Free 501(c)(3) Eligibility & Compliance Guide
This is an educational guide to help you confirm whether your organization is eligible for 501(c)(3), choose the correct filing path (1023-EZ vs Long Form 1023), and understand the state requirements that are often missed.
Most IRS problems do not arise from the application itself.
They occur after approval, due to structural or compliance failures that were never addressed at the beginning.
This guide is designed specifically to prevent those issues before they happen.
What you’ll get (educational)
1) Eligibility basics
- What generally qualifies under 501(c)(3)
- Common activity “red flags” and why they matter
- How mission + activities drive the outcome
2) 1023-EZ vs Long Form 1023
- When 1023-EZ is appropriate (and when it is not)
- What triggers long form requirements
- Why “EZ” can still create future compliance risk if structure is weak
3) State requirements (often missed)
- Nonprofit incorporation requirements (by state)
- State tax exemption (where applicable)
- Charitable solicitation registration and ongoing renewals
- Good standing, annual reports, and common state-level traps
4) After-approval compliance
- Annual IRS filings (990-N / 990-EZ / 990) overview
- Governance hygiene (minutes, conflicts, board actions)
- What causes exemption loss and how to prevent it
- How to stay fundable and grant-ready (structure + documentation)
How to use the guide (fast)
Step 1 — Enter 3 basics
State, incorporation status, and a one-sentence mission/activity description.
Step 2 — Read the “Next Steps” section
The guide routes you to the correct filing path and the typical state checklist.
Step 3 — Optional review (if needed)
If you’re unsure, there is an optional pre-filing eligibility & compliance review pathway.
Step 4 — Build it to last
Use the “after approval” section to avoid compliance problems later.
Free 501(c)(3) Eligibility & Compliance Guide
+ option for a Pre-Filing Eligibility & Compliance Review
If you’re unsure whether your nonprofit qualifies — or whether it’s being structured correctly — enter a few basics so the guide is relevant to your situation.
Optional: Pre-Filing Eligibility & Compliance Review (what it checks)
- 501(c)(3) eligibility
- Correct filing method (1023-EZ vs Long Form 1023)
- Activities, governance, and structure for ongoing compliance
- Any risks that could jeopardize tax-exempt status now or in the future
I can usually confirm quickly whether you’re on the right path and what the next step should be.
FAQ
Eligibility basics
The guide explains what generally qualifies under 501(c)(3), common activity red flags, and how mission + activities drive the filing path.
1023-EZ vs Long Form 1023
The guide outlines when 1023-EZ is appropriate, what triggers the long form, and why structure still matters after approval.
State requirements (often missed) + after-approval compliance
The guide covers typical state-level requirements (incorporation, tax exemption where applicable, charitable solicitation registration) and the “after approval” habits that reduce compliance problems.
Educational resource. No spam. Designed to help you choose the correct nonprofit path before filing.