ruling period the NGO must show it received significant public support to receive official public charity status.<ref>Ibid. If the NGO did not receive sufficient support, it will be deemed a private foundation. Public charities must continue to seek “significant and diversified public support” throughout its existence. Ibid.</ref> There are four categories of NGOs that may qualify as a public charity and fall under the exceptions of subsections (a)(1) through (4) of section 509. | If an NGO wants to be deemed a public charity it must state so on Part III of Form 1023.<ref>Public charities are not required to file an application unless their annual charitable gross receipts are at least $5,000. Ibid., at 10. Such organizations receive an automatic tax exemption. A tax-exempt NGO must file an application for recognition of its tax exempt status within 90 days of the end of the year of exceeding the $5,000 gross receipts threshold. Ibid. To meet the gross receipts test an NGO must have received $7,500 or less its first tax year, $12,000 or less during its first two years and $15,000 or less for the current and preceding two years. Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, at 19.</ref> Generally, the IRS considers information from the current and preceding four tax years to determine if an NGO qualifies as a public charity. However, new organizations, or organizations that have been in operation less than five years, may request an advance ruling of its public charity status.<ref>Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, at 6.</ref> At the end of the advanced ruling period the NGO must show it received significant public support to receive official public charity status.<ref>Ibid. If the NGO did not receive sufficient support, it will be deemed a private foundation. Public charities must continue to seek “significant and diversified public support” throughout its existence. Ibid.</ref> There are four categories of NGOs that may qualify as a public charity and fall under the exceptions of subsections (a)(1) through (4) of section 509. | ||
| − | ====Section 509 (a)(1) | + | ====Section 509 (a)(1) Organizations==== |
| − | |||
The NGOs found in this public charity category include: | The NGOs found in this public charity category include: | ||
*Churches | *Churches | ||
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In addition, the IRS considers five public support factors to determine if an NGO is publicly supported. The NGO does not have to satisfy all five requirements; it just must show “a sufficient combination of the factors.”<ref>Ibid., at 31-32.</ref> The weight the IRS gives to each factor depends on the nature, purpose, and age of the NGO.<ref>Ibid., at 32.</ref> The five factors include:<ref>See Ibid. In considering these additional factors the IRS may consider facts outside the “normal” time period (i.e., outside the current and four preceding tax years). Ibid.</ref> | In addition, the IRS considers five public support factors to determine if an NGO is publicly supported. The NGO does not have to satisfy all five requirements; it just must show “a sufficient combination of the factors.”<ref>Ibid., at 31-32.</ref> The weight the IRS gives to each factor depends on the nature, purpose, and age of the NGO.<ref>Ibid., at 32.</ref> The five factors include:<ref>See Ibid. In considering these additional factors the IRS may consider facts outside the “normal” time period (i.e., outside the current and four preceding tax years). Ibid.</ref> | ||
| − | + | #'''Percentage of Financial Support Factor'''. If an NGO receives at least 10% but less than one-third of its support from public and government sources, the percentage of financial support will be considered. The higher the percent, the lower the burden the NGO has to meet. If the percentage is low, the sources of the NGO’s financial support will also be considered in determining compliance with this factor. | |
| − | # '''Percentage of | + | #'''Sources of Support Factor'''. If an NGO receives at least 10% but less than one-third of its support from public and government sources, the IRS will consider whether it receives support from the government or from a “representative number of persons” rather than receiving most support from an individual or family. The representative number of persons needed to comply with this factor will be determined by the type of organization, its age, and whether its activities are limited to a particular geographic area. |
| − | # '''Sources of | + | #'''Representative Governing Body Factor'''. Whether an NGO’s governing body represents “the broad interests of the public” rather than of “a limited number of donors” is considered. An NGO is in compliance with this factor if the governing body is composed of: public officials, individuals selected by those public officials, persons with specialized knowledge, community leaders, and/or individuals elected by a broad base of the NGO’s [[Board Members|members]]. |
