After Katrina, IRS Expedites Tax-Exempt Review

In an effort to provide relief for the victims of  Hurricane Katrina, the Internal Revenue Service said it would accelerate its review and approval process for new organizations seeking tax-exempt status in order to provide relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The IRS said new organizations should apply for tax-exempt status by filing IRS Form 1023 and writing, "Disaster Relief, Hurricane Katrina," at the top of the form.

However, the agency encourages people to use existing organizations currently working on immediate aid efforts, according to an IRS press release.

"We want to make sure we do all we can to help new charitable organizations get up and running so they can begin providing the assistance the victims of this terrible disaster so desperately need," said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson, in a statement.In addition to Form 1023, the IRS is also offering Publication 3833, "Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations," which provides guidance on the application process.

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