No. There are 3 groups that are automatically exempt from this requirement: churches, organizations with less than $5,000 gross receipts, and affiliates of nonprofits that are covered by group exemption. But many churches still choose to obtain 501(c)(3) status for a variety of reasons.
We’ve helped 400+ nonprofits get 501c3 status nationwide
You’ve made the decision to start your nonprofit and you want to do it correctly so that you can serve your community for years to come. Figuring out how to start a nonprofit organization is more than filling out the right paperwork, but you certainly want to get that done right.
At Charitable Allies, we’ve worked with over 400 nonprofit organizations in getting their 501c3 status so they can accept donations and change the world. We offer support for nonprofit startups navigating the incorporation process and beyond.
How we help nonprofit startups
At Charitable Allies, we offer comprehensive legal services to nonprofits at any stage. For startups, we provide support in all the necessary steps for creating a legal nonprofit entity and education on how to start a nonprofit organization successfully. You supply the mission and dream. We bring peace of mind to the legal process.
We’ve created a nonprofit startup checklist that walks you through the steps needed to set up a successful nonprofit organization.
Obtaining 501c3 status
Incorporating with your state
Creating bylaws & other corporate documents
Fiscal Sponsorship
a nonprofit for nonprofits 
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
Get started with Charitable Allies
Navigating the ins and outs of how to start a nonprofit organization can be daunting, but doesn’t have to be! If you’re ready to make your charitable vision a reality, schedule a consult with a member of our legal team.
During your free 30-minute consultation, we’ll walk through the process of starting a nonprofit the right way, including all the legal documents involved.
Why Us?
A Straightforward Process
Get professional legal guidance aimed at making sure your nonprofit starts off on the right foot.
A Nonprofit’s Perspective
We’re a nonprofit that serves nonprofits. We understand the unique intricacies of starting and running a nonprofit organization.
Comprehensive Legal Service
We assist nonprofits at every stage of development. Whether you’re wondering how to start a nonprofit organization or your nonprofit has grown and needs additional legal services, we’re here to help.
Need legal guidance on how to start a nonprofit?
Schedule a consult with our team. We’ve helped over 400 nonprofit organizations get 501c3 status successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must file a Form 1023 within 27 months of incorporation for this to be the case. If you miss this deadline, you are only tax-exempt from the time of your application.
Yes, although donations will not be considered tax-exempt until you receive your determination letter. Our sister organization, Fiscal Sponsorship Allies, offers fiscal sponsorship for organizations who are waiting on their 501c3 status so they can start receiving tax deductible donations before obtaining their determination letter.
Yes! We can help set up multiple types of tax-exempt organizations. We’ve helped with a variety of organizations from 501c4 social advocacy groups to 501c7 social clubs. You can read more about some of the different types of organizations we help here.