A new nonprofit that is being established to support impoverished individuals can be a great asset to your community. To maintain tax-exempt status and the right to keep your nonprofit open, you will need to follow some legalities that are enforced nationally and regionally.
Tax Documents
The Internal Revenue Service requires nonprofit owners to file a specific form each year. This tax document is essential in remaining eligible for an annual tax exemption. The form is just one part of the requirements that the IRS may enforce.
Keeping clear records, which indicate how much money has been raised and how monetary funds have been appropriated, could be requested by the IRS. A ledger that contains handwritten or typed information should be kept at your place of business. All of the material that is recorded should be dated and initialed by you, your board of directors, or another volunteer who has managerial status.
State Laws
If you are going to incorporate your nonprofit, you will need to consult with someone at your local county courthouse. A set of bylaws may need to be furnished, prior to receiving approval for the incorporation. Incorporation is a legal process that will ultimately deem your nonprofit a business entity that is independent.
There may be some other state laws that your business will need to adhere to. For instance, you may operate your business in a state that maintains strict rules pertaining to the manner in which money is raised. Gambling, games of chance, and other activities that will involve the exchange of money may be prohibited or strictly monitored.
Board Meetings
You will be responsible for assigning roles to the people who will be working within your business. A board of directors is one of the essential people who will be responsible for maintaining ethical operations within your nonprofit. Holding board meetings each year will educate your volunteers and refresh them on various responsibilities. Board meetings will also allow everyone to brainstorm about ways to increase funding for your nonprofit.
Without board meetings being upheld, the people who are dedicated to operating your business may not work cohesively. This could cause friction within your business or could accidentally trigger mistakes to be made that could affect your nonprofit's longevity. Schedule board meetings in advance. Provide your volunteers with a copy of the schedule. Post a copy of the schedule within your business too.
For more information on nonprofit compliance, contact a professional near you.