| − | # '''Representative | + | <ol start="4"> |
| − | + | <li>'''Availability of Public Facilities or Services Factor'''. Evidence of public support under this factor include: | |
| − | + | *Whether an NGO regularly provides facilities or services to benefit the public | |
| − | + | *Whether an educational or research institution “regularly publishes scholarly studies” that are widely used | |
| − | + | *Participating or sponsoring programs by public officials or individuals with special expertise | |
| − | + | *Maintaining programs to accomplish charitable work in the community | |
| − | + | *Receiving grants from a charity or government agency.</li></ol> | |
| − | |||
<ol start="5"> | <ol start="5"> | ||
<li>'''Membership organizations factors'''. There are additional factors pertinent to whether a membership organization will be deemed to be publicly supported. A membership organization is publicly supported if: | <li>'''Membership organizations factors'''. There are additional factors pertinent to whether a membership organization will be deemed to be publicly supported. A membership organization is publicly supported if: | ||
| − | + | * Its solicitation for dues is designed to enroll “a substantial number of persons” | |
| − | + | * Membership dues have fixed rates to ensure they are financially available to a “broad cross section” of the public | |
| − | + | * Activities appeal to a “broad common interest or purpose.”</li></ol> <br> | |
| − | </ol> | ||
| − | + | The IRS defines ''support'' as the following:<ref>Ibid., at 33. Amounts received from activities in furtherance of the NGO’s exempt purpose and from contributions of services where a deduction is not allowed are not considered support with regards to the tests a public charity must meet. Ibid.</ref> <br> | |
| + | *Gifts | ||
| + | *Grants | ||
| + | *Contributions | ||
| + | *Membership fees (if the fees are to provide support and not to buy admission or merchandise) | ||
| + | *Net income from unrelated business activities | ||
| + | *Gross investment income | ||
| + | *Tax revenues | ||
| + | *The value of services or facilities furnished by the government without charge.<br> | ||
| − | + | <br>Support from the public includes “direct or indirect contributions” from individuals, trusts, or corporations during the four years preceding the current tax year (or the substituted computation period for new organizations discussed below) that are less than 2% of the total support for that period.<ref>Ibid.</ref> In other words, public contributions can only count for 2% of the NGO’s total financial support that goes into consideration as to whether the NGO receives one-third or 10% of its support from the public. Grants from public charities or the government are not subject to the 2% limit unless the grants represent amounts set aside by the donor for the NGO’s claim of public support status.<ref>Ibid., p. 34.</ref> Additionally, unusual grants, or contributions by disinterested parties attracted to the publicly supported nature of the NGO in an unusual or unexpected amount that would adversely affect the NGO’s public support status, are not subject to the 2%limit.<ref>Ibid.</ref> <br> | |
| + | <br> | ||
| + | '''New Organizations''' <br> | ||
| − | + | NGOs in existence for more than eight months but less than five years can substitute the ''preceding four-year computation period requirement'' with the number of tax years in existence before the current tax year to meet the one-third or facts and circumstances tests.<ref>Ibid. at 33.</ref> If the NGO’s first tax year was at least eight months, the computation period for status determination consists of “either the first tax year or the first and second tax years.” <ref>Ibid.</ref> If an NGO’s first tax year was less than eight months, the computation period consists of “either the first and second or the first, second and third tax years.”<ref>Ibid.</ref> <br> | |
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If a NGO cannot meet the computation period requirements, the NGO may qualify for an advanced ruling to be treated as a section 509(a)(1) public charity for five years to develop an “adequate support history” to reinforce an initial determination.<ref>Ibid., at p. 35.</ref> An NGO will qualify if it can show that its organizational structure, programs, activities, and methods of operation are “likely to attract” wide support from the public, other public charities, and the government.<ref>Ibid.</ref> A request for an advance ruling must be accompanied by Form 872-C Consent Fixing Period of Limitation Upon Assessment of Tax stating that the NGO will be subject to taxes if it fails to qualify.<ref>Ibid.</ref> “Thirty to forty-five days before the end of the advanced ruling period,” the IRS will request “financial support information” to make the final determination.<ref>Ibid.