Easy 501(c)(3) Build my filing plan

Filing Process

Form 1023-EZ Rejection Risks: Pre-Submission Checklist

Published July 12, 2026

Before submitting Form 1023-EZ, recheck the official Eligibility Worksheet, organizing document, activity summary and NTEE code, foundation classification, leadership information, authorized signer, and current electronic-filing requirements.

Official Eligibility Worksheet

Complete every question in the current worksheet. Any Yes answer means the organization must use Form 1023.

Organizing document

Review the necessary document for the organization’s entity type, including its section 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution treatment.

Activity summary and NTEE code

Review the concrete 250-character activity summary and the three-character NTEE code against the current IRS instructions.

Foundation classification

Review the selected public-charity or private-foundation classification under the current instructions.

Leadership information

Recheck the names, titles, and mailing addresses for the applicable officers, directors, and/or trustees.

Authorized signer

Confirm that an authorized officer, director, or trustee listed in the application will sign electronically with the required title or authority and date.

Electronic-filing prerequisites

Review Pay.gov account access, the current official form, payment method, and the complete application before submission.

Final official-instructions check

Recheck the current IRS instructions and official Pay.gov destination.

Federal eligibility, organizing-document, activity, classification, leadership, signer, and filing requirements verified July 18, 2026; review by August 16, 2026 or sooner if the cited IRS or Pay.gov source changes.

Use the complete Form 1023-EZ application guide.

Ready to file your Form 1023-EZ?

Answer a guided questionnaire, prepare every Pay.gov answer, and follow the filing screen by screen.

Start my filing

Related reading