Knowledgebase

How does the IRS distinguish nonprofits from foundations? (FAQ)


Barnaby Zall (Of Counsel, Williams & Jensen, P.C.) provided a useful summary of key sections of the IRC to the CyberAccountability email list:

Section 170 - recognizes non-profit status, but not exemption from federal taxation.

Section 501(c)(3) - recognizes that some non-profits are exempt from federal taxation.

Section 509 - recognizes that some 501(c)(3)s tax-exempt non-profits are also exempt from private foundation rules - i.e., all 501(c)(3)s are private foundations unless exempted under Section 509.

You can be a 501(c)(3) charity without being a private foundation, but you must satisfy either a public support test, a source of income test, or a supporting organization test, under Sections 509(a)(1), (2) or (3).

When you apply for (c)(3) status, you receive both a tax exemption and a ruling on your private foundation status under section 509. If you are not considered a private foundation, your original status under Section 509 is temporary, and must be renewed within a few years by showing that you actually do meet the requirements of Section 509.

"Public foundation" is a phrase I have heard before, but it's not common. The technical term is "not-a-private foundation," and I wish we had a better one.

Barnaby Zall Of Counsel Williams & Jensen, P.C. Washington, D.C. (202) 659-8201


Added 03/05/2002 by tpollak, Modified 05/24/2006 by jauer

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