[QCWA Hotlist] Filing IRS Tax forms

[Rick Brown]

I took over as the Sec/Treasurer for my local chapter last year.  I had get a new Tax ID to open a bank account as our old one had expired.  I was told that if tax were not reported for three consecutive years that the Tax ID number would no longer be valid.  Not really a big deal as the bank account is already opened and I don't expect to open a new one soon.  So now I would like to file or report a tax report.  From my reading I was under the impression that I could file a form 990-N, however this can not be filed without a tax exempt letter from the IRS.  From my readings, our chapter meets the IRS 501(c)(7) requirements for a social club and has income under $5000.  But, to get the status letter I have to fill out a form 1023 and send $400 along with another form.  Our chapter can not afford the $400 fee.
So what I would like to know, does any chapter have a member you can advise me on how to go about staying legal for tax filings for a local chapter.
Rick BrownQCWA
Old Dominion Chapter 202Sec/Treasurer