Most nonprofits are 501(c)(3) firms, which implies they are formed for spiritual, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational functions and are eligible for federal and condition tax exemptions. To develop a 501(c)(three) tax-exempt organization, initially you will need to type an Illinois not-for-financial gain company. Then you apply for tax-exempt position from the IRS. Below are the facts.
Variety Your Illinois Not-For-Gain Company
1. Decide on who will be on the first board of directors
In Illinois, your nonprofit company should have a few or far more directors. You must have at the very least a single incorporator and the incorporator can be an unique (age eighteen or older) or a corporation (domestic or foreign).
two. Choose a name for your company
The title of your not-for-profit corporation should be distinguishable from the name of any enterprise entity on file with the Illinois Secretary of Point out. To see if your proposed identify is readily available, you can look for Illinois's corporate title databases on the Illinois Secretary of Point out's website. You can also compose or connect with the Secretary of Stateʼs business office in Springfield to discover out if a title is readily available. You may reserve a title for up to ninety days by filing an Application for Reservation of Title (Form NFP 104.ten). The filing payment is $twenty five.
Despite the fact that not necessary, the name may well include the words and phrases "corporation," "incorporated," "company," "limited," or an abbreviation of a person of these. The name must end with the letters "NFP" if the company identify has any phrase or phrase that signifies or indicates that the corporation is organized for any objective other than a purpose licensed less than the Illinois Common Not For Financial gain Company Act. The name may perhaps not contain the text "regular democrat," "regular democratic,""regular republican," "democrat," "democratic," "republican," or the identify of any other proven political social gathering, except consent is provided by the Condition Central Committee of the established political bash.
3. Appoint a registered agent
Each individual Illinois nonprofit company should have an agent for assistance of approach in the condition. This is an person or company that agrees to settle for legal papers on the company's behalf if it is sued. The agent should have a actual physical street deal with in Illinois, not a put up office box. Small nonprofit companies usually name a director or officer to provide as the first agent. The agent must consent to the appointment.
four. Put together and file your not-for-gain article content of incorporation
To legally establish your nonprofit corporation, you need to generate and file not-for-gain posts of incorporation with the Illinois Secretary of State's business office. The content of incorporation will have to incorporate:
- the corporate title
- the deal with of the company's first registered business in Illinois and the identify of the original registered agent at that workplace
- the identify and tackle of just about every preliminary director
- your corporation's function–this need to comply with IRS requirements (see below)
- no matter if the company is a condominium affiliation, cooperative housing company, or typical-curiosity home owner's affiliation, and
- the identify and deal with of each and every incorporator.
The Illinois Secretary of Condition has a fillable not-for-revenue articles or blog posts of incorporation (Type NFP 102.ten) on its web page which you can use to variety your not-for-income Illinois company. You might not file your article content on the internet.
The fillable content sort on the Secretary of Point out's web page has the minimal data vital to make a nonprofit in Illinois. It does not contain language demanded by the IRS to attain 501(c)(three) federal tax-exempt standing. To receive 501(c)(three) tax-exempt standing from the IRS, your corporation must have certain precise language in its content articles, such as:
- a statement of purpose that fulfills IRS specifications
- statements that your nonprofit will not engage in activities unrelated to its exempt applications or in prohibited political or legislative action, and
- a dissolution clause dedicating the corporation's assets to one more 501(c)(three) corporation or to the federal government on dissolution.
You'll require to increase these clauses to your posts yourself. You can incorporate the goal clause in the blank room in Write-up 4. You can include the prohibited actions and dissolution clauses in Report 5, which is for "other provisions." You can find sample language to use authorized by the IRS in the Instructions for IRS Type 1023-EZ, (see Element II).
For a lot more information on IRS necessities for tax exemption, which includes sample language, talk to How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo). For more facts on planning your Illinois not-for-gain article content, see A Guidebook for Organizing Not-for Gain Businesses (Kind C a hundred sixty five) offered on the Illinois Secretary of State's site.