</ref> If an NGO received an advanced ruling of its determination status as a public charity, the computation period for meeting the requirements discussed above is based on all years in the five year advance ruling period.<ref>Ibid, at p. 33.</ref> | If a NGO cannot meet the computation period requirements, the NGO may qualify for an advanced ruling to be treated as a section 509(a)(1) public charity for five years to develop an “adequate support history” to reinforce an initial determination.<ref>Ibid., at p. 35.</ref> An NGO will qualify if it can show that its organizational structure, programs, activities, and methods of operation are “likely to attract” wide support from the public, other public charities, and the government.<ref>Ibid.</ref> A request for an advance ruling must be accompanied by Form 872-C Consent Fixing Period of Limitation Upon Assessment of Tax stating that the NGO will be subject to taxes if it fails to qualify.<ref>Ibid.</ref> “Thirty to forty-five days before the end of the advanced ruling period,” the IRS will request “financial support information” to make the final determination.<ref>Ibid.</ref> If an NGO received an advanced ruling of its determination status as a public charity, the computation period for meeting the requirements discussed above is based on all years in the five year advance ruling period.<ref>Ibid, at p. 33.</ref> | ||
| − | ====Section 509(a)(2) | + | ====Section 509(a)(2) Organizations==== |
There are two differences between section 509(a)(1) and (2) organizations. For section 509(a)(2) organizations:<ref>Ibid., at 37.</ref> | There are two differences between section 509(a)(1) and (2) organizations. For section 509(a)(2) organizations:<ref>Ibid., at 37.</ref> | ||
| − | # | + | # The term support includes support allowed under section 509(a)(1) and income from activities related to the NGO’s exempt purpose (which is not allowed to be considered income under the support test for section 509(a)(1) organizations). |
| − | # | + | # There is “a limit on the total gross investment income and unrelated business income an [NGO] may have,” whereas there is no limit under section 509(a)(1). |
To be considered a public charity under section 509(a)(2), an NGO must meet two tests: the one-third support test and the not-more-than-one-third support test. The one-third support test is met if the NGO normally receives more than one-third of its financial support from “gifts, grants, contributions or membership fees” and gross receipts from a related trade or business.<ref>Ibid. The definition of normally is the same as for section 509(a)(1) organizations.</ref> Gross receipts may be included only to the extent that they are “not more than the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the [NGO’s] total support” for the applicable tax year.<ref>Ibid.</ref> For this test permitted sources of support include section 509(a)(1) organizations, the government, and non-disqualified persons.<ref>Ibid. For the definition of disqualified persons see ibid., at 42. Like section 509(a)(1) organizations, unusual grants are not subject to any percentage limitations. Ibid., at 38.</ref> The not-more-than-one-third support test is met if the NGO normally receives not more than one-third of its support from: gross investment income and the excess of unrelated business income from unrelated trades or business “over the tax imposed on that income.”<ref>Ibid., at 37. Amounts received from section 509(a)(3) organizations are considered gross investment income rather than gifts or contributions to the extent it is gross investment income of the section 509(a)(3) organization. Ibid., at 44.</ref> | To be considered a public charity under section 509(a)(2), an NGO must meet two tests: the one-third support test and the not-more-than-one-third support test. The one-third support test is met if the NGO normally receives more than one-third of its financial support from “gifts, grants, contributions or membership fees” and gross receipts from a related trade or business.<ref>Ibid. The definition of normally is the same as for section 509(a)(1) organizations.</ref> Gross receipts may be included only to the extent that they are “not more than the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the [NGO’s] total support” for the applicable tax year.<ref>Ibid.</ref> For this test permitted sources of support include section 509(a)(1) organizations, the government, and non-disqualified persons.<ref>Ibid. For the definition of disqualified persons see ibid., at 42. Like section 509(a)(1) organizations, unusual grants are not subject to any percentage limitations. Ibid., at 38.</ref> The not-more-than-one-third support test is met if the NGO normally receives not more than one-third of its support from: gross investment income and the excess of unrelated business income from unrelated trades or business “over the tax imposed on that income.”<ref>Ibid., at 37. Amounts received from section 509(a)(3) organizations are considered gross investment income rather than gifts or contributions to the extent it is gross investment income of the section 509(a)(3) organization. Ibid., at 44.</ref> | ||
