Form 1023 Preparation Services

I can prepare, or help you prepare your organization's application for tax-exempt status, Form 1023 or Form 1024, whichever is appropriate. These applications are long and quite time-consuming. Not only do they require a great deal of detailed information about your organization's activities, but they also require financial projections, or historical financial information, depending on the age of your organization when you apply. Generally there are a lot of documents and explanations that must be attached.

Some of my recent 1023 clients include a private school for autistic children, a venture philanthropy foundation, high school booster clubs, religious/spiritual (non-church) organizations, and a neighborhood association that was requesting a change from 501(c)(4) classification to 501(c)(3). So far, I have a 100% success rate.

Fees

My fees for Form 1023/1024 preparation generally begin at about $1,500, with an additional $250 to prepare the state charitable solicitation permit. Fees are determined based on the complexity of the organization's activities, the ability of the organization's founders to communicate to me regarding the details of the activities of the organization and provide me with financial projections or history, and the degree of cooperation I expect to receive from the organization.

If you feel like you can do most of the form yourself and just need some help with a few areas, I can consult with you and coach you through the tough parts for a reduced fee.

Incorporation

Your organization must be incorporated and have a Tax ID number (EIN) from the IRS before I can complete the application. Very small organizations can usually safely incorporate themselves by filling out proper paperwork with their state. Larger organizations are well advised to use the services of an attorney experienced with nonprofit organization incorporations.

Professional Review of Self-Prepared 1023

If you or another non-expert has prepared Form 1023 for your organization, you should consider having me review it before you submit it to the IRS. The questions on Form 1023 can be tricky, the language used in the form is specific to non-profit law, and the form is long and complex. Using the wrong wording or checking a box "yes" when it should have been "no" can create doubt in the mind of the IRS employee examining your application that your organization qualifies for tax exempt status. This can result in either an unfavorable ruling or a request for additional explanation and documentation, which will create further delays in an already lengthy application process.

Failing to include required attachments can also cause delays and additional paperwork. Consider having your Form 1023 reviewed before submitting it to the IRS.