5. Put together bylaws for your Illinois nonprofit corporation
You'll require to get ready bylaws that comply with Illinois law and incorporate the procedures and processes your corporation will adhere to for holding meetings, electing officers and directors, and getting care of other company formalities essential in Illinois. Your bylaws do not want to be filed with the Illinois Secretary of State — they are your interior operating guide.
For far more facts on bylaws, see Nolo's short article Nonprofit Development Files: Content articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Organizational Minutes. For enable generating your bylaws, see Nolo's guide How to Sort a Nonprofit Company, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo).
6. Hold a conference of your board of administrators
Your first board assembly is usually referred to as the organizational meeting of the board. The board really should take such actions as:
- approving the bylaws
- appointing officers
- setting an accounting interval and tax 12 months, and
- approving original transactions of the company, these as the opening of a company lender account.
Soon after the assembly is accomplished, minutes of the meeting must be created. Established up more tips here to maintain the company's articles or blog posts, bylaws, consent sorts, minutes, and other essential paperwork. For additional details, as nicely as minutes sorts, consent kinds, and other resolutions, see Nonprofit Conferences, Minutes & Information, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo).
seven. Attain an EIN
Your nonprofit company should attain a federal employer identification quantity (EIN). You may receive an EIN by finishing an online software on the IRS web site. There is no submitting fee.
eight. Obtain your enterprise licenses
Relying on the type of activities your nonprofit intends to carry on and where it is found, it may perhaps require to receive a state small business license. For regional licenses, verify with the clerk for the metropolis where by the nonprofit's key place of work is located (or county if it is in an unincorporated space). For point out licenses, verify the Illinois Section of Commerce First End Organization Information and facts Middle.
nine. File an annual report
All nonprofit companies in Illinois ought to file an annual report with the Secretary of Condition. The report is because of each and every yr prior to the first working day of the corporation's anniversary thirty day period (the thirty day period in which it was arranged). For case in point, if your corporation was produced on July fifteen then your report would be due by July one. The report can be submitted online or by mail with Form 114.05. The filing price is $ten.
Obtain Your Federal and Point out Tax Exemptions
Now that you have created your nonprofit company, you can get hold of your federal IRS and Illinois point out tax exemptions. Right here are the ways you have to just take to obtain your tax-exempt position.
10. File your Sort 1023 federal tax exemption application
To get federal tax-exempt position from the IRS, you will need to have to full and file IRS Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Beneath Area 501(c)(three) of the Internal Profits Code. This extended and comprehensive variety asks for heaps of details about your business, which includes its background, finances, organizational composition, governance procedures, operations, routines, and far more. For line-by-line instructions on how to total the Type 1023, see How to Type a Nonprofit Company, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo).
Smaller nonprofits may well be eligible to file Form 1023-EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption under Portion 501(c)(3) of the Inside Revenue Code. This is a substantially less complicated, shorter form that is submitted on the net. Only more compact nonprofits–people with projected annual gross receipts of much less than $50,000 and whole assets of less than $250,000–are suitable to use the streamlined 1023-EZ application.
See the IRS web-site for more data on the Form 1023 and Kind 1023-EZ submitting necessities.
11. Illinois condition tax exemption
As soon as your nonprofit receives 501(c)(3) tax-exempt position from the IRS, you are quickly exempt from Illinois income tax. You do not will need to file any documents to receive the exemption.
Some not-for-earnings organizations might qualify for an exemption from state revenue taxes. To come across out if your nonprofit qualifies, write a letter of request to the Illinois Division of Revenue, Product sales Tax Exemption Section, and enclose photocopies of your posts of incorporation, bylaws, IRS exemption letter, or any other document that might assist in figuring out your status. Check the Illinois Department of Income website for much more data.
twelve. Other point out reporting and registration needs
Relying on your functions and the measurement of your organization, you may well will need to register with the Illinois Lawyer Common prior to performing any fundraising things to do. Examine the Illinois Lawyer General's web site for principles and information about fundraising registration demands. For much more info about fundraising registration necessities in all 50 states, see Nonprofit Fundraising Registration Digital Guide, by Ronald J. Barrett and Stephen Fishman.
