You should really consider incorporating before filing for 501c3. Here's the reason they ask about the date formed: You have 27 months from the date of formation or incorporation to apply for 501c3 to make your tax exemption retroactive to your start date (or incorporation date). If you don't apply within that time period, your status isn't retroactive. Which means your organization could be considered liable for taxes on income you raised before the date you filed for 501c3.
The IRS considers an organization to be new when it incorporates. Incorporating makes your application much cleaner, and probably saves some significant headaches for your group.
- Craig
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