| − | '''New | + | '''New Organizations''' |
| − | |||
Like 509(a)(1) organizations, section 509(a)(2) organizations must have operated for at least eight months before the IRS will make a final determination.<ref>Ibid., p. 39.</ref> However, as for section 509(a)(1) organizations, new NGOs are eligible to use the advanced ruling period to meet section 509(a)(2) requirements.<ref>Ibid., p. 38.</ref> If the NGO reasonably expects to meet the two tests, the IRS may issue an advanced ruling granting the NGO status as a section 509(a)(2) public charity.<ref>Ibid.</ref> At the end of the period, the NGO must establish that it satisfies the tests.<ref>Ibid.</ref> If not, the NGO will be considered a private foundation. A request for an advanced ruling must be filed with the consent to extend statute, Form 872-C, that it will be subject to private foundation taxes if it does not qualify.<ref>Ibid, p. 39.</ref> | Like 509(a)(1) organizations, section 509(a)(2) organizations must have operated for at least eight months before the IRS will make a final determination.<ref>Ibid., p. 39.</ref> However, as for section 509(a)(1) organizations, new NGOs are eligible to use the advanced ruling period to meet section 509(a)(2) requirements.<ref>Ibid., p. 38.</ref> If the NGO reasonably expects to meet the two tests, the IRS may issue an advanced ruling granting the NGO status as a section 509(a)(2) public charity.<ref>Ibid.</ref> At the end of the period, the NGO must establish that it satisfies the tests.<ref>Ibid.</ref> If not, the NGO will be considered a private foundation. A request for an advanced ruling must be filed with the consent to extend statute, Form 872-C, that it will be subject to private foundation taxes if it does not qualify.<ref>Ibid, p. 39.</ref> | ||
To determine if the NGO meets the support tests, the IRS will consider on a case by case basis whether the NGO’s organizational structure, programs, activities, and methods of operation will attract wide support from the public, other public charities, and the government.<ref>Ibid.</ref> All pertinent facts will be considered including whether:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | To determine if the NGO meets the support tests, the IRS will consider on a case by case basis whether the NGO’s organizational structure, programs, activities, and methods of operation will attract wide support from the public, other public charities, and the government.<ref>Ibid.</ref> All pertinent facts will be considered including whether:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
| − | + | *The governing body includes members with special knowledge, who are community leaders, or are elected by a “broadly based membership” | |
| − | + | *A substantial part of the NGO’s original funding is provided by the public, public charities, or government grants | |
| − | + | *A substantial part of the NGO’s initial funding is in an endowment fund and whether investment of the fund is “unlikely to result in more than one-third” of the NGO’s total support | |
| − | + | *The NGO has a plan to raise funds | |
| − | + | *The NGO has a plan to carry on its activities | |
| − | + | *The NGO has set a fixed rate fee for membership to attract diverse members | |
| − | + | *The NGO provides products, services or facilities to the public, public charities, or the government. | |
====Section 509(a)(3) organizations==== | ====Section 509(a)(3) organizations==== | ||
Certain private foundations that support section 509(a)(1) and (2) organizations may be considered public charities under section 509(a)(3) if they meet the following requirements:<ref>Ibid., at 40. The term publicly supported organization refers to a section 509(a)(1) or (2) organization. Ibid. Disqualified persons refer to those with an interest in the NGO, such as substantial contributors, managers, owners, or family members. For more information, see ibid., p. 42.</ref> | Certain private foundations that support section 509(a)(1) and (2) organizations may be considered public charities under section 509(a)(3) if they meet the following requirements:<ref>Ibid., at 40. The term publicly supported organization refers to a section 509(a)(1) or (2) organization. Ibid. Disqualified persons refer to those with an interest in the NGO, such as substantial contributors, managers, owners, or family members. For more information, see ibid., p. 42.</ref> | ||
| − | # | + | # The NGO is organized and operated to carry out the purposes of a publicly supported organization. |
| − | # | + | # The NGO is “operated, supported, and controlled by or in connection with” a publicly supported organization. |
| − | # | + | # The NGO is not controlled by a disqualified person. |
