IRS Form 1023
This is the federal form to get your 501(c)(3) tax-excempt status. There is one time $500 fee when applying and applications can take up to five months before getting a response. The IRS seems to find something wrong with everyone's application, so don't be offended. After submiting your corrections/explanations you will receive your Employee Identification Number (EIN) number.
How To
The Sopo Bike Co-op is making our 501(c)3 application available for folks to use as an example.
This the Bicycle Kitchen's 1023 application - it is not yet finalized:
Contact
IRS Excempt Organizations Customer Account Services toll-free at 1-877-829-5500 x1x1