As part of its efforts to support people in the areas hit by Hurricane Sandy, the IRS is expediting the review and approval process for organizations that are applying for tax-exempt status to provide relief for Hurricane Sandy’s victims.
Often, it’s best to use existing charities, including churches and other places of worship, because they tend to have fund-raising and distribution infrastructures already in place and frequently can administer relief programs more efficiently than newly formed organizations.
But those who have decided they would prefer to start their own charity should apply to the IRS for tax-exempt status by filing IRS Form 1023. At the top of the form write, “Disaster Relief, Hurricane Sandy.”
The IRS will expedite those applications and ensure they meet the legal requirements for tax exemption.
More details are in IR-2012-87, IRS Expedites Charity Applications, Urges Use of Existing Charities.
Relief also applies to tax-exempt organizations required to file Form 990 series returns with an original or extended deadline. See IR-2012-83, IRS Provides Tax Relief to Victims of Hurricane Sandy; Return Filing and Tax Payment Deadline Extended to Feb. 1, 2013.
For current information that may apply to your charity, review the following:
- IR-2012-88, Treasury, IRS Announce Special Relief to Encourage Leave-Donation Programs for Victims of Hurricane Sandy
- IR-2012-86, Treasury and IRS Expand Availability of Housing for Hurricane Sandy Victims
- IR-2012-85, IRS Waives Diesel Fuel Penalty Due to Hurricane Sandy
- IR-2012-84, IRS Announces Qualified Disaster Treatment of Payments to Victims of Hurricane Sandy
- IR-2012-82, IRS Gives Additional Time to Taxpayers and Preparers Affected by Hurricane Sandy; File and Pay by Nov. 7
Check Help for Victims of Hurricane Sandy for the latest information.
