Non-Profit Formation

We Help You Create Governance Bylaws, File Your Articles of Incorporation, Apply for Tax-Exempt Status, and More.

We TAKE CARE OF THE LEGAL PAPERWORK SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT.

There are over 30 types of non-profits that can be established in the United States. These fall under categories, such as:

Charitable organizations
Religious or church organizations
Private foundations
Political organizations

Within these categories, there are dozens of 501 tax-exempt statuses. The most common include:

501(c)(3) charities,
501(c)(4) community/ social welfare organizations
501(c)(6) business leagues
501(c)(7) social clubs

At The Law Offices of Randle B. Pollard, we will help you determine the right status and take care of the legal paperwork so you don’t have to worry about it.

How we help you establish a non-profit

EnTITY Governance Documentation

Governance documentation, such as bylaws for a nonstock corporation or unincorporated association, an operating agreement for a limited liability company, or bylaws or charter for a trust, are critical for non-profits as the “internal operating rules for an organization” – essentially guidance for how the governing board should act in different situations. When issues arise, these entity governance documents give organizations the tools they need for resolution. Even though they don’t need to be filed with the state in which your organization operates, non-profit governance documents are also essential if you want to receive tax-exempt status from the IRS.

LEGAL ENTITY CREATION

Based on the goals and functions of your new organization, we will advise you on which business entity structure best meets your needs – a non-profit corporation, unincorporated association, limited liability company, or trust structure. Once you decide on the business entity structure, we will assist you in its creation, including drafting articles of incorporation for a nonstock corporation or organization documentation needed for an unincorporated association, limited liability company, or trust necessary to operate in a particular state.

Apply for Tax-Exempt Status

Based on the type of non-profit you’ve established, we will help you complete the correct form with the IRS to obtain federal non-profit status. For example, with a typical 501(c)(3), we will work with your organization to file an IRS Form 1023-EZ (Streamline Application) or IRS Form 1023, which requires varied information about your organization, including its history, finances, governance policies, operations, organizational structure, and more. Other non-profit types will use IRS Form 1024.

Other State Form Filing

Depending on the state and your non-profit type, you might need to file additional paperwork with state agencies to allow for state charitable solicitation, receive state exemption from state and use tax, or operate within a state by registering with a state secretary of state (e.g., a Department of Consumer Services, etc.). We will help advise you on what’s needed and execute that on your behalf.