A
501(c) organization, also known colloquially as a
501(c), is a
tax-exempt nonprofit organization in the
United States. Section 501(c) of the United States
Internal Revenue Code provides that 29 types of nonprofit organizations are exempt from some
federal income taxes. Sections 503 through 505 set out the requirements for attaining such exemptions. Many states refer to Section 501(c) for definitions of organizations exempt from state taxation as well. 501(c) organizations can receive unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, and unions.