What’s the Difference Between 501(a) & 501(c)(3)?
These labels are both Internal Revenue Service terms for
tax-exempt organizations. By tax exempt group
we mean an organization that is formed not to make money for any person or
corporation, but to give services or information, promote civil rights, or
spread religion. Tax exempt organization
also must not be involved in any political campaign. So, two basic rules: not to make money and
not to get involved in a political campaign.
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But what’s the difference between 501(a) and 501(c)(3)? Both are types of tax-exempt organizations
but the difference is that one is public and one is private. 501(a) is for private membership. 501(c)(3) is open to the public. To apply for tax-exempt position, they also
use different Internal Revenue Service application forms. 501(a) uses IRS Form 1024. 501(c) (3) uses IRS Form 1023.
Use IRS Form 1024 when your organization will be comprised
of a select private group. An example
would be a group of employees who form a tax exempt organization to promote
awareness of benefits on the job.
How to Create a Tax Exempt Organization
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An Exempt Organization requires a hefty amount of paperwork,
from beginning to end. One of the first
things you would do for your new organization would be to apply for tax exempt
status. IRS Form 1024 is used to apply
for federal tax exempt status. The IRS
likes to call this form Application for Recognition of Exemption under Section
501(a). Judging by the short length of
the Form 1024 Instructions that go with the form, it’s not too difficult to
fill out.
You’ll also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
from the IRS but don’t worry that’s an even shorter and easier form to fill
out. In fact, you can apply for an EIN
online and have a number the same day.
If only all IRS transaction were so hassle-free!
And third you’ll need to create your tax-exempt organization
under whatever state law in which you’re going to be operating. Go to your state’s website for those
directions and forms.
You’ve Submitted IRS Form 1024: Now What?
How to file 2013 State Taxes
Now you wait, but the IRS helps you through the system. They even have a handy dandy interactive
question and answer guide to applying for Section 501(a) status. The IRS will procedure Form 1024 forms in the
order that they were received unless you have a compelling reason to hurry up
the process and skip ahead of others in line. These are…
Your new
organization is set up to provide relief to disaster victims. In this case time is of the core.
You require the
status fast as you’re trying to apply for a grant that will go away if you miss
a time limit
The IRS messed up
and caused your application to get bumped back in line. Explain carefully and they may help you out.