Thus, an NGO funded by a “single donor, family, or corporation” may qualify as a pubic charity, not for its activities, but because of its relationship with a publicly supported organization.<ref>Ibid.</ref> To satisfy requirement (2) that the NGO is operated, supported, and controlled by or in connection with a publicly supported organization, the NGO must have a specific type of relationship with the publicly supported organization.<ref>Ibid, p. 41.</ref> The NGO must be either:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | Thus, an NGO funded by a “single donor, family, or corporation” may qualify as a pubic charity, not for its activities, but because of its relationship with a publicly supported organization.<ref>Ibid.</ref> To satisfy requirement (2) that the NGO is operated, supported, and controlled by or in connection with a publicly supported organization, the NGO must have a specific type of relationship with the publicly supported organization.<ref>Ibid, p. 41.</ref> The NGO must be either:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
| − | + | *Operated, supervised or controlled by a publicly supported organization | |
| − | + | *Supervised or controlled in connection with a publicly supported organization or | |
| − | + | *Operated in connection with a publicly supported organization. | |
For the first two types of relationships to satisfy requirement (1) that the NGO is organized and operated to carry out the purposes of the publicly supported organization, the NGO needs to satisfy the ''organizational'' and ''operational'' tests. The organizational test is met if the articles of organization of the NGO:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | For the first two types of relationships to satisfy requirement (1) that the NGO is organized and operated to carry out the purposes of the publicly supported organization, the NGO needs to satisfy the ''organizational'' and ''operational'' tests. The organizational test is met if the articles of organization of the NGO:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
| − | + | *Limit its purpose to one or more of the purposes in requirement (1) | |
| − | + | *Do not expressly empower the NGO to engage in activities that do not further that purpose | |
| − | + | *Specify the publicly supported organization the NGO supports | |
| − | + | *Do not expressly empower the NGO to support other organizations than those specified. | |
The operational test is met if the NGO performs only permissible activities for permissible beneficiaries. Permitted activities are those activities that support or benefit the specified organizations.<ref>Ibid, p. 42.</ref> These may include providing payments or services to the class benefitting from the specified organization; using “income to carry on an independent activity or program that supports or benefits” the specified organization; or raising funds for the specified organization or its beneficiaries.<ref>Ibid. An NGO does not have to pay its income to the specified organization to meet this test.</ref> Permitted beneficiaries are the specified publicly supported organizations or the beneficiaries of those specified organizations.<ref>Ibid, p. 41.</ref> | The operational test is met if the NGO performs only permissible activities for permissible beneficiaries. Permitted activities are those activities that support or benefit the specified organizations.<ref>Ibid, p. 42.</ref> These may include providing payments or services to the class benefitting from the specified organization; using “income to carry on an independent activity or program that supports or benefits” the specified organization; or raising funds for the specified organization or its beneficiaries.<ref>Ibid. An NGO does not have to pay its income to the specified organization to meet this test.</ref> Permitted beneficiaries are the specified publicly supported organizations or the beneficiaries of those specified organizations.<ref>Ibid, p. 41.</ref> | ||
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For the third type of relationship to satisfy requirement (1) that the NGO is organized and operated to carry out the purposes of the publicly supported organization, the NGO needs to meet the ''organizational'', ''responsiveness'', ''integral-part'', and ''operational tests''.<ref>For more detailed information on these tests, see ibid, pp. 42-44.</ref> | For the third type of relationship to satisfy requirement (1) that the NGO is organized and operated to carry out the purposes of the publicly supported organization, the NGO needs to meet the ''organizational'', ''responsiveness'', ''integral-part'', and ''operational tests''.<ref>For more detailed information on these tests, see ibid, pp. 42-44.</ref> | ||
| − | The '''organizational test''' is similar to that | + | The '''organizational test''' is similar to that of the first two types of relationships. The test is met if the NGO’s governing instrument:<ref>Ibid, p. 42. For more information on the designate requirement, see ibid at pp. 42-43..</ref> |
