How Long Does It Take to Get a 501(c)(3) Determination Letter?

Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Editorial Team

Updated on March 05, 2023

Getting a 501(c)(3) Determination Letter

After applying with the IRS for 501(c)(3) status, it may take between 3 and 6 months to get a determination letter confirming approval. The amount of time you can expect depends on the scale of the operation; it is not unheard of for some of the largest to take 12 months.

How Long Does It Take to Get a 501(c)(3) Determination Letter? FAQs

About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website, view his author profile on Amazon, or check out his speaker profile on the CFA Institute website.

Find Advisor Near You