Section 4: Streamlined
For eligible smaller organizations filing Form 990-EZ or 990-N, applying within 15 months. No reasonable-cause statement; reinstatement is retroactive.
How It Works
Every case follows a disciplined sequence. You know your status, route, scope, and fee before preparation begins.

Preparation starts only after the record, route, scope, and fee are clear.
We confirm the revocation against the IRS Auto-Revocation List, review Publication 78, and look for any determination issued after the revocation date.
Based on your filing requirement, history, and timing, we identify the applicable route under Rev. Proc. 2014-11 and provide a flat-fee engagement letter.
We prepare Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, required delinquent returns, and a reasonable-cause statement when the route requires one.
We submit the application and returns, coordinate the IRS user fee, and provide copies of the complete filing package.
We track the case and respond to IRS correspondence through the determination letter.
Reinstatement routes
Rev. Proc. 2014-11 describes four principal routes. Apex determines which one fits the organization’s facts.
For eligible smaller organizations filing Form 990-EZ or 990-N, applying within 15 months. No reasonable-cause statement; reinstatement is retroactive.
For full Form 990 or 990-PF filers, or organizations with a prior revocation. Reasonable cause is required for at least one missed year.
For cases filed more than 15 months after revocation. Reasonable cause is required for all three missed years.
For organizations not pursuing retroactive relief. Status returns from the filing date, leaving the prior lapse in place.
Start with a free status check. We’ll verify the record and explain the appropriate next step.