How do homeschool groups identify their status as a public charity?

A homeschool group in MO is applying for 501c3 tax exempt status and had a question.

Hello Carol
I am working with Crossroads Christian Connection in MO. We need to complete our 1023 (Note: He means IRS Form 1023 Application for 501 Tax Exempt Status) . The question I have is on Part X Public Charity Status. We are a small homeschooling group of about 45 families with revenue of less then $5,000 per year, on line 5, I need to know how home-school groups identify their status as a public charity.
Do you have samples of other groups that have filed the 1023?
Thanks

Greg S


Greg,

Homeschool groups are usually classified as 509(a)(2) organizations because more than 1/3 of their income comes from membership fees or “activities related to the exempt function” (box 5h).

Form 1023’s are public information so you should be able to request a copy from any other 501c3 organization. You can use the IRS website to find homeschool organizations with 501c3 status. (Go to https://www.irs.gov/charities/index.html and click on Search for Charities on the right column). Guidestar.org also posts Form 1023’s for charities.

I provide a review service for the Form 1023. From my website:


Buying Peace of Mind
A review of forms you have prepared yourself. Save money by doing much of the work yourself. I will review Forms 1023 or Annual Form 990 and offer my opinion and advice. Cost: $100 per form. Time: 1-2 weeks.


I’m doing a review right now for a homeschool group in KY. I just sent them two and a half pages of corrections or omissions they had made on their Form 1023 as well as suggestions on how to phrase their Part III Narrative to help the IRS understand their mission. Please contact me if you’d like me to review your application before you mail it to the IRS. I’d be happy to help.

Carol Topp, CPA

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