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Law & Justice

Apply for nonprofit status with the IRS

Recognition of an association or organization as a nonprofit under the German Tax Code, which entails tax exemptions and the right to issue donation receipts.

Wo wohnen Sie?

Damit wir Apply for nonprofit status with the IRS mit dem zuständigen Finanzamt in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.

Oder Großstadt wählen:

Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for nonprofit status with the IRS.

Processing: approx. 2 monthsSuccess rate: 75.0 %
Last reviewed: August 03, 2026Verified sources:Finanzverwaltung Rheinland-Pfalz – Vereine

Quick answer

  1. 1

    Documents you need

    Personalausweis oder Reisepass · Formular / Antrag

  2. 2

    Responsible authority

    The authority of your main residence

  3. 3

    How to do it

    Apply directly online

  4. 4

    Costs

    Kostenlos über ELSTER (Satzungsprüfung beim Finanzamt)

Start online application

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Adapt the bylaws to the model bylaws

    Appendix 1 to Section 60 of the German Fiscal Code (AO) sets forth the minimum formal requirements.

  2. 2

    Application to the appropriate tax office

    Submission of the articles of association for review of compliance with statutory requirements.

  3. 3

    Received a notice of exemption

    Authorized to issue donation receipts.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Associations, foundations, and other organizations with non-profit, charitable, or religious purposes.

Income limit

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 75.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • The purposes of the bylaws are formulated too vaguely
  • Use of funds not exclusively and directly for charitable purposes

Common reasons for rejection

  • The bylaws do not comply with the model bylaws of the Tax Code
  • Actual management practices differ from the articles of incorporation

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Related services

Questions & Answers

Wie lange dauert Gemeinnützigkeit beim Finanzamt beantragen?

In der Regel ca. 60 Werktage – je nach Behörde und Auslastung.

Freshness & source

Maintenance
Continuously reviewed & updated
Data quality
100 %

Latest content changes

  • Online-Antrag über ELSTER statt generischem Bundesportal

Read more

Handle Apply for nonprofit status with the IRS online

Submit your application directly online – without visiting an office.

Start online application

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