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Official form guide

Form 1000: Application for an Assurance of Support

IRS Form 1000 is the application used by organizations to register for tax‑exempt status under section 501(c)(3). File it when you are establishing a new nonprofit that seeks federal exemption.

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Form Overview

HOME_AFFAIRS Form 1000 - Application for an Assurance of Support

IRS Form 1000 is the application used by organizations to register for tax‑exempt status under section 501(c)(3). File it when you are establishing a new nonprofit that seeks federal exemption.

It captures the organization’s purpose, structure, financial projections, and details about its founders and officers.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can reset the entire review process.
  • 2Missing signature or unauthorized signer
  • 3Incorrect EIN or formation date
  • 4Incomplete financial projections
  • 5Omitting required attachments (e.g., bylaws)

Plain English

Think of Form 1000 as the paperwork that tells the IRS you want to be a charity that doesn’t pay federal income tax. You fill it out before you start operating, and the IRS reviews it to decide if you qualify.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: Submit the form shortly after formation, before the organization conducts any exempt activities; there is no fixed calendar deadline, but filing early avoids delays.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

income taxexemptionfinancialfederalincome

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when applying for initial 501(c)(3) tax‑exempt status.
  • Do not use if you are renewing an existing exemption; use Form 990‑R instead.
  • Check Form 1023 if your organization’s activities are more complex or if you need a detailed review.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Renewal of existing exemption

Simpler annual filing

✓ Verify that exemption is still active

Form 990‑R

Large charitable organization with > $500k assets

Faster processing for smaller entities

✓ Confirm eligibility thresholds

Form 1023‑EZ or 1023

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline, but the IRS recommends filing before the organization begins any exempt activities. Delaying beyond 60 days after formation often results in a longer review period.

  • —Projected annual revenue | Sum of line items | Total projected revenue | Verify realistic estimates

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Purpose statement

Organizational mission document · Articles of incorporation

⚠ Vague language✕ High
2

Board member list

Signed consent forms · Meeting minutes

⚠ Misspelled names✕ Medium
3

Financial projections

Budget spreadsheet · Draft budget

⚠ Inconsistent totals✕ High
4

Bylaws

Certified copy · Organizational records

⚠ Missing amendment clause✕ Medium
5

EIN

IRS EIN confirmation letter · IRS notice

⚠ Wrong number✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Form printed on white 8.5" x 11" paper
  2. 2All required signatures present
  3. 3EIN entered correctly
  4. 4Narrative purpose meets 501(c)(3) criteria
  5. 5All attachments attached in order listed in instructions
  6. 6Correct filing fee included (if applicable)
  7. 7Mailing envelope addressed to the correct IRS Service Center
  8. 8Certified mail receipt or electronic confirmation saved

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the 2024 edition of Form 1000 from IRS.gov
  2. 2Print and complete the form using black ink
  3. 3Attach bylaws, articles of incorporation, and financial tables
  4. 4Have the authorized officer sign and date each required block
  5. 5Prepare the filing fee check payable to the United States Treasury
  6. 6Package the form, attachments, and fee in a single envelope
  7. 7Send via certified mail or upload through the IRS e‑file portal if offered

Known limitations

  1. 1Instructions do not specify electronic filing for all entities
  2. 2Fee amount may vary by state; verify on the IRS website
  3. 3Form does not capture post‑approval compliance requirements
  4. 4Guidance on narrative length is vague; use IRS examples

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Current form status
HOME_AFFAIRS

Form 1000 is currently active for the 2024 filing year. The IRS has not announced any upcoming revision, but check the website annually for updates.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form shows the 2024 revision
  • Fee – confirm any required filing fee is current
  • Mailing address – use the address listed in the 2024 instructions
  • Signature block – ensure the signer is authorized and dates the form
  • Attachment list – cross‑check all required documents are included

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Quick Facts

The organization’s governing board or authorized officer files the form.
It captures the organization’s purpose, structure, financial projections, and details about its founders and officers.
Submit the form shortly after formation, before the organization conducts any exempt activities; there is no fixed calendar deadline, but filing early avoids delays.
Mail the completed form to the IRS Service Center listed in the instructions, or submit electronically if the IRS offers an e‑file option for this form.
Errors can delay approval, trigger a request for additional information, or cause the organization to lose its tax‑exempt status.
Gather formation documents, draft a detailed narrative of your charitable purpose, complete the financial tables, and have an authorized officer sign. Review the instructions line‑by‑line, attach required attachments, and keep a copy for your records. Send the package by certified mail or upload it through the IRS portal if available. Follow up on any IRS acknowledgment within 30 days.

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After you file

  1. 1Save a scanned copy of the entire submission
  2. 2Track the certified mail tracking number or e‑file receipt
  3. 3Monitor mail for an IRS acknowledgment within 30 days
  4. 4Respond promptly to any request for additional information
  5. 5Record the IRS determination letter in the organization’s records
  6. 6Update the board minutes to note the filing and receipt

Sources

  • SRCForm 1000 title and purposeIRS official form list
  • SRCEligibility for 501(c)(3)IRS Publication 557
  • SRCSignature requirementsForm 1000 instructions page 3
  • SRCAttachment listForm 1000 instructions page 4
  • SRCMailing addressIRS Service Center address table 2024
  • SRCFiling fee amountIRS fee schedule 2024
  • SRCEdition dateForm header shows 2024 revision
  • SRCElectronic filing optionNot found in provided source

Common confusion points

EIN vs. Tax ID

Both terms used interchangeably

→ Verify the 9‑digit number matches IRS notice

Narrative length

Instructions say “concise” but no word limit

→ Aim for 250‑500 words and focus on charitable purpose

Signature authority

Some think any officer can sign

→ Only an authorized officer or board chair may sign

Attachment order

Not clearly numbered

→ Follow the order listed in the instructions sheet

Fee exemption

Some nonprofits think fee is waived

→ Check the current fee schedule before omitting payment

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form SS‑4 (to obtain EIN)

Current

1000

After

Form 990‑N (annual notice filing for small charities)

Often used with

Form 1023 or 1023‑EZ for detailed exemption review

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 4620 (request for reconsideration)

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Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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