A.  Development Assembly
The original company assembly is the essential initially stage in forming a nonprofit business.  It is at this conference that the initial board of administrators is mounted and officer titles determined.  The minutes (notes) of this assembly need to include a resolution that displays unanimous affirmation by the preliminary board to build the organization and go after both incorporation and federal tax exemption.  The reason of the firm must be articulated in writing, as properly.
B.  Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Acquiring an FEIN is an significant early stage.  An FEIN, or Federal Employer Identification Amount, is a numeric identifier for corporations.  A great deal like a Social Security amount, it is a 9-digit range assigned by the Inner Revenue Company that becomes completely affiliated with your corporation.  It is necessary of all organizations, the two for-income and nonprofit, and its acquisition really should be between the initial matters completed by new startups.
Variety Name:  Software for Employer Identification Range
Kind Amount:  SS-4
Filing Price:  $
Foundation Team Company:  Of course (a element of SureStart&trade)
C.  Incorporation in Illinois
Incorporating a nonprofit consists of the filing of a development document, typically referred to as Posts of Incorporation, until otherwise indicated under.  In Illinois, this doc is filed with the Secretary of Point out&rsquos workplace.
Sort Name:  Content of Incorporation
Variety Quantity:  NFP 102.10
Filing Cost:  $fifty
FOR Supplemental Details:  https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications
Basis Team Support:  Sure (a ingredient of SureStart&trade)
Take note:  Whilst the condition of Illinois delivers a template (boilerplate) document for incorporation, be mindful that the Illinois template does not meet Interior Profits Service specifications for acquiring 501(c)(three) status.  As section of our SureStart nonprofit formation services, all Content of Incorporation geared up by Foundation Group are drafted to satisfy strict IRS specifications.
D.  Bylaws
Bylaws are the policies employed by the officers and directors to govern the business. Illinois does not demand a duplicate of the bylaws to be submitted with the condition.  No matter of filing need, their development is a aspect of the development system and is required by condition law.  It is important that the bylaws be drafted by anyone with understanding of each point out and federal legislation governing the procedure of a tax-exempt corporation.
Take note:  A duplicate of the bylaws is demanded by the IRS when in search of tax-exemption as a 501(c)(3) group, except applicant is using Form 1023-EZ.
Basis Group Company:  Indeed (a element of SureStart&trade)
E.  FEDERAL TAX EXEMPTION (501(c)(3) Standing)
After a nonprofit company has been shaped, the subsequent move is to search for tax-exemption from the Inside Earnings Services, additional normally referred to as receiving 501(c) status. The IRS acknowledges statuses from 501(c)(2) via 501(c)(27). The  overpowering bulk of tax-exempt organizations are recognized as 501(c)(three) companies for their charitable functions.
To acquire recognition as a 501(c)(three), tax-exempt entity, Form 1023 must be filed with the Inside Earnings Company.  Sort 1023 is a thorough glimpse at an organization&rsquos structure and systems.  Offered the selection of additional schedules, attachments, and displays that may well be expected in addition to the application by itself, most Type 1023 filings selection between 50-one hundred web pages of facts.
In July of 2014, the IRS released Form 1023-EZ.  This abbreviated version of the application for exemption is an online-only variety, readily available only to capable, little organizations.  Variety 1023-EZ is controversial in that most states oppose its use and the foremost nonprofit marketplace and advocacy teams worry it will negatively influence grant funding chances for modest charities that use it.
Sort Identify:  Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Segment 501(c)(three) of the Inside Profits Code
Variety Range:  1023 (or 1023-EZ)
Filing Charge:  $600 ($275 for Form 1023-EZ)
FOR Additional Information and facts:  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf
Basis Team Assistance:  Yes (a element of SureStart&trade)
Take note:  For organizations trying to get federal tax-exemption underneath a different 501(c) part, Type 1024, Application for Recognition of Exemption Less than Segment 501(a), need to be filed.
Must the IRS grant tax-exempt standing, the applicant will be issued a Letter of Dedication to that result.
