Step 1
Understanding Form 1023 vs. Form 1023-EZ
- What Form 1023 is
- What Form 1023-EZ is
- The difference between the two
- Why eligibility matters
- Why you should not automatically choose the EZ form
Hosted by Dr. Tina Smith
DIY 1023 APPLICATIONMASTERCLASS
Learn How to Prepare Your 501(c)(3) Application With Confidence
Ready to stop feeling overwhelmed by the 501(c)(3) application process? Join Dr. Tina Smith for a step-by-step masterclass designed to help nonprofit founders understand the Form 1023-EZ process, prepare the information they need, avoid common mistakes, and understand what happens after they submit.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Educational Masterclass for Nonprofit Founders
Meet your host
Meet Dr. Tina Smith, "Your Nonprofit Doctor." When it comes to nonprofit compliance, IRS requirements, tax paperwork, and board governance, Dr. Tina Smith helps founders understand what they need to do and why it matters. Now she's bringing that expertise to the DIY 1023 Application Masterclass to help nonprofit founders better understand the 501(c)(3) application process and prepare with confidence.
Event information
General Admission
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
General Admission
$27
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
General Admission includes the complete 1-hour DIY 1023 Application Masterclass.
REGISTER FOR $27What you'll learn
- The difference between Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ
- How to determine whether you may qualify for Form 1023-EZ
- What you should have ready before applying
- How the Pay.gov process works
- How to prepare for the application
- Common mistakes to avoid
- What happens after submission
- Final application preparation guidance
Premium upgrade
VIP EXPERIENCE
VIP arrives at 6:00 PM — an additional private hour before the main class begins.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
VIP Q&A + Application Preparation
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Full DIY 1023 Masterclass
VIP receives everything in General Admission PLUS:
- Private 6:00 PM VIP Q&A
- DIY 1023 Application Workbook
- 1023-EZ Bonus Checklist
- Extended opportunity to ask questions
VIP participants arrive at 6:00 PM. The main masterclass begins at 7:00 PM. VIP participants remain for the complete 7:00 PM–8:00 PM masterclass.
GET VIP ACCESSMasterclass host
MEET DR. TINA SMITH
"Your Nonprofit Doctor"
"Helping nonprofit founders understand compliance, navigate IRS requirements, and build nonprofits the right way."
Dr. Tina Smith
Host & Instructor
Dr. Tina Smith, known as "Your Nonprofit Doctor," is a nonprofit compliance expert and consultant who helps 501(c)(3) founders understand IRS requirements, navigate nonprofit compliance, correct tax paperwork such as Form 990, and build strong board governance.
Her work helps nonprofit founders move from confusion to clarity so they can better understand their responsibilities and build organizations on a stronger foundation.
Areas of expertise
- 501(c)(3) compliance
- IRS nonprofit requirements
- Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ guidance
- Form 990 compliance and tax paperwork
- Nonprofit board governance
- Compliance education
- Nonprofit consulting
- Helping founders understand their responsibilities as nonprofit leaders
Is this you?
THIS MASTERCLASS IS FOR YOU IF...
New Nonprofit Founders
You are getting ready to apply for 501(c)(3) recognition.
DIY Founders
You want to understand the process instead of feeling lost when you look at the application.
Existing Nonprofits
You have already formed your organization and need help understanding the federal exemption application process.
Founders Considering 1023-EZ
You want to understand the streamlined application and whether your organization may qualify.
Nonprofit Leaders
You want to better understand what information is needed before submitting your application.
Not every organization qualifies for Form 1023-EZ. Participants must review the official IRS eligibility requirements before choosing the streamlined application.
Inside the workshop
WHAT WE'LL COVER
The steps you'll walk through together.
Step 2
Get Your Organization Ready
- Legal formation
- Articles / organizing documents
- EIN
- Bylaws
- Board information
- Mission, purpose, programs and activities
- Financial information
Step 3
The 1023-EZ Eligibility Worksheet
- Why eligibility matters
- What types of questions are asked
- How to review the requirements
- What happens if the organization does not qualify
If your organization does not meet the eligibility requirements for Form 1023-EZ, you may need to use the full Form 1023.
