Non-Profit Tax-Exemption In Ohio
INFORMATION ON TAX-EXEMPTION FOR OH NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Is my non-profit automatically tax-exempt in Ohio?
No. Just because your organization is non-profit does not make it automatically exempt from Ohio taxes.
What is the first step in becoming tax-exempt?
If you want to apply for federal tax exemption for your charity or nonprofit, complete form 1023 and send it to the IRS with the required attachments and fee. This is an arduous process and will take many months. If your organization passes the IRS review treatment and gains tax exempt status, you will receive a Letter of Determination stating so. Save that letter; you will need it.
Learn more at our 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Status page.
What about Ohio corporate tax?
Ohio replaced its corporate franchise tax with the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) a few years ago. It is based on the business’ gross receipts. Up to a million dollars annual gross receipts, the company will owe the minimum $150 CAT. This will be the circumstance for nonprofit organizations as all charitable contributions are excluded from gross receipts, as well as membership dues received by homeowners associations.
Am I exempt from any other taxes in Ohio?
You can apply for a Sales and Use Tax Blanket Exemption Certificate that you provide to vendors, if you are an IRS 501c nonprofit. Ohio will need to see your IRS Determination letter.
Learn more at our Ohio Tax page.
What if my non-profit plans on selling items?
If you plan on selling taxable items, your OH non-profit is still required to collect and remit sales tax. For this, you will need a Vendor’s License.
This comprehensive guide to obtaining and maintaining 501c3 status from the IRS includes information on how to prepare your nonprofit to apply for 501c3 status, as well as information about the forms and fees required by the IRS.
This guide overviews and includes the special tax-exempt language a 501c3 nonprofit organization must include as part of its articles of incorporation.