If you're starting a new not-for-profit
organization my office can help you prepare your organization's 501 (c)(3)
application for tax-exempt status.
Below are essential ingredients in starting a successful nonprofit:
- a vital mission
- high-quality, responsive, and unduplicated programs and services
- reliable and diverse revenue streams
- clear lines of accountability
- adequate facilities
To learn more now about starting a nonprofit, you should research various webinars or tutorials on line. The Foundation Center (foundationcenter.org) has many training events, videos, and transcripts available to you. You may also need to retain a local attorney familiar with nonprofit law to assist you with your organizing documents and bylaw.
My office can assist you with the following steps:
- File articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State (if not done by your attorney).
- Submit Form 1023 - Application for Exempt Status with the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS). Please note that it can take 3-12 months for the IRS to return
its decision.
- Register with the California State Attorney General's Office or any other state in which you plan to do fundraising.
- Filing the annual federal, state, and Attorney General tax returns.
In order to complete your IRS application, here is what's needed.....
-
Articles of Incorporation containing the Exempt Purpose
Statement as described in IRS Code section 501(c)(3) and defined in
Treasury Regulation 1.501(c)(3)-1 Paragraph d and the Dissolution
Statement described in Treasury Regulation 1.501(c)(3)-1 Paragraph b
subparagraph 4 ("Organizational Test").
-
Employer Identification Number
-
Bylaws of the Organization
-
Minutes of Board Meetings
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Names, Addresses, and Resumes of Board Members
-
Names and addresses of all Active Members
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Inventory of Assets like cash, furniture, equipment, property, pledges...
-
Inventory of Liabilities like mortgages, accounts payable, loans...
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Rent/Lease Agreements and Contracts
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Revenue and Expense Statements for the last four years or as far back as possible if your organization has been in existence for less than four years.
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Written Reason for Formation and History of the organization.
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Organization Mission Statement or Statement of Faith or Beliefs for Churches and other Religious Organizations.
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Organization Activities, Operations and Programs Documentation including your statement of purpose & operations, food programs, fundraisers, flyers/brochures/pamphlets...
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Financial Support Documentation including all sources of revenue like contributions, tithes, offerings, fundraisers...
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Fund Raising Program Descriptions
- IRS Processing/Filing Fee