F.  Condition Earnings Tax-Exemption (Company Earnings Tax)
Most states identify the federal Letter of Perseverance and do not demand any extra point out filings in order to be cash flow tax exempt for point out functions.  A handful of states, having said that, have their own recognition requirements.
ILLINOIS Requires Submitting:  No
Variety Identify:  N/A
Type Quantity:  N/A
Filing Fee:  N/A
FOR Further Info:  https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications
Foundation Group Assistance:  Indeed, in distinct provider deals
Notice:  Company tax-exemption does NOT exempt you from Unrelated Organization Profits tax (UBIT).  For additional details, see https://www.501c3.org/tag/unrelated-organization-cash flow .
G.  Charitable Solicitations (Fundraising) Registration
Most states need a nonprofit organization to register with its Office of Charitable Solicitations, commonly administered by the Attorney Standard&rsquos office. Some states administer the work by the Secretary of State, and other people are a mixture (bifurcated). A key level is that nonprofits may perhaps have a registration necessity beyond their state of incorporation if the corporation solicits donations in individuals other states.
In addition to original registration, most states require charities to renew their registration on an yearly basis.  Failure to maintain compliance with fundraising registration may end result in punitive fines and loss of means to function in that point out.
Variety Name:  Charitable Corporation Registration Statement
Type Selection:  CO-one, if a lot less than a year aged
Submitting Payment:  $15
EXEMPTION FROM Submitting Permitted:  Yes, many reasons and belongings
Variety Title:  Religious Corporation Exemption
Type Selection:  CO-3
AUDIT Specifications:  Gross revenues increased than $three hundred,000 or contributions higher than $twenty five,000 if a professional fund-raiser engages in fundraising
FOR Extra Details:  https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/charities
Basis Team Service:  Certainly, both of those as a element of SureStart&trade and a-la-carte
H.  Gross sales Tax Exemption
Several nonprofits can advantage from remaining exempt from profits tax on buys of expert services, goods, and resources.  Some of the states that make it possible for for product sales tax exemption require that you have previously been given your 501(c)(3) standing from the IRS.  Other individuals do not.
ILLINOIS Will allow:  Yes, numerous corporations
Variety Identify:  No form, but facts is asked for.  See web-site.
Form Selection:  N/A
Filing Price:  No rate
FOR Added Info:  https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/analysis/publications
Foundation Group Support:  No
I.  County of Other Community Registrations
There are 3,one hundred forty counties in the US.  Even though lots of do not call for organization licenses or other filings by nonprofits, some do.  We remarkably suggest that all corporations get in touch with their County Clerk&rsquos office to inquire as to any important filings.  A lot of regional, metropolis, and county businesses also involve a organization license registration.  Please verify with your area organizations to guarantee you have met all specifications to function.
Foundation Group Provider:  No
Ongoing Nonprofit Compliance
As soon as a nonprofit business has been designed and has acquired tax-exemption and other necessary skills, these statuses need to be maintained.  Under is a listing of the ongoing compliance submitting needs for a nonprofit, tax-exempt business in Illinois.
A.  Company Once-a-year Report
Your nonprofit company ought to file a company report per year with the state in buy to continue being in great standing.  This report retains the point out current regarding the firm&rsquos recent officers, administrators, and other appropriate data.
Foundation Group Service:  No
B.  Federal IRS Type 990
IRS Form 990 is an yearly details return that will have to be submitted by all 501(c) organizations.  Variety 990 is similar to a corporate tax return, but with various important distinctions. It is an annual report of profits and expenditure action, along with details precise to nonprofits: the prior calendar year&rsquos things to do and achievements, significant detail about construction and functions and data about much larger donors. No taxes are due on internet cash flow from tax-exempt pursuits.
There are five diverse versions of Variety 990: Form 990, Form 990EZ, Variety 990-N, Form 990PF, and Kind 990-T. Which one particular is required of any unique organization depends upon a range of things, the most important of which is the amount of once-a-year, gross profits received by the organization. In tax calendar year 2008, the IRS appreciably enhanced the quantity of data that is required to be described by organizations. 2009 added even much more to individuals variations. It is extremely a good idea that nonprofit businesses seek the help of a capable expert to support with the preparation of Form 990.
