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IRSTax-Exempt Organizations (990 Series)

Official form guide

Form 1024: 1024

IRS Form 1024 is the Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a). Use it to request tax‑exempt status for organizations other than churches, schools, and certain other categories.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 1024 - 1024

IRS Form 1024 is the Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a). Use it to request tax‑exempt status for organizations other than churches, schools, and certain other categories.

The form collects organizational details, governing documents, financial data, activities, and a narrative of exempt purposes.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can invalidate the entire application.
  • 2Missing or unsigned signature
  • 3Incorrect fee amount or payment method
  • 4Narrative description too brief or off‑topic
  • 5Omitted required attachments (e.g., bylaws)

Plain English

If your nonprofit wants the IRS to officially call it tax‑exempt, you fill out Form 1024. It tells the IRS what you do, how you’re organized, and why you qualify under the 501(c) rules.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2023-06-13 22:12:18
  • 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

organizationalorganizedexemptionfinancial

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when applying for 501(c)(3) or other 501(a) exemption categories not covered by Form 1023.
  • Do not use for churches, schools, or government entities that have separate forms.
  • If you qualify for the streamlined 1023‑EZ, file that instead.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Applying for 501(c)(3) with gross receipts < $50,000

Simpler, shorter questionnaire

✓ Verify eligibility first

Form 1023‑EZ

Religious organization seeking exemption

More detailed requirements for churches

✓ Check IRS Publication 1828

Form 1023

Existing exempt organization changing purpose

Not an initial application

✓ File only after exemption is granted

Form 990‑PF amendment

Deadline or filing window

The application must be filed within 27 months of the organization’s formation date to be treated as tax‑exempt from the date of formation. If filed later, exemption is effective only from the filing date. No specific calendar deadline exists beyond this window.

  • —Gross receipts (first year) | N/A | Not used for fee calculation | Verify against financial statements

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Organizational purpose statement

Narrative description · Form Part III

⚠ Often too generic✕ High
2

Governing documents

Articles of incorporation, bylaws · Attachment section

⚠ Missing signatures✕ Medium
3

Financial data

Balance sheet, income statement · Part IV

⚠ Inconsistent figures✕ Medium
4

EIN

Employer Identification Number · Header

⚠ Incorrect number leads to processing delay✕ Low
5

Board members list

Names and titles · Part II

⚠ Omitted or outdated info✕ Low

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the 2024 edition of Form 1024
  2. 2All required signatures are present and legible
  3. 3Filing fee amount matches the organization’s size
  4. 4Narrative purpose description meets IRS guidelines
  5. 5All required attachments are included and labeled
  6. 6EIN on the form matches the EIN on supporting docs
  7. 7Mail to the correct IRS Service Center address
  8. 8Retain a complete copy of the packet for your records
  9. 9Track mailing date and obtain delivery confirmation
  10. 10Verify that the organization’s formation date is within the 27‑month window

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 1024 PDF from IRS.gov
  2. 2Print and fill out the form in black ink or type directly on the PDF
  3. 3Assemble required attachments in the order listed in the instructions
  4. 4Prepare a check or money order for the filing fee
  5. 5Place the form, attachments, and fee in a single envelope
  6. 6Mail to the address specified for exempt organization applications
  7. 7Keep the mailing receipt and a copy of everything sent

Known limitations

  1. 1No electronic filing option is available for Form 1024
  2. 2IRS may request additional information after initial submission
  3. 3Fee amount can change annually; verify the current amount before paying
  4. 4Form instructions are the only official source for required attachments

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Organization Info

2 items

Organization Name and EIN

Legal name of the tax-exempt organization and its EIN.

Requiredtext
Address and Website

Current mailing address and website URL if applicable.

Requiredtext

Revenue

1 items

Total Revenue

Sum of all revenue including contributions, program service revenue, investment income, and other revenue.

Requiredamount

Expenses

1 items

Total Expenses

Sum of all expenses including program services, management, and fundraising.

Requiredamount

Assets

1 items

Net Assets

Total assets minus total liabilities at end of the reporting period.

Requiredamount

Compliance

1 items

Tax-Exempt Status

Certification of continued compliance with tax-exempt requirements.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Officer Signature

An authorized officer of the organization must sign.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 1024 is active for the 2024 filing year. Check the IRS website for any updates before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – confirm the form shows the 2024 revision
  • Fee – $600 (or $300 for smaller organizations) as listed in instructions
  • Mailing address – IRS Service Center for exempt organizations, not the general IRS address
  • Signature line – must be signed by an officer or authorized representative
  • Attachments – include bylaws, articles, and narrative as required

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Quick Facts

Non‑charitable or non‑public‑benefit organizations seeking 501(a) exemption file this form.
The form collects organizational details, governing documents, financial data, activities, and a narrative of exempt purposes.
File after the organization is formed but before the first tax year ends, or within 27 months of the date of formation to be treated as tax‑exempt from inception.
Mail the completed form to the IRS Service Center listed in the instructions; electronic filing is not available for Form 1024.
Errors can delay recognition, trigger a request for additional information, or lead to denial, which affects fundraising and tax‑deduction eligibility.
1. Gather articles of incorporation, bylaws, and financial statements. 2. Complete Part I‑III with organizational and activity information. 3. Attach the required narrative and supporting documents. 4. Sign, date, and include the filing fee. 5. Mail to the address in the instructions and keep a copy.

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After you file

  1. 1Confirm receipt by checking the IRS’s online “Where’s My Application?” portal (if available)
  2. 2Monitor mail for any IRS correspondence requesting clarification
  3. 3Record the filing date and tracking number in your organization’s compliance log
  4. 4Update your state charity registration if exemption is granted
  5. 5Prepare for annual filing of Form 990 once exemption is confirmed
  6. 6Store the original application packet in a secure, permanent location
  7. 7Notify board members of the exemption status and any conditions

Sources

  • SRCIRS Form 1024 PDFofficial instructions (2024 edition)
  • SRCIRS Publication 557Tax‑Exempt Status for Your Organization
  • SRCIRS Fee Schedule for Exempt Organization Applications
  • SRCIRS Service Center mailing addresses list (2024)
  • SRCIRS “Where’s My Application?” online tool reference
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official source

Common confusion points

Form 1024 vs. Form 1023

Different exemption categories

→ Verify the correct purpose code

Fee amount

Varies by organization size

→ Check current fee schedule before payment

Narrative length

No fixed word count

→ Follow IRS examples in the instructions

Mailing address

Multiple IRS centers exist

→ Use the address listed for Form 1024

Signature authority

Not all officers can sign

→ Confirm authorized signatory in bylaws

27‑month window

Misunderstood as calendar deadline

→ Calculate from formation date

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

5 signals

Before

Form SS‑4 (EIN application)

Current

1024

After

Form 990 (annual information return)

Often used with

Form 1023‑EZ (if eligible for streamlined 501(c)(3) filing)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 4620 (Request for Extension of Time to File Form 1024)
  • Form 1024‑A (Amended application for exemption)

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Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

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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