Part 1: How nonprofit corporations work
1. Is nonprofit incorporation right for you?
Is your group a nonprofit that can use this book?
Benefits of the nonprofit corporation
The disadvantages of going nonprofit
How nonprofits raise, spend, an and make money
Your path to nonprofit status
Where should you incorporate?
2. Legal rights and duties of incorporators, directors, officers, employees, and members
How many people are needed to form a nonprofit corporation?
Incorporators and their role as promoters
3. Requirements for section 501(c)(3) tax exemption
Section 501(c)(3) organizational test
Valid purposes under section 501(c)(3)
Other requirements for 501(c)(3) groups
Information for specific questions about your group's activities
4. Public charities and private foundations
The importance of public charity status
How to qualify for public charity status
5. Other tax benefits and reporting requirements
Federal and state tax deductions for contributions
Federal estate and gift tax exemptions
Federal unrelated business income tax
State corporate income tax exemptions
State solicitation regulations
State nonprofit corporate report requirements
Part 2: Incorporating your nonprofit
6. Choose a name and file your articles of incorporation
View materials from your secretary of state
What to do when there's a name conflict
Reserve your corporate name
Prepare your articles of incorporation
File your articles of incorporation
Choose a membership or nonmembership structure
Purpose and scope of our bylaws
Prepare membership provisions
8. Apply for your federal 501(c)(3) tax exemption
Do you need to file form 1023?
Prepare your tax exemption application
Filling out the schedules
Assemble and mail your application to the IRS
What to expect from the IRS
The federal determination letter
9. Final steps in organizing your nonprofit corporation
Obtain state corporate income tax exemption
Set up a corporate records book
Prepare the minutes of your first board of directors meeting
Place minutes and attachments in corporate records book
Issue membership certificates
File fictitious or assumed business name statement
Apply for a federal nonprofit mailing permit
Apply for property tax exemptions
File an initial corporate report form
Register with the attorney general
Comply with political reporting requirements
Prepare assignments of leases and deeds
File final papers for prior organization
Notify others of your incorporation
10. After your corporation is organized
Piercing the corporate veil : If you want to be treated like a corporation, it's best to act like one
Federal corporate tax returns
State corporate tax returns and reports
Federal and state corporate employment taxes
Employee income tax returns
Sales tax forms and exemption from sales tax
Private insurance coverage
Dissolving a nonprofit corporation
11. Lawyers and accountants
Accountants and tax advice
Appendixes. A. Using the downloadable forms and other online material
B. How to locate incorporation resources online
C. Information and forms.