Take note:  Some edition of Kind 990 is essential of all 501(c) businesses (other than church buildings), no matter of gross revenue or earlier filing needs . . . even if an firm has not nonetheless acquired official 501(c) perseverance.  Significant penalties, and even revocation of tax-exempt status, can consequence from failure to file a timely and accurate return.
Type Identify:  Return of Firm Exempt from Revenue Tax
Variety Quantity:  Sort 990, 990EZ, 990-N, 990PF, 990-T
Filing Cost:  $
Because of Day:  fifteenth day of the 5th thirty day period adhering to the stop of the fiscal year (extendable for 6 include&rsquol months)
LATE Submitting PENALTIES: $twenty per day, up to the lesser of $ten,000, or 5% of the business&rsquos gross profits.  If gross profits exceeds $1,046,500, the penalty improves to $100 per working day, up to $52,000.
FOR Additional Facts:
https://www.irs.gov/types-pubs/about-kind-990
Foundation Group Support:  Certainly, both as a ingredient of Assurance&trade, and a-la-carte
Observe:  There are no economical penalties linked with the late submitting of Type 990-N.  The IRS will, nevertheless, revoke the tax-exempt position for organizations that fall short to file any variation of the Kind 990 for 3 consecutive several years.  Other than a single official recognize, the IRS will NOT deliver annual reminders that your Kind 990 is thanks.
C.  Condition Exempt Corporation Facts Reporting
Most states identify the IRS Kind 990 as satisfactory for state tax exemption reporting.  Quite a few states call for no reporting at all, relying upon the kind of corporation.
ILLINOIS Necessitates Submitting:  No
Copy OF IRS Sort 990 Suitable:  N/A
Sort Title:  N/A
Variety Amount:  N/A
Thanks Date:  N/A
Submitting Price:  N/A
FOR Extra Facts:  https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications
Basis Team Company:  No
D.  Charitable Solicitations Renewal
The moment an group has registered with the point out Division of Charities, it may have to renew that registration yearly.  If expected, the threshold to report normally relies upon on the style of firm and the amount of money of gross revenue.
ILLINOIS Demands RENEWAL:  Yes
Sort Identify:  ILLINOIS CHARITABLE Firm Yearly REPORT
Variety Range:  Form AG990-IL
Due Day:  Inside of 6 months soon after the finish of the corporation&rsquos fiscal yr finish
Filing Price:  $fifteen.00 Yearly Filing Price
LATE Submitting PENALTIES:  $one hundred.00
FOR Further Data:  https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/charities
Basis Group Company:  Of course, as a component of Assurance&trade, and a-la-carte
E.  Other Reporting Needs
The regulatory environment we inhabit is in a regular state of modify. It is essential that all firms remain conscious and educated, which include (and especially) nonprofit, tax-exempt companies. Know what your state and the federal govt call for and keep existing. It is a whole lot less complicated, and a lot much less expensive, to do items correctly the initial time.
Significant See: Form improvements occur periodically to apply new necessities. Varieties could be removed or revised, or new kinds could be designed. Before distributing types for filing, you should be absolutely sure that you have the most modern model of types.
Backlinks can change frequently. If you have a challenge with a hyperlink, copy and paste the website link in your navigation bar.
Businesses &ndash If the nonprofit corporation has or may well have workforce and/or speakers/attendees/impartial contractors, there could be more registration and reporting needs at the federal and condition stage.  A frequent error for organizations is compensating folks as unbiased contractors when the romantic relationship requires shelling out them as employees. You can come across details at both equally the federal and state stage to make clear these types of interactions. Below you will obtain practical IRS inbound links.  For state prerequisites, check out with the Department of Income. this website is the most commonly utilized identify for that section your condition may detect it by a distinctive name. At this section, you will come across topical information about:  condition unemployment insurance coverage (SUTA), condition money tax (SIT), new use reporting necessities, and staff compensation.