Financial management is an essential part of administrating a NPO. “Financial management involves planning, organizing, controlling and monitoring financial resources in order to achieve organizational objectives” (Knowhow …show more content…
In order to apply for this status, it is required for the director of the organization to fill out the IRS Form 1023. The Form 1023 is a recognition exemption application under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS. Before filling out this form, it is important for the organization to incorporated. This will protect board and individual members from being held responsible in case of a lawsuit. The tax-exempt status exempts only qualified organizations from federal, sales, and property taxes. However, they are still required to pay for employee taxes, such as social security and Medicare. Filling out the application is a long process and takes a lot of time. The form itself is 29 pages long. It requires a lot of schedules and attachments. It is important to hire a professional who specializes in this area to assist filling the form out because of how difficult and confusing the questions may be. Organizations who completes the form and sends it to the IRS is required to pay a fee of approximately $800. However, there are several requirements and restrictions for NPOs to follow in order to fill out the form. The organization must be well-organized and managed. It must only operate for charitable, scientific, religious, or safety objectives. Nonprofits must not participate in political campaigns. Its purposes and objectives must not be illegal or violate any federal policies. Also, it must not attempt to promote legislation. Its earnings must not go towards an individual shareholder. “If approved, the organization receives a letter granting it 501(c) (3) tax exemption as a Public Charity (see Understanding Your 501(c)(3) Letter below). The organization must stay within the purposes described in its Form 1023, and the Form 1023 must be available for public inspection” (Grants Northwest RSS). Once the tax-exempt status is granted to the non-profit