[lisptw102019]

Church-state is related, but different.

'Churches' (this is a short reply so I don't have the definition handy) actually get additional benefits on top of a 501(c)3.

Specifically, if they follow certain rules they don't even have to file a proper return. They still have to throw some numbers the way of the IRS, but in addition to not having to file, religious orgs do not have to publish their returns (normal 501s must do so, part of the 'transparency' of their tax break is they must show CEO salaries, salaries of certain top paid employees, and other expenditures).

[jtbayly]

Actually, it’s not quite that they get additional benefits. Churches are automatically tax exempt, with no need to apply for 501c3 status, even. In other words, a better way to look at it is that the gov doesn’t have the right to interfere, so they don’t.

[OliverJones]

The political-speech restriction and other non-profit rules for houses of worship are the same as for the registered 501(c)(3) charities. But they don't have to seek approval from the IRS, and they don't have to file form 990s every year. (Form 990 is sorta like a corporate tax return.)

In many of these situations, the denominational office has sought approval from the IRS, and has an Employer ID number that appears in the nonprofit search. https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/ This is helpful for getting access to various corporate nonprofit donations. For example, Microsoft Office for nonprofits is very inexpensive.