Typical preparation includes the state formation document, EIN, bylaws or governance information, descriptions of activities, financial information or projections, compensation information, and details about related parties or special programs. Form 1023 may require attachments or explanations that do not appear in the streamlined Form 1023-EZ.

Most organizations apply for 501(c)(3) recognition electronically through Pay.gov, using Form 1023 or, if eligible, the shorter Form 1023-EZ; the current IRS user fee is $600 for Form 1023 and $275 for Form 1023-EZ. Form 1023-EZ eligibility depends on the IRS eligibility worksheet, not simply on small size, so complete that worksheet before assuming eligibility. Before submitting either form, reconcile the legal name, EIN, formation date, purpose language, and financial figures, and prepare clear, factual narrative descriptions of what the organization will actually do rather than relying on broad mission language.

This is general educational information; it does not replace individualized legal or tax advice for a particular organization.

How Beacon Nonprofit can help: Beacon can coordinate the state formation record, EIN-related information, bylaws, and other organization details needed to build the exemption application. Having those materials in one workflow helps reduce inconsistent names, addresses, and governance information when the federal filing is prepared. Beacon's role is administrative formation and filing support: government agencies control approval, processing times, and legal or tax determinations, and specialized operational matters may require a qualified professional outside Beacon's service scope. Depending on the selected package, the Beacon records available to the organization can include the approved state formation documents and, with BeaconComplete, EIN assistance, corporate bylaws, registered agent service, and the 501(c)(3) application materials prepared through the service.