Frequently  Asked Questions Regarding Registration of  Spiritist Organizations

1. Since a Spiritist Center is not a Church, how should it be classified in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations?

Under the 501(c)(3) classification for non profit organizations, the following are listed:  Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literacy, Testing for Public Safety, To Foster National Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animal Organizations. (IRS Publication 557: Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization (1997)).  The USSC itself has chosen the Charitable classification, as have many other Spiritist groups.

2. What about registering as a club under 501(c)(7) to qualify for some form of exemption?

The descriptions of the general activities for an organization as a club are “Pleasure, recreation, social activities.”  (“General Nature of Activities” – IRS Publication 557: Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization (1997)).  Clearly the objectives of a Spiritist organization are not met under a club classification.

3.     3. And a classification as an educational entity?

Some states might require registration under their Board of Education along with other requirements.  Inquiries should be directed to pertinent agencies in the state where the incorporation is being sought to ascertain if the application is viable.

4.   Regarding the religious aspect of Spiritism, what are the implications under the separation of state/church when a Spiritist organization makes use of a governmental facility (e.g., a school classroom) for their meetings? Should they omit their religious aspect in order to benefit from such an arrangement?

As long as the Spiritist groups/organizations are separated from the public school educational system, there are no implications for the use of classrooms, so long evidently as permission has been granted for such, with the agreement that the rules and regulations for this usage are followed as they would for any assembly.  What non profit organizations are strictly prohibited of is discrimination against sex, religion, race, etc., in their meetings. 

5.   Is it possible for the USSC to offer materials regarding these matters?

The USSC can only offer these general guidelines, along with samples of articles of incorporation and bylaws.  It is not empowered to dispense legal advice, and it can bear no responsibility in the independent decisions of Spiritist organizations as far as the structure and purposes chosen for their incorporation and governance.  Moreover, there are different requirements for Spiritist entities subject to the rules and regulations of the states wherein their applications are filed.

However, knowing that there are tools to assist applicants in this process, the USSC researched and has found a comprehensive “step-by-step how-to” to assist in the registration of your organization as a non profit.  Please visit the Website www.nonprofitlaw.com , Tax-Exemption in-a-day Workbook.   It belongs to a law firm that serves a variety of tax-exempt organizations, and having reviewed the Workbook, the USSC finds it of excellent assistance. 

In sum, Dear Friends, the process is somewhat detailed but perfectly doable!

Please make all efforts to register your organization, and then join the USSC.

For additional  information, please write to:
 USSC - P.O. Box 14026 -
Washington, D.C. 20044-4026 or

e-mail us  at ily.reis@verizon.net

Form to Apply for Membership to the United States Spiritist Council