Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of delays in processing applications by the IRS?

The common causes of delays in processing applications by the IRS are often due to errors made by the applicants themselves. This can include incomplete or inaccurate information, failure to pay the appropriate fees, or not strictly following the instructions provided by the IRS. Budget cutbacks in the IRS, resulting in reduced staff numbers, can also contribute to delays, as can technology failures and a backlog of application requests. To avoid these delays, it's crucial to understand the requirements and instructions and complete the application accordingly. This includes submitting necessary information such as a description of activities, articles of incorporation, EIN, policies and bylaws, publications, printed materials, and financial information, along with a filing fee of $600. The IRS has also introduced Form 1023-EZ to assist smaller organizations in quickly and easily filing for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This form, which can only be submitted online, has a much shorter processing time as it removes the burden of scrutiny from the IRS. However, it's still important to complete and file the form according to the specific requirements of the IRS to avoid unnecessary delays.