EIN for Nonprofit Organizations
Required BEFORE applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Prepare your nonprofit EIN application so you can move toward tax-exempt status and donation setup.
EIN Required BEFORE Tax-Exempt Application
You cannot apply for 501(c)(3) status without an EIN. Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ both require your organization's EIN.
Correct Order of Operations:
- 1 Incorporate nonprofit with your state
- 2 Get your EIN (you are here)
- 3 Apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
- 4 Start accepting tax-deductible donations
Types of Nonprofits We Help
Charitable Organizations
501(c)(3) charities, foundations, and organizations serving public benefit purposes.
Religious Organizations
Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other religious institutions.
Educational Institutions
Schools, universities, research organizations, and educational foundations.
Social Welfare Organizations
501(c)(4) civic leagues and social welfare organizations.
Private Foundations
Family foundations, corporate foundations, and grant-making organizations.
Trade Associations
501(c)(6) business leagues, chambers of commerce, and professional associations.
Why Your Nonprofit Needs an EIN
Apply for Tax-Exempt Status
Form 1023 (full application) and Form 1023-EZ (streamlined) both require your EIN. You cannot submit without it.
Open Bank Accounts
Banks require an EIN to open nonprofit checking accounts. Essential for receiving donations and paying expenses.
Hire Employees
If your nonprofit has paid staff, an EIN is mandatory for payroll taxes, W-2s, and employment tax filings.
Accept Donations
Grant foundations and major donors often require your EIN before contributing to verify your nonprofit status.
After Your EIN: Form 1023 vs Form 1023-EZ
Form 1023-EZ (Streamlined)
For smaller nonprofits meeting specific criteria:
- Projected annual gross receipts ≤ $50,000 for 3 years
- Total assets ≤ $250,000
- Filing fee: $275
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks typical
Form 1023 (Full Application)
For larger nonprofits or those not qualifying for 1023-EZ:
- No size limitations
- More detailed application
- Filing fee: $600
- Processing time: 3-6 months typical
Note: Churches and religious organizations often qualify for automatic tax-exempt status and may not need to file Form 1023, but they still need an EIN for banking and operations.
How to Get Your Nonprofit EIN
Incorporate Your Nonprofit First
File articles of incorporation with your state. You'll need your incorporation date and state for the EIN application.
Complete Our Simple Application
Answer easy questions about your nonprofit. Takes 5-10 minutes. We prepare the complex IRS Form SS-4 for you.
Expert Review & IRS Submission
Our nonprofit specialists review your application for consistency before submission to help reduce avoidable IRS follow-up.
Receive Your EIN
Get your official EIN via email. You're now ready to open bank accounts and apply for 501(c)(3) status!
What You Need to Apply
Nonprofit Information:
- Legal name of organization
- State of incorporation
- Date of incorporation
- Principal address
- Description of activities/mission
Responsible Party (Officer/Director):
- Full legal name
- Social Security Number
- Title (President, Director, etc.)
- Contact information
Nonprofit EIN Pricing
Standard
$197
24-48 Hours
- Complete IRS filing
- Priority nonprofit review
- Fast 24-48hr processing
- Priority support
Express
$327
Same Day
- Complete IRS filing
- Immediate review
- Same-day review target
- Dedicated specialist
Nonprofit EIN FAQ
Do I need an EIN before applying for 501(c)(3) status?
Yes, absolutely. Both Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ require your nonprofit's EIN. You cannot submit a tax-exempt application without it.
Does my church need an EIN?
Churches are automatically considered tax-exempt and don't need to file Form 1023. However, they still need an EIN for banking, hiring employees, and filing required information returns.
Can I accept donations before getting 501(c)(3) status?
Yes, but donations may not be tax-deductible until you receive tax-exempt status. Once approved, 501(c)(3) status typically applies retroactively to your formation date if you file within 27 months.
How fast can I get my nonprofit EIN?
With our service: Basic (3-5 business days), Standard (24-48 hour estimate), Express (same-day review target). Don't let the EIN delay your 501(c)(3) application.
International Nonprofit Founders
Starting a US nonprofit from outside the country? Non-US residents can form US nonprofits and get an EIN. We handle IRS phone applications for international founders who don't have an SSN.
Ready to Start Your Nonprofit?
Start your EIN application and move forward with your 501(c)(3) application
Start Nonprofit EIN Application - $97✓ Express review available | ✓ Refund policy available | ✓ Nonprofit specialists