Obtaining 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status
- Introduction
- Do You Need A 501(c)(3) Status?
- How Much Will It Cost?
- Create A Friends of the Shelter Group
- Choose A Meaningful Name
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Create A Board of Directors
- Articles of Incorporation
- Complete Form 1023 To Apply for Non-Profit Status
- Do You Need A Lawyer Or Accountant?
- Will We Need To File Taxes Once We're Non-Profit?
- Online Resources
Do You Need A Lawyer Or Accountant?
Many groups shy away from starting the 501(c)(3) process because they have heard that they have to seek professional guidance and that this will cost hundreds of dollars.
It costs you nothing to start the process on your own. You can only answer the question "do I need a lawyer or an accountant" after you have reviewed Form 1023 and have actually jumped into writing the narrative description of your activities, started working out your financial data statement, etc. You may then find you are able to complete the process on your own as well. Nolo.com is a great online location for legal resources.
If you have questions once you are actually completing the form, utilize the IRS Exempt Organizations Customer Account Services toll-free line at 1-877-829-5500. They are very helpful. If after speaking with the IRS toll-free line, you still just don't understand the process or certain questions still confuse you, it may be time to seek local help through a lawyer, an accountant or the officers of a group that has already completed the 501(c)(3) process.
It will also be helpful to check with state animal welfare or animal control associations, animal law organizations and universities that have law programs. These organizations may have free resources to aid you.
By closely reviewing Form 1023 and beginning the process on your own, if your board ultimately decides to utilize a professional, your interaction will be shorter and more productive and, therefore, less costly. Remember, we all reach a point in our lives where a lawyer and an accountant become necessary even for our personal affairs. If you don't already have access to these professionals, it may be time to look. An initial consultation with a lawyer is often free or low-cost.
If you already have a lawyer or accountant, give her or him a call! The person may or may not be familiar with the 501(c)(3) process. If not, he or she will be able to refer you to professionals in your area who can best help you.
When we interview new Petfinder.com members, we sometimes ask about the organization's experience with the 501(c)(3) process. We receive a wide range of replies. Many groups managed the process from beginning to end on their own. Some used a lawyer throughout. Others just asked a lawyer to review their completed document before it was submitted to the IRS.