| − | + | *Limits its purpose to supporting a publicly supported organization | |
| − | + | *Designates the organization the NGO is “operated, supervised, or controlled by” | |
| − | + | *Does not give “express powers inconsistent with [its] purpose.” | |
The '''responsiveness test''' is met if the NGO is responsive to the publicly supported organization by either:<ref>Ibid, p. 43.</ref> | The '''responsiveness test''' is met if the NGO is responsive to the publicly supported organization by either:<ref>Ibid, p. 43.</ref> | ||
| − | + | *The publicly supported organization electing, appointing, or maintaining a close relationship with the officers of the NGO, or | |
| − | + | *The NGO is a trust and the publicly supported organization is the named beneficiary. | |
The '''integral-part test''' is met if the NGO is significantly involved in the operations of the publicly supported organization and the publicly supported organization is dependant on the NGO because:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | The '''integral-part test''' is met if the NGO is significantly involved in the operations of the publicly supported organization and the publicly supported organization is dependant on the NGO because:<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
| − | + | *The NGO is performing the functions or carrying out the purpose of the publicly supported organization or | |
| − | + | *The NGO is making payments of “substantially all of its income to or for the use of” the publicly supported organization and the amount is significant to the publicly supported organization. | |
The '''operational test''' has limited applicability because the integral-part test is more specific.<ref>Ibid.</ref> An NGO can fail the operational test and the integral-part test if the NGO performs activities that do not constitute activities that, but for the NGO, a publicly supported organization would have performed.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | The '''operational test''' has limited applicability because the integral-part test is more specific.<ref>Ibid.</ref> An NGO can fail the operational test and the integral-part test if the NGO performs activities that do not constitute activities that, but for the NGO, a publicly supported organization would have performed.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
| − | ====Section 509(a)(4) | + | ====Section 509(a)(4) Organizations==== |
Private foundations or other organizations that test products for public safety are considered public charities under section 509(a)(4).<ref>Ibid, p. 44.</ref> | Private foundations or other organizations that test products for public safety are considered public charities under section 509(a)(4).<ref>Ibid, p. 44.</ref> | ||
| − | ==Responsibilities of | + | ==Responsibilities of Tax-Exempt NGOs== |
If an NGO is granted tax-exempt status, it incurs several responsibilities to maintain this status, including keeping records, filing annual returns with the IRS, making certain information publicly available, handling unrelated business income properly, and filing an employer’s return, if applicable. | If an NGO is granted tax-exempt status, it incurs several responsibilities to maintain this status, including keeping records, filing annual returns with the IRS, making certain information publicly available, handling unrelated business income properly, and filing an employer’s return, if applicable. | ||
| Line 392: | Line 389: | ||
Section 501(c)(3) organizations must keep books and records on their sources of financial and non-financial support.<ref>For more information, see Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, p. 7</ref> | Section 501(c)(3) organizations must keep books and records on their sources of financial and non-financial support.<ref>For more information, see Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, p. 7</ref> | ||
| − | ===Filing | + | ===Filing Requirements=== |
| − | Generally, section 501(c)(3) organizations must file annual information returns.<ref>For exceptions to this filing requirement see Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, at 8. Group returns may be filed by the central NGO on behalf of its subordinate NGOs along with the central NGO’s annual return. Ibid., at 9. There may also be state reporting requirements for NGOs.</ref> Public charities must file annual information returns on Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax or Form 990-EZ.<ref>The IRS is in the process of redesigning Form 990. See http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=171216,00.html for more information.</ref> An NGO may file an EZ form if its gross receipts were less than $100,000 and its total assets were less than $25,000.