There is a loophole where a religious organization doesn't even have to file any paperwork with the IRS to establish its tax exempt status. While $5,000 doesn'

There is a loophole where a religious organization doesn't even have to file any paperwork with the IRS to establish its tax exempt status. While $5,000 doesn't sound like a lot, that limit was probably set many years or decades ago and never adjusted for inflation (so the original intention could well have been a much higher level of revenue). "Tax Exempt Organization Search (Pub. 78 data) is based on information received in applications seeking recognition of exemption under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Churches, their integrated auxiliaries, conventions or associations of churches, and public charities whose annual gross receipts are normally not more than $5,000 may be treated as tax-exempt without filing an application. Also, many churches are included in group exemptions (see below). Thus, they may not be listed in Tax Exempt Organization Search (Pub. 78 data)." https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/contributors/other-eligible-donees https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/contributors/other...