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IRSTax-Exempt Organizations (990 Series)

Official form guide

Form 1024A: 1024-A

Form 1024‑A is the IRS application for a corporation to be recognized as a tax‑exempt organization under section 501(c)(3). Use it when a newly formed or existing corporation seeks charitable exemption status.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 1024A - 1024-A

Form 1024‑A is the IRS application for a corporation to be recognized as a tax‑exempt organization under section 501(c)(3). Use it when a newly formed or existing corporation seeks charitable exemption status.

It captures the organization’s legal name, EIN, purpose statements, detailed financial data, governance structure, and supporting documentation.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can send the whole application back for correction.
  • 2Incorrect EIN or legal name
  • 3Omitting required schedules
  • 4Misstating projected revenue for fee calculation
  • 5Missing signature or date

Plain English

If your nonprofit corporation wants the IRS to officially call it a 501(c)(3) charity, you fill out Form 1024‑A. The form tells the IRS about your purpose, finances, and governance so they can decide if you qualify for tax‑exempt status.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2023-06-29 22:10:27
  • 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

exemptionfinancial

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What this form is for

  • Use when a corporation seeks 501(c)(3) exemption.
  • Do not use for unincorporated associations; they file Form 1023.
  • If the organization is a public charity with large assets, consider Form 1023‑EZ is not applicable.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Unincorporated group

Corporations must file 1024‑A; unincorporated groups use 1023

✓ Verify entity type first

Form 1023

Small church with < $10k annual receipts

Simpler eligibility test

✓ Confirm eligibility thresholds

Form 1023‑EZ

Deadline or filing window

The application must be filed within 27 months of the corporation’s formation date to request retroactive exemption to the date of formation. If filed later, exemption is effective only from the filing date. No specific calendar deadline exists beyond the 27‑month rule.

  • —Projected annual gross receipts | Tiered fee schedule (e.g., $0‑$10k = $275, $10k‑$50k = $600) | User fee amount | Verify projection accuracy

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Legal name

Articles of Incorporation · State filing portal or certified copy

⚠ Misspelled name✕ High
2

Purpose statement

IRS purpose checklist · Bylaws or mission statement

⚠ Vague language✕ Medium
3

Financial data

Most recent balance sheet · Accountant‑prepared statement

⚠ Inconsistent totals✕ High
4

Governance info

List of officers/directors · Meeting minutes or board roster

⚠ Omitted officer✕ Medium
5

Fee payment proof

Check or electronic confirmation · Pay.gov receipt

⚠ Missing payment ID✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm form edition matches current tax year.
  2. 2Verify EIN and legal name exactly match formation documents.
  3. 3Complete all required schedules (A‑B, L, etc.).
  4. 4Calculate and attach correct user fee.
  5. 5Attach a copy of Articles of Incorporation and bylaws.
  6. 6Include a detailed narrative of exempt purposes.
  7. 7Sign and date the form as an authorized officer.
  8. 8Double‑check that the mailing address matches the IRS instructions.
  9. 9Retain a PDF copy of the entire packet before sending.
  10. 10If filing electronically, upload all attachments in the required format.
  11. 11Track the mailing or upload confirmation number.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 1024‑A PDF from IRS.gov.
  2. 2Print the form or use PDF‑editable software to fill it out.
  3. 3Gather Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, financial statements, and board roster.
  4. 4Complete all schedules and calculate the user fee.
  5. 5Prepare a check or electronic payment for the fee.
  6. 6Attach all documents, sign, and date the form.
  7. 7Mail the packet to the address in the instructions or upload via Pay.gov.
  8. 8Save the delivery receipt or tracking number for records.

Known limitations

  1. 1IRS instructions may not list every possible attachment; use professional judgment.
  2. 2Fee schedule is tiered and may change mid‑year; verify the correct amount at filing time.
  3. 3Electronic filing is limited to certain fee ranges; larger fees require paper filing.
  4. 4The form does not provide real‑time validation of EIN or address fields.

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‑A is active for the 2024 filing year. The IRS updates the edition annually; verify the edition date on the PDF before use.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the PDF shows the current tax year (2024).
  • Fee – calculate based on projected gross receipts; fee schedule changes each year.
  • Mailing address – use the address in the latest instructions; it differs for paper vs. electronic filing.
  • Signature block – ensure an authorized officer signs and dates.
  • Attachments – confirm all required schedules are included.

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Quick Facts

Corporations organized under state law that intend to operate exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, or similar purposes file this form.
It captures the organization’s legal name, EIN, purpose statements, detailed financial data, governance structure, and supporting documentation.
File after the corporation is legally formed but before it begins activities, or within 27 months of the date of formation to request retroactive exemption.
Submit the completed form, required schedules, and payment to the IRS Service Center listed in the instructions, either by mail or through the Pay.gov online portal for electronic filing where available.
Errors can delay approval, trigger a request for additional information, or cause a denial, which postpones tax‑exempt status and may expose the organization to tax liabilities.
1. Gather formation documents, bylaws, and financial statements. 2. Complete the main form and all required schedules (e.g., Schedule A‑B, Schedule L). 3. Calculate the user fee based on the organization’s projected annual gross receipts. 4. Attach the fee payment and required attachments, then sign and date the form. 5. Mail or upload the package to the correct IRS address.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep a copy of the submitted packet and receipt of delivery.
  2. 2Record the filing date and expected response window (usually 90‑180 days).
  3. 3Monitor IRS correspondence; respond promptly to any Request for Additional Information.
  4. 4Update internal records with the IRS acknowledgment number once received.
  5. 5Maintain the exemption determination letter in the organization’s permanent files.
  6. 6Notify state tax agencies of the new federal exemption status.
  7. 7Begin filing annual Form 990 series as required for 501(c)(3) organizations.

Sources

  • SRCIRS Form 1024‑A official PDFconfirms purpose and filing entity type.
  • SRCIRS Instructions for Form 1024‑Aprovides fee schedule, mailing address, and deadline rules.
  • SRCIRS Pay.gov portallists electronic filing options and fee payment methods.
  • SRCIRS Publication 557outlines 501(c)(3) requirements referenced in the form.
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceexact electronic filing URL.
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceaverage IRS processing time.

Common confusion points

Form 1024‑A vs. Form 1023

Both seek 501(c)(3) status but for different entity types

→ Verify corporate status first

User fee amount

Tiered based on projected receipts

→ Re‑calculate if projections change before filing

Schedule requirements

Some schedules are optional depending on activities

→ Review instructions for each schedule

Retroactive exemption window

27 months from formation

→ Mis‑calculating the window can lose retroactive status

Electronic vs. paper filing

Fee thresholds dictate method

→ Confirm allowed method for your fee tier

Signature authority

Only officers, not volunteers, may sign

→ Check bylaws for signing authority

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

5 signals

Before

Form SS‑4 – Obtain EIN before filing 1024‑A

Current

1024A

After

Form 990‑EZ or 990 – annual filing after exemption is granted

Often used with

Schedule A (Public Charity Status) – attached to 1024‑A

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 1024‑A‑C – request for correction of a previously filed 1024‑A
  • Form 1024‑A – appeal process may require a new application

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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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