<ref>Internal Revenue Service, ''Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization'', p. 9. If an NGO’s gross receipts are less than $25,000, Form 990/990-EZ does not have to be filed. However, it may be better to file a blank return than no return. Rural Community Empowerment Program, “501(c)(3) Fact Sheet.” To do so an NGO should fill out the “identifying information on the form and check the box indicating that gross receipts are less than $25,000,” sign, date, and send it to the appropriate IRS office. Ibid.</ref> Public charities that file Form 990/990-EZ must also complete and file Schedule A and Schedule B.<Ibid, p. 9.</ref> Private foundations must file Form 990-PF and Schedule B.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | + | Generally, section 501(c)(3) organizations must file annual information returns.<ref>For exceptions to this filing requirement see Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, at 8. Group returns may be filed by the central NGO on behalf of its subordinate NGOs along with the central NGO’s annual return. Ibid., at 9. There may also be state reporting requirements for NGOs.</ref> Public charities must file annual information returns on Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax or Form 990-EZ.<ref>The IRS is in the process of redesigning Form 990. See http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=171216,00.html for more information.</ref> An NGO may file an EZ form if its gross receipts were less than $100,000 and its total assets were less than $25,000.<ref>Internal Revenue Service, ''Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization'', p. 9. If an NGO’s gross receipts are less than $25,000, Form 990/990-EZ does not have to be filed. However, it may be better to file a blank return than no return. Rural Community Empowerment Program, “501(c)(3) Fact Sheet.” To do so an NGO should fill out the “identifying information on the form and check the box indicating that gross receipts are less than $25,000,” sign, date, and send it to the appropriate IRS office. Ibid.</ref> Public charities that file Form 990/990-EZ must also complete and file Schedule A and Schedule B.<ref>Ibid, p. 9.</ref> Private foundations must file Form 990-PF and Schedule B.<ref>Ibid.</ref> |
| − | The annual returns are due “the fifteenth day of the fifth month after the end of the [NGO’s] accounting period.”<ref> Ibid. Exempt NGOs that are not political organizations, but that have political taxable income must also file Form 1120-POL for the year. Ibid., at 10. Exempt NGOs may set up a separate and segregated fund that is treated as an independent political organization, so that the income is not attributed to the exempt NGO. Ibid. Section 501(c)(3) organizations may lose their tax exemption for campaigning for or against any political candidate. Ibid., at 10-11.</ref> If an NGO’s application is pending, the NGO should complete and file the appropriate Form 990 and indicate its application is pending.<ref>Ibid.</ref> There are penalties for failing to file an annual return. | + | The annual returns are due “the fifteenth day of the fifth month after the end of the [NGO’s] accounting period.”<ref> Ibid. Exempt NGOs that are not political organizations, but that have political taxable income must also file Form 1120-POL for the year. Ibid., at 10. Exempt NGOs may set up a separate and segregated fund that is treated as an independent political organization, so that the income is not attributed to the exempt NGO. Ibid. Section 501(c)(3) organizations may lose their tax exemption for campaigning for or against any political candidate.<ref>Ibid., at 10-11.</ref> If an NGO’s application is pending, the NGO should complete and file the appropriate Form 990 and indicate its application is pending.<ref>Ibid.</ref> There are penalties for failing to file an annual return. |
| − | ===Donor | + | ===Donor Information=== |
Tax-exempt NGOs must provide certain donors with information regarding their charitable contribution. For contributions over $75, NGOs must provide donors with a disclosure statement.<ref>Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, at 8-9. For more information on the acknowledgment and reporting requirements with respect to contributions, see Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, at 12-13.</ref> Additionally, for a donor to deduct a charitable contribution of $250 or more, the NGO must provide the donor with a written acknowledgment.<ref>Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, pages 8-9.</ref> | Tax-exempt NGOs must provide certain donors with information regarding their charitable contribution. For contributions over $75, NGOs must provide donors with a disclosure statement.<ref>Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, at 8-9. For more information on the acknowledgment and reporting requirements with respect to contributions, see Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, at 12-13.</ref> Additionally, for a donor to deduct a charitable contribution of $250 or more, the NGO must provide the donor with a written acknowledgment.<ref>Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, pages 8-9.</ref> | ||
