Q & A: How Does a Church Plant Obtain 501(c)3 Status

Here’s a frequently asked question we receive from church planters:

Do you have any resources available on applying for 501(c) 3 status. when to, how to, etc.?  I would like donations to our church plant and tithes to be tax deductable.

Scott Whitaker, Director of Training and Events for CLI answers:

You have a great question.  We encourage church planters to file for 501(c)3 status.  It assists with credibility and confidence in having tax deductible status.  Here is the link from the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/publications/p557.  You will find the instructions and answers to any other related question on their site.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the process.  You may check with a CPA, non-profit lawyer, or a denomination (if you’re affiliated with one) on having them file it for you.  It can be done yourself, but it may be better for you to pay someone else depending on your church plant resources.  We highly recommend these guys: http://www.churchlawgroup.com/

Thanks Scott!  Hope that helps.

Nelson

P.S. If you are a Church Planter, we have over $75 in resources to give you, just click here.