FORMING A NONPROFIT 501(c)(3)

1. Choose a Name.
The name of your nonprofit corporation cannot be the same as the name of another corporation on file with the Secretary of State's office. You also should be careful on infringing upon another corporation's trademark.
See Trademarks for further information.

2. File Articles of Incorporation.
You must file "articles of incorporation" with the state's corporate filing office. In this nonprofit compliance incorporation document, you do need to include specific language to ensure that you'll receive tax-exempt status. I am here to help if you have any questions on how to file a 501 c 3 application.

3. Draft Bylaws.
A nonprofit's bylaws are the internal governing rules that contain rules and procedures for holding meetings, voting on issues, and electing directors and officers. Typically, the bylaws are adopted by the corporation's directors at their first board meeting.

4. Appoint Directors.
A nonprofit's directors make the major policy and financial decisions for the nonprofit. Nonprofits generally have at least three directors but can have more.

5. Hold a Meeting of the Board.
At the first meeting of the board of directors, the directors take care of formalities such as adopting the bylaws, electing officers, and ratifying any contracts the corporation has entered into. After the meeting is completed, minutes of the meeting should be created and filed in the nonprofit's records binder, as they are indispensable in proving the nonprofit's compliance to incorporation laws.

6. Apply for Your IRS Tax Exemption.
To file a 501 c 3, you must submit a federal 501(c)(3) tax exemption application to the IRS (along with supporting documentation. To apply for your exemption, you must complete IRS Package 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption.

At Levinson Law we offer nonprofit compliance incorporation packages for a flat fee. These comprehensive packages provide the detailed information, including how to file a 501 c 3 application, needed to process your IRS application effectively and ensure all the legal requirements for your entity have been fully met. Give us a call to find out if Levinson Law is a good match for you.

Call 503.222.9057 or contact us online today.

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