A nonprofit organization in South Carolina or any other state can obtain 501(c)(3) status by following the IRS 501(c)(3) application process. Note that this is a federal designation for tax exemption, and the 501(c)(3) application process is the same regardless of the state of legal formation. To get 501(c)(3) status in South Carolina, a nonprofit must have a federal EIN, articles of incorporation or other formation, supporting documents, financial data, and any additional information required. The nonprofit must then submit Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ and wait for an IRS determination letter.