Sales Tax Exemption Application Instructions for New Entities

Please note the instructions below for completing the DR-5 form, depending upon if you represent a church, mission or school. 

I. For a church or mission requesting tax-exempt status:
 
A. Two forms are needed by our office to process the tax-exemption renewal application: 

1. The completed official Department of Revenue application for tax exemption (DR-5 Form) and
2. A copy of the respective church's or mission's listing in the current Official Catholic Directory (OCD)

B. Please fill in the following boxes on the DR-5 form: 

1. Religious Institution - physical place of worship
2. Legal Name of Organization (as listed in OCD)
3. Street Address
4. Business Phone Number
5. City/State/Zip Code
6. County
7. Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
8. Mailing Address (if different than above)
9. Name of Contact Person/Title
10. Email Address

C. If you wish to receive information via email from the DOR, check the box under the privacy statement.

D. Sign and date the form.

II. For a school requesting tax-exempt status: 

A. Two forms are needed by our office to process the tax-exemption renewal application:

1. The completed official Department of Revenue application for tax exemption (DR-5 Form) and
2. A copy of the respective school's listing in the current Official Catholic Directory (OCD)

B. Please fill in the following boxes on the DR-5 form: 

1. 501(c)(3) Organization
2. Legal Name of Organization
3. Street Address
4. Business Phone Number
5. City/State/Zip Code
6. County
7. Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
8. Mailing Address (if different than above)
9. Name of Contact Person/Title
10. Email Address

C. If you wish to receive information via email from the DOR, check the box under the privacy statement.

D. The form should be signed and dated by the pastor, principal or administrator at your location. 

If your church, mission or school does not appear in the OCD, I can provide a sample letter for you to complete that would accompany your completed application form. 

Please keep a copy of your DR-5 form for your records and mail, email or fax your application packet to:

Attn: Michael T. Pearson
Director for Administration
Florida Catholic Conference
201 W. Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301-7760
Fax number: 850-681-9548
Email address: mpearson@flacathconf.org 

III. For all other entities:

We receive inquiries from time-to-time about processing sales tax exemption application requests for entities that are not schools, parishes or missions. The agreement in place with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) is open to all catholic entities that appear in the Official Catholic Directory.  

This is not an onerous process and the staff of the Florida Catholic Conference can provide you with the necessary application form and instructions, as well as requirements to qualify for the State sales tax exemption. 

For information contact:

Florida Catholic Conference
201 W. Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301-7760
Fax number: 850-681-9548
Phone: 850-222-3803
Email address: contact@flacathconf.org