Step 4
Setting Up Pay.gov
- Creating or accessing a Pay.gov account
- Finding the appropriate application
- Beginning the electronic application
- Saving information
- Reviewing information before submission
Step 5
Understanding the Application
- Organization identification and legal name
- Organizational structure
- Eligibility
- Foundation classification
- Activities and purpose
- Required organizational information
Step 6
Common Mistakes
- Applying for 1023-EZ without checking eligibility
- Using information that does not match organizational documents
- Not having required information ready
- Giving unclear or incomplete descriptions
- Not understanding the organization's own mission
- Rushing through the application
- Failing to review the application before submitting
Step 7
Final Application Review
- Organization name and EIN
- Legal information
- Mission and activities
- Eligibility and application type
- Supporting information
- Payment information
Save a copy of everything you submit.
Step 8
What Happens After You Submit?
- IRS review
- Possible requests for additional information
- The determination process
- What to do while waiting
- Important timing considerations
- What happens after receiving a determination
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
VIP only
VIP GETS MORE!
Come early. Get your questions answered. Leave with the tools you need.
Bonus #1
DIY 1023 APPLICATION WORKBOOK
A guided workbook participants can use during the masterclass.
Bonus #2
1023-EZ BONUS CHECKLIST
A simple checklist to help participants prepare.
Bonus #3
VIP Q&A
An additional hour with Dr. Tina Smith from 6:00 PM–7:00 PM before the main class.
Why attend
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AFRAID OF THE APPLICATION
Stop guessing.
Understand what you're being asked.
Know what to prepare.
Learn the difference between 1023 and 1023-EZ.
Avoid common mistakes.
Know what happens after you submit.
"Your nonprofit matters. Your mission matters. And understanding the paperwork is part of building your organization on a strong foundation."
Registration
READY TO LEARN THE DIY 1023 PROCESS?
Choose the experience that's right for you.
General Admission
$27
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- 1-hour masterclass
- Step-by-step teaching
- 1023 vs. 1023-EZ
- Eligibility discussion
- Application preparation
- Pay.gov overview
- Common mistakes
- What happens after submission
Most Value
VIP Experience
$47
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · VIP arrives at 6:00 PM
Everything in General Admission PLUS:
- 6:00 PM VIP Q&A
- DIY 1023 Application Workbook
- 1023-EZ Bonus Checklist
- Extended Q&A
Save Your Seat
This masterclass is for educational purposes only. It does not provide individualized legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice and does not guarantee IRS approval of any application. Form 1023-EZ eligibility must be determined using the official IRS eligibility requirements and Eligibility Worksheet. Participants should consult a qualified attorney, CPA, enrolled agent, or other appropriate professional for advice specific to their organization.
Feedback
WHAT FOUNDERS ARE SAYING
"I was very happy with the information that I received. It covered so much I didn't know. So I am looking forward to attending another class."
Korricki P.
Potluck Community
"I am a slow learner, and she took the time to walk me through the steps one by one. The bonus e-books were a big plus; they were very detailed. And finding out the do's and don'ts. WOW"
Jamie B.
Everybody's Children, Inc.
"OMG. I thought I was ready, but the information shared let me know I had a lot to learn. She gave up-to-date information and answered my questions so I could understand the process. Loved It!"
Diamond H.
Operation Save The Day, Inc.
Placeholder testimonials — edit them in src/content/site.ts.
Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Verify directly with the IRS
OFFICIAL IRS RESOURCES
Always confirm current requirements using official IRS sources.
About
MEET DR. TINA SMITH
Dr. Tina Smith
"Your Nonprofit Doctor"
Host & Instructor
Dr. Tina Smith, known as "Your Nonprofit Doctor," is a nonprofit compliance expert and consultant who helps 501(c)(3) founders understand IRS requirements, navigate nonprofit compliance, correct tax paperwork such as Form 990, and build strong board governance.
Her work helps nonprofit founders move from confusion to clarity so they can better understand their responsibilities and build organizations on a stronger foundation.
UNDERSTAND IT. PREPARE IT. SUBMIT IT WITH CONFIDENCE.