Characteristics of and Reporting Requirements for Selected Tax-Exempt Organizations

Publication Date: April 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Banking and finance

Type:

Abstract:

This report addresses the differences among the tax-exempt organizations described in Internal Revenue Code subsections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), 501(c)(6), and section 527. Each type of organization has a unique statutory definition, enjoys benefits from obtaining tax-exempt status, is subject to statutory limitations on its activities, and must disclose certain information to the IRS and the general public. At the end of the report is a chart that summarizes the organizations' characteristics and reporting requirements.