With lobbying efforts on the rise, the IRS has issued notice requirements for new 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations. These requirements follow the addition of Section 506 to the Code, where notification requirements for new 501(c)(4) organizations were outlined by the legislature.

A newly formed 501(c)(4) is required to notify the IRS within 60 days from the date it becomes a new legal entity. In providing notice, the organization must include the following information:

(1) the organization’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number;

(2) the date and state law under which the organization was formed; and

(3) a statement of the organization’s social welfare purpose.

The IRS has developed a new form – Form 8976 – that organizations should use to provide this notification. Note that continuing to file a Form 1024 is optional, and does not waive the requirement to provide notice. A Form 8976 can only be completed electronically through the IRS Electronic Notice Registration System. The system allows organizations to complete the notification process, keep account information current, and receive secure, digital communications from the IRS. You can access the Form 8976 here. Once notice is received, the IRS will issue a receipt of confirmation to the 501(c)(4) organization. However, this acknowledgement does not constitute approval of the organization’s qualifications for tax-exempt status under 501(c)(4), which is a separate determination.

[View source.]