can non-profit organizations without tax status legally accept donations?

Answer 1

Yes, and if the non-profit organization is small enough they do not need to have official tax exempt status from the IRS.

"Those societies whose annual gross income exceeds $5000 and who seek tax-exempt status must apply to the IRS for a determination letter, and must pay a one-time “user fee.” The IRS generally waives the determination letter and user fee for those societies whose annual income is less than $5000. In that case, the society may simply declare its tax-exempt status without formal application. In either case, a society applying for or declaring tax-exempt status must apply for an Employer Identification Number (even if there are no employees). "

Also, if an organization is in the process of seeking tax-exempt status, they would still be seeking to get donations even though they don't have tax-exempt status yet at that time.

Answer 2

Yes, but the person making the donation may NOT deduct them and the organization recieving must pay taxes on the donation.

LisaLisa, ya beat me to it! Sorry, didn't see yours before I submitted.

Answer 3

you do not could pay taxes on the donation, they don't look to be taxable...confident, you may settle for donations. the only distinction is that who ever is donating the money to you may not declare a tax deduction on their tax return. and you may not tell people who their present is tax-deductible.

Answer 4

yes, they can accept donations, but the person donating can't be issued a tax-writeoff receipt. Also, they can't claim to be nonprofit if they aren't legally recognized.

Answer 5

Sure, but the donations won't be deductible by the donors.