To be eligible, your nonprofit must have less than $250,000 in total assets, your gross receipts must total less than $50,000 annually for the next three years.  There are many other qualifications, and any organization that wishes to file the Form 1023-EZ must complete the eligibility worksheet before submitting the form online.  We will complete the eligibility check list for you.

Certain types of organizations cannot use the 1023-EZ, even if they meet the basic qualifications. The following types of organizations typically must file the long-form 1023: Churches and church associations, Schools, colleges, and universities, Hospitals and medical research organizations, Agricultural research organizations, Charitable risk pools, Credit counseling institutions, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Public safety organizations, and Private foundations.

If you are a Church, click Here

If you believe you will be over $50,000 per year, click here

You will start by choosing your domain name, usually with the extension .org (www.yourname.org) We will then create for you a one-page starter website showing who, what, where and how of your organization. Your mission, vision and goals. Included is a branded email. e.g. (support@yourdomain.org) Later on, you’ll be able to be able to upgrade and have all the expandable plugins available.

We will review your Articles of Incorporation for specific organizational and dissolution clauses that must be stated. If the articles do not have them, we will need to file an amendment. (Included)

You will need to file Form 1023-EZ within 27 months after the end of the month in which you were legally formed. If you file after, the effective date of your exempt status will be the date of the application.

NEW FLORIDA NONPROFIT
Filing Fees	$35.00
Registered Agent Designation	$35.00
Certified Copy (optional)	$8.75
Certificate of Status (optional)	$8.75
TOTAL	$87.50

Generally, on an average, it takes 7 to 10 business days.

Florida’s registered agent requirement

A “registered agent” (or RA) is designated by a business to receive official legal documents, such as lawsuit papers, subpoenas, and other legal notices. The RA’s business office is called the registered office and must have a street address in Florida.

Incorporators and Initial Directors

The incorporator is the person who signs the Articles of Incorporation for your nonprofit. You will need at least one, but can have more than one. Directors make up the governing body of your nonprofit corporation and are stakeholders in your organization’s purpose and success. You’ll want to identify three, unrelated individuals to meet IRS requirements. You will also want to be aware of any age or residency requirements.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Nonprofits need an EIN. 

Once you are incorporated, you can start accepting donations while you’re waiting for the 501(c)(3). The IRS will retro act the status back to the date of incorporation.

However,

Before you solicit!

The Solicitation of Contributions Act requires anyone who solicits donations in or from Florida to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and to renew annually. This applies to charitable organizations, sponsors, professional solicitors, and professional fundraising consultants. FDACS collects registration fees and has the authority to impose penalties for noncompliance. 

 

 

 

 

 

Before you solicit!

The Solicitation of Contributions Act requires anyone who solicits donations in or from Florida to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and to renew annually. This applies to charitable organizations, sponsors, professional solicitors, and professional fundraising consultants. FDACS collects registration fees and has the authority to impose penalties for noncompliance. 

Nonprofit Organizations and Sales and Use Tax

Florida law grants certain nonprofit organizations specific exemptions from Florida sales and use tax. To be eligible for the exemption, nonprofit organizations must obtain a Florida Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption from the Florida Department of Revenue.

Generally, the Exemption from local property taxes is available for property of organizations: Formed and operated exclusively for qualifying purposes (religious, scientific, hospital, or charitable), That use their property exclusively for those qualifying purposes, and That has a current tax-exempt letter from the Internal Revenue Service or the Franchise Tax Board.

To be eligible, your nonprofit must have less than $250,000 in total assets, your gross receipts must total less than $50,000 annually for the next three years.  There are many other qualifications, and any organization that wishes to file the Form 1023-EZ must complete the eligibility worksheet before submitting the form online.  

Certain types of organizations cannot use the 1023-EZ, even if they meet the basic qualifications. The following types of organizations typically must file the long-form 1023: Churches and church associations, Schools, colleges, and universities, Hospitals and medical research organizations, Agricultural research organizations, Charitable risk pools, Credit counseling institutions, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Public safety organizations, and Private foundations.

The IRS user fee for Form 1023-EZ is $275. The user fees must be paid through Pay.gov when the application is filed.

According to the IRS website, 2 to 4 weeks.

Yes. Your 501(c)(3) status will retro act back to the date of your incorporation. Thereby, they will be fully deductible to the Donner.

Generally, if you file Form 1023-EZ within 27 months after the end of the month in which you were legally formed, and we approve the application, the legal date of formation will be the effective date of your exempt status.

Generally, an organization is required to file an annual 990 series returns However, an eligible organization, that normally has gross receipts of $50,000 or less is required to file annual electronic notice on Form 990-N (e-Postcard) 

Most small tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less are required to electronically submit Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard, by the 15th day of the 5th month after the close of your tax year.

Tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) is a matter of federal law. After receiving federal tax exemption, you may also be required to register with your state to solicit contributions and to obtain exemption from state taxes.

The IRS has also said that a recognition letter may not be relied on by donors if it is based on any inaccurate material information.”  If you get more than $50,000 in a year, you will have to file at least a Form 990-EZ and bring yourself to the attention of the IRS.