# Newbie here, need next steps: obtaining tax id# **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Tags:** administration\ **Created:** [January 10, 2024, 7:21pm UTC](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/t/newbie-here-need-next-steps-obtaining-tax-id/219 "2024-01-10T19:21:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SCHA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@SCHA](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/u/SCHA)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2024, 7:21pm UTC](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/t/newbie-here-need-next-steps-obtaining-tax-id/219/1 "2024-01-10T19:21:24Z")
I’ve just filed with the Sec of State as a mutual benefit nonprofit. Do I first apply for a tax id number and THEN apply for a tax exemption? Or can I do this all at once? They don’t make it easy. Thanks all! ---
**Author:** ![MichaelMNA](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.mtnonprofit.org/michaelmna/32/71_2.png) [@MichaelMNA](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/u/MichaelMNA)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 6:45pm UTC](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/t/newbie-here-need-next-steps-obtaining-tax-id/219/2 "2024-01-17T18:45:17Z")
Hi SCHA, I’ve never started a 501c3, so I am going to point you to some resources. Hopefully someone from the community or another team member will jump in to help out. Shelby and Kate have posted a general checklist of steps on our website: [https://www.mtnonprofit.org/resource-center/starting-a-501c3-in-montana/](https://www.mtnonprofit.org/resource-center/starting-a-501c3-in-montana/) In the checklist they have, file for your EIN and then for your tax exemption. I don’t think you can do that all at once. I hope that helps! Michael ---
**Author:** ![SCHA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@SCHA](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/u/SCHA)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 8:31pm UTC](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/t/newbie-here-need-next-steps-obtaining-tax-id/219/3 "2024-01-17T20:31:43Z")
Thanks so much, Michael. Somehow, I missed this.