| Line 404: | Line 401: | ||
===Disclosures=== | ===Disclosures=== | ||
| − | An NGO must make available for public inspection its tax-exempt application and all supporting documents, as well as its last three annual returns.<ref>See Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, at 13; Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, at 8; Internal Revenue Service, “Application for Recognition of Exemption,” http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96109,00.html.</ref> The documents must be available during regular business hours and the NGO must furnish copies of the documents upon request unless they are widely available | + | An NGO must make available for public inspection its tax-exempt application and all supporting documents, as well as its last three annual returns.<ref>See Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, at 13; Internal Revenue Service, Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, at 8; Internal Revenue Service, “Application for Recognition of Exemption,” http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96109,00.html.</ref> The documents must be available during regular business hours and the NGO must furnish copies of the documents upon request unless they are widely available (i.e. on the internet).<ref>Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization at 14.</ref> If any of the information in the application materials is a trade secret or otherwise confidential under the law, the NGO may withhold the specific material from public inspection.<ref>Ibid, pages 13-14.</ref> |
| − | ===Unrelated | + | ===Unrelated Business Income=== |
An exempt NGO may still be liable for tax on unrelated business income. Unrelated business income is income “not substantially related to the charitable, educational, or other purpose that is the basis for the [NGO’s] tax exemption.”<ref>Ibid, p. 9</ref> Tax-exempt NGOs must file tax returns for any unrelated business income of $1,000 or more by using ''Form 990-T'', in addition to its annual return.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | An exempt NGO may still be liable for tax on unrelated business income. Unrelated business income is income “not substantially related to the charitable, educational, or other purpose that is the basis for the [NGO’s] tax exemption.”<ref>Ibid, p. 9</ref> Tax-exempt NGOs must file tax returns for any unrelated business income of $1,000 or more by using ''Form 990-T'', in addition to its annual return.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
| − | ===Reporting | + | ===Reporting Employer’s Taxes=== |
If an NGO has employees it must file ''Form 941'' Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return. If an NGO does not have a payroll during a quarter or does not have employees, the NGO does not need to file the form.<ref>Rural Community Empowerment Program, “501(c)(3) Fact Sheet.”</ref> However, it may be better to complete the return and file it regardless.<ref>Ibid.</ref> A common issue raised by the IRS with NGOs is misclassifying employees as independent contractors.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | If an NGO has employees it must file ''Form 941'' Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return. If an NGO does not have a payroll during a quarter or does not have employees, the NGO does not need to file the form.<ref>Rural Community Empowerment Program, “501(c)(3) Fact Sheet.”</ref> However, it may be better to complete the return and file it regardless.<ref>Ibid.</ref> A common issue raised by the IRS with NGOs is misclassifying employees as independent contractors.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||
Latest revision as of 12:35, 14 January 2009
This article is intended to provide a general description of the process for obtaining 501(c)(3) status under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and is not intended to substitute for the advice of private counsel on specific issues related to the IRC or the 501(c)(3) application process. Original draft by Bobby C. Neal.
In the United States, a non-governmental organization (NGO) is generally subject to federal, state, and local taxes unless and until the organization qualifies for tax-exempt status. This article focuses on the process for obtaining a federal income tax exemption for NGOs.[1] NGOs that meet the criteria set forth in 26 U.S.C. § 501 of the Internal Revenue Code (section 501) are eligible for a federal tax exemption.[2] The benefits to obtaining tax exempt recognition by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) include: income tax exemption, eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions, possible exemption from certain employment taxes, and reduced postal rates. Section 501 describes the organizations that are eligible for tax-exempt status. The most significant category of tax-exempt organizations is section 501(c)(3).
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