501(c)3 Documentation

All churches that were members of the United Church of Christ before January 20, 2026 are automatically tax exempt under the UCC tax number. If your church is asked — usually by a vendor — to provide its 501(c)3 documentation, there is now a self-service tool you can use to obtain a letter immediately.

Visit the webpage for the UCC Office of General Counsel, and click “Request 501(c)(3) Group Exemption Letter.” This link allows you to search for your church and download a letter with the church’s name and address on it.

Additionally, churches who are LOGGED IN to the UCC Database and Directories (where you complete your yearend reporting) can download a letter from that page. Churches who are logged in will also be given the option to claim their church’s profile on Candid (formerly Guidestar) by providing some additional information. This can be very useful for churches as many donors and grant-making organizations use Candid to check the 501(c)(3) status of organizations. The information the church provides is sent directly to Candid.

Local Churches granted standing on or after January 20, 2026, must apply for membership. An application can be found on the National Ministries website under Tax Exemption Resources. An organizational purpose statement as specified on the application must be included in the church’s governing document.

Contact your regional admin with any questions or problems.

[Keywords: 501c3, nonprofit, non-profit]