DIY Step-by-Step Guide(No agent or lawyer)
As an example, in Illinois:
1) Visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s Nonprofit Services page:https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/business_services/howdoi.html#nfp
2) Download and complete Articles of Incorporation (Form NFP-102.10).
3) Submit online or by mail with the required filing fee ($50–$75).
4) Obtain an EIN at irs.gov/ein
5) Draft your Bylaws and hold your organizational meeting.
6) File for tax-exempt status using IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ.
7) Register with the Illinois Attorney General Charitable Trust Bureau if soliciting donations.
Common Mistakes People Make
● Using a non-charitable purpose in the Articles of Incorporation.● Missing or incomplete director/officer information.● Filing IRS Form 1023 before the formation is approved.● Forgetting to apply for charitable registration with the Attorney General.● Failing to maintain annual report filings, which can result in dissolution.
Documents & Information Needed
● Proposed nonprofit name check availability at e.g. Illinois Business Search: https://apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/
● Organizational purpose statement (charitable, educational, religious, or scientific)● Registered agent name and address● Names and addresses of initial directors and officers (minimum of three)● Principal business address● Payment method for filing and service fees