Form 1023 Is Now Required to Be Submitted Electronically

Posted February 2020

The IRS recently announced that it has revised Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and its instructions, to help charities apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status electronically for the first time.

Beginning January 31, 2020, applications for recognition of exemption on Form 1023 must be submitted electronically online at www.pay.gov. The IRS will provide a 90-day grace period during which it will continue to accept paper versions of Form 1023 (Rev. 12-2017).

The user fee for Form 1023 will remain $600 for 2020; however, applicants must pay the user fee through www.pay.gov when submitting the form. Payment can be made directly from a bank account or by credit/debit card.