"In many communities, it takes more to get a library card than it takes to get this new exempt status," said Tim Delaney, president and chief executive of the National Council of Nonprofits, a network of charitable groups. His group opposed the new form, arguing that the I.R.S. is abdicating its responsibility to screen groups, and that, in the long run, potential abuse will undermine public trust in charities.

The National Association of State Charity Officials has also taken a stand against the EZ route, complaining that it will further strain already overburdened regulators.