Nonprofit Incorporation Checklist

Nonprofit Corporation Checklist:

• Research goals and mission
• Develop a plan and recruit board members
• Establish Corporation
  • Adopt Articles of Incorporation and File with the State
  • Name the Board of Directors and adopt Bylaws
  • Obtain an EIN - Tax ID number by filing form SS-4 with the IRS
  • Obtain Tax Exempt status by filing Form 1023 with the IRS
• Establish a Conflict of Interest Policy
• Establish financial management
  • A corporate banking account,
  • An accounting system adequate for
    • organizational management
    • tax reporting
    • grant tracking
    • proving substantiation letters to contibutors
  • Meaningful financial oversight
  • Internal controls
• Contact the state tax board for information about obtaining a state tax number and see if additional information must be submitted for state tax exemption from income tax and sales tax, etc.
• Check with the state department of consumer affairs or business licensing to obtain any required business licenses or permits.
• Contact the state Attorney General's Office to see if registration or reporting is required.
• Find out about workers' compensation if you will have employees.
• Protect your trade name
• Order any required notices (advertisements you have to place) of your intent to begin operating in the community.
• Check zoning laws.
• Obtain city and/or county business licenses or permits.
  Get adequate insurance or a rider to a homeowner's policy.
• Get tax information for employees, including guidelines for withholding taxes, information on hiring independent contractors, etc.
• Apply for a federal non-profit mailing permit.
• Order business cards and stationery.
• Get an email address.
• Set up your website.
• Develop a Corporation Checklist of legal requirements for operation including:
  • Board Meetings
  • Tax Filings
  • State Filings
• Ongoing steps to develop the organization
  • Educate and Assess the Board
  • Select, educate and evaluate the Director and key staff
  • Develop a strategic plan
    • Review vision and mission
    • Review programs and activities
    • Review financials, fundraising and legal compliance
    • Identify areas of growth and stagnation in the organization
    • Examine areas of possiblities for growth and needed services

Some links to other Nonprofit Sites.

• http://www.hurwitassociates.com/
• http://www.attorneyfornonprofits.com/wst_page7.html
• http://www.boardsource.org/

Source: http://www.ahereford.com/nonprofit.html