A document published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that details the rules and regulations that have to be followed by an organization in order to obtain tax-exempt status. IRS Publication 557 provides guidance as to required forms and documents, the appeals process if tax-exempt status is not approved and causes of a revocation of exempt status. Organizations granted status have certain filing requirements and disclosures that have to be provided to persons who donate funds.

The publication also provides information about organizations falling under section 501(c)(3).

IRS Publication 557 doesn't cover all organizations that may seek tax-exempt status. Some organizations, such as employee-funded pensions, teachers' retirement funds and mutual insurance companies are covered in other documents published by the IRS.

The publication provides a reference chart that details what section of the Internal Revenue Code an organization might fall under when qualifying for tax-exempt status, and the forms that must be filled out in order to apply.