I would highly recommend that you do a message board search on 1023 (that is the form you will be filling out) and read every post. You will learn so much! I was able to get our form filled out with a minimum of trouble just be reading all of the enlightening info here. Then, as you go through the form, post any specific questions you have here--the folks who have been through the process are great about sharing info and which answers they used that were acceptable to the IRS. Good luck!

We are in the last steps of this process and my best advice to you is to buy PTOToday's Start-Up Guide. It costs about $40 and walks you through the entire process step-by-step - it's invaluable!!!!

The basic steps are to create bylaws, get your EIN, file Articles of Organization(or Incorporation) with your state to incorporate and then file IRS Form 1023. While you're waiting for your Stat-Up Guide to arrive, do a search on these boards using the above words as well as 501c3, non-profit, etc. There's lots of great advice.

Good luck - it's a lot of work, but if you're organized, it's not too intimidating.

My PTO is reorganizing and we're basically starting from scratch. I'm starting to put a gameplan together for getting a new EIN number but I have lots of questions about getting 501(c)3 status.

Does anyone know how to go about filing for 501(c)3 status? Specifically, what forms need to be filled out and how much it costs?

Also, besides a new EIN and non-profit status, what else do I need (as if I were starting new)?