How Long Does the IRS Take

Quoted word for word from the
Internal Revenue Service's E-O Update,
Issue Number 2000-16, September 6, 2006

Many exempt organizations and practitioners may have noticed an increase in the timeframe to process an application for tax-exempt status.

We apologize for any delays you may be experiencing and we are taking steps to decrease processing time. This delay is the result of a backlog of exemption applications.

As a result of these delays, we are experiencing a high number of calls into our TE/GE Toll Free Customer Assistance telephone lines regarding the status of Exempt Organization (EO) exemption applications. These calls, in addition to our other calls, are causing increased wait times on the toll free line.

In an effort to provide better service, we will keep you updated on our progress in reducing the backlog of EO exemption applications by posting to this web page information about the date we received applications we are currently processing.

The Process: Upon receipt, exemption applications accompanied by the required user fee are initially separated into three groups: (1) those that can be processed immediately based on information submitted, (2) those that need minor additional information to be resolved, and (3) those that require additional development.

If your application falls in the first or second group, you will receive either your determination letter or a request for additional information, via phone, fax, or letter, within approximately 60 days of the date the application was submitted. If your application falls within the third group, you will be contacted once your application has been assigned to an EO specialist.