The rule of thumb is $5000 GROSS revenue. You need to make sure anyone you talk to understands gross versus net. It's based on all revenue you bring in - not profit, not what's "left over".

The organization has its own ID called an EIN (Employers Identification Number). That's the business equivelent of a SSN and has nothing to do with whether you have employees or not. Individuals have SSNs. Entities have EINs. That part's easy. 1 page form can be mailed, faxed, or even handle it over the phone. No fee.

Filing for 501(c)(3) status is a more complex process with a lengthy application form and $750 (one time) fee. If you search the forums using "501" as the key word, you will find a wealth of info.

[ 10-25-2006, 05:24 PM: Message edited by: JHB ]

Can someone tell me what the gross revenue for HAVING to be a 501c3 organization?

If you arent registered with the IRS are you supposed to be paying taxes? Our organization has never had the tax exempt status, and now we are starting to worry about this. There has been much talk about getting the 501c3 status, but no one willing to put in the man hours for this.

What is the process for this? Does it go under the person who is filing's personal SS number?

Please advise

[ 10-25-2006, 05:05 PM: Message edited by: PotterMom ]

We are also in the process of filing - we have our EIN, have just mailed off our Articles of Incorporation to the state and have begun work on Form 1023. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing ($39) the PTOToday Start-up Guide - it gives you step-by-step details on filling out form 1023. It tells you what to answer for almost all questions and tells you when (& what) to include in an attachment!

The former treasurer (her child is no longer at the school, but she has agreed to help me finish this!) and I have been working on this for quite awhile - getting bylaws written and approved, AOI and now the 1023. We were struugling with the form until I bought this guide - you won't be sorry!!

I need help (Walk thru in Filing 501(c)3 application ..I have the online form need help with the correct documents and the financial sheet to filee with it....My organization is operating but it could to 200% better with the available grants suchthat it can really give back to the peolpe and community.

I need some examples and a help from someone who has completed the process and still has the information at hand....

Please email serious help to us @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As for your restriction on buying athletic equipment, that's some sort of local policy. So it's either a decision by your campus/district or it's a myth that has no basis in current fact but lingers from some previous situation.

The ones I've seen using that heading are usually very generic like this:

Restrictive Purposes and Activities Provision. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization is organized exclusively for one or more of the following purposes: scientific, literary, or educational purposes, as specified in section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, and shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c) (3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws.

The EIN (Employer Identification Numbers) is simply your organization's 9 digit federal ID. A person has a social security number. An entity (for profit, non profit, whatever) has an EIN.

Getting one is easy. A one page form or online form or even over the phone. No fee.

Becoming a 501(c)(3) charitable organization means that you've completed the process to be recognized as a tax-exempt charitable organization by the IRS. (The 501c3 refers to the section of the law/code and has become shorthand for the type of org.)

The application process for this is fairly intense and the fee is $750. But many of us here have successfully completed it. And people are great about sharing.

[ 09-19-2006, 11:00 PM: Message edited by: JHB ]