Florida Nonprofit Formation & 501(c)(3) Attorney
Helpng Florida nonprofits incorporate properly, establish compliant governing documents, and prepare IRS Form 1023 and 1023-EZ for federal tax-exempt status. Available in Florida and nationwide for IRS filings.
Building a legal foundation for your mission.
Choose Your Nonprofit Path
Formation and Tax-Exempt Status Are Different Processes
Many nonprofit founders don’t realize that incorporating a nonprofit in Florida and obtaining 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status are two separate legal steps. You can do one without the other — or both together.
Nonprofit Starter Formation
Florida nonprofit corporation formation with customized bylaws, EIN, initial resolutions, and a Year 1 compliance checklist. The right starting point before applying for 501(c)(3) status, or as a standalone structure for organizations not seeking federal exemption.
Incorporate in Florida. Get your legal foundation right.
Whats Included?
- Florida nonprofit corporation formation
- Standard nonprofit bylaws (firm template, customized)
- EIN filing
- Initial resolutions
- Year 1 compliance checklist
[Florida Only]
IRS 501(c)(3) Application: Form 1023 & 1023-EZ
Attorney-prepared IRS 501(c)(3) applications for both the full Form 1023 and the streamlined 1023-EZ. We confirm eligibility, review your governance documents for IRS compliance, prepare and file your application, and handle all IRS correspondence through your Determination Letter.
Apply for federal tax-exempt status.
Whats Included?
- Eligibility determination (EZ vs. full 1023 – confirmed at intake)
- Bylaws and governance review for IRS compliance
- Full application preparation and IRS filing
- All correspondence handled through Determination Letter
- Form 1023-EZ: $1,500 | Full Form 1023: Starting at $2,750Learn more
Nationwide
Why It Matters to Have an Attorney Prepare Your 1023
The IRS rejects or issues deficiency notices on a significant percentage of 1023 submissions. Common problems include bylaws that don’t meet IRS dissolution or purpose requirements, program descriptions that are too vague, and financial projections that don’t match the organizational narrative.
An attorney-prepared application ensures your governance documents are IRS-compliant before submission, your program descriptions meet the IRS’s specificity requirements, and your financial projections are formatted and presented correctly. A rejected application means months of additional processing time and re-submission.
Why It Matters to Have an Attorney Prepare Your 1023
It depends on where you are and what you need:
- IF, you haven’t incorporated yet → Start with Nonprofit Starter Formation, then proceed to the 1023 application.
- IF, you’re already incorporated but don’t have 501(c)(3) status → Go straight to Form 1023 or 1023-EZ.
- IF, you want both done together → We can handle formation and the 1023 application as a combined engagement. Ask about this at your consultation.
- IF, you only need Florida incorporation (no IRS filing) → Nonprofit Starter Formation covers this.
Frequently Asked
Nonprofit
Questions
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What’s the difference between Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ?
Q: What’s the difference between Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ?
A: Form 1023-EZ is a streamlined application available to smaller organizations, generally those with projected annual gross receipts under $50,000 and total assets under $250,000. The full Form 1023 is required for larger organizations, those with more complex program structures, or those that don’t meet 1023-EZ eligibility criteria. We confirm eligibility at intake before your engagement begins.
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Does my nonprofit need to be incorporated in Florida before applying for 501(c)(3) status?
Q: Does my nonprofit need to be incorporated in Florida before applying for 501(c)(3) status?
A: Yes. The IRS requires that your organization be formally incorporated as a nonprofit before you can apply for 501(c)(3) status. You’ll need your articles of incorporation, bylaws, and EIN in place before we can file. -
What are the IRS filing fees?
Q: What are the IRS filing fees?
A: The IRS charges $275 for a Form 1023-EZ application and $600 for a full Form 1023 application. These fees are paid by the client directly to the IRS via Pay.gov and are separate from our service fee. -
How long does the IRS take to process a 501(c)(3) application?
Q: How long does the IRS take to process a 501(c)(3) application?
A: For Form 1023-EZ, IRS processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after filing. For the full Form 1023, processing typically takes 3–6 months, though this can vary. Preparation time with our firm is 3–5 weeks after intake for a full 1023. -
Can I accept donations before receiving my Determination Letter?
Q: Can I accept donations before receiving my Determination Letter?
A: Yes, but with limitations. You can accept tax-deductible donations retroactive to your filing date once the Determination Letter is issued, as long as your application is approved. However, donors cannot claim the deduction until your exemption is granted. You should consult your CPA on the specifics.
Ready to Start?
Whether you’re incorporating a new nonprofit or applying for tax-exempt status, the first step is understanding which service fits your situation. Book a free 15-minute consultation and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Nonprofit formation services: Florida only. IRS 501(c)(3) applications: nationwide. IRS filing fees paid by client separately.