I am a new ministry and with only about 10 members and I would like to know how to file for the 501c3, I'm told I must have this before I can start my church, but at this time I'm doing it from my home and internet. So what can I do. My finance are short.

Thank you,
Rev. Brenda Morris:confused: :confused: :confused:

Here you go:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf

Tax Information for Charitable Organizations (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/index.html)

You will need an employee identification number (EIN) from the IRS - even if you don't have any employees.

Rev Morris:

Setting up a 501c3 is an expensive proposition. There is a multiple page form that has to be filed with a $300 fee attached.

Following that, the annual tax return must be prepared by a tax professional who specializes in filing returns for 501c3 organizations. While you probably will pay no taxes, the costs associated with the annual tax return filing are NOT cheap.

Now, I believe that churches are considered to be tax-exempt by default and are NOT required to file for the 501c3 designation due to their default status (see page 3 of the IRS Pub 1828 provided by Ebaines).

A phone call to a tax professional who specializes in 501c3 tax filings should answer all the pertinent questions.

You can file for the EIN over the phone with the IRS at no charge.