How To Register My Logo For My Nonprofit In Illinois

Welcome to our Illinois Nonprofit Startup Guide! If yous're passionate about helping others and have an idea to serve your community, starting a nonprofit is a great manner to turn your vision into a reality. In that location are many different types of nonprofits - religious, educational, human service oriented, fauna welfare, and more than. What all nonprofits accept in common is a focus on helping others and benefiting their customs. You are genuinely committed to these goals so you are already well on your fashion!

Co-ordinate to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, in that location were over 61,000 nonprofit organizations in Illinois in 2012. Before you start a new nonprofit, brand sure you take identified an unmet demand in your community and know that in that location are not any existing organizations serving your cause. If another arrangement exists, consider working together, equally that may be a better style to make an bear on in your community and use existing resources.

When you are ready to start your nonprofit, plan to comprise and apply for 501(c)(3) status, every bit these are important steps to fully achieve your goals. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you will be able to apply for grants and accept donations, be exempt from federal corporate income tax, and limit the liability of your organization's officers and directors. Most importantly, you will gain brownie and legitimacy for your cause, instilling the public with confidence in your organization.

This guide will walk you through the basic steps to start your nonprofit in Illinois. Let's become started!

Your organization's proper noun establishes its brand and is also of import for incorporating with the state. The legal name of your nonprofit corporation may not conflict with any other system registered in the state. Make sure the proper name is available and meets land requirements.

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Illinois Secretary of State - Business organisation Services Department
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May contain, separate and apart from whatsoever other word or abbreviation in such name, the discussion "corporation," "company," "incorporated," or "express," or an abbreviation of one of such words. Must finish with the letters "NFP" if the corporate name contains whatsoever word or phrase which indicates or implies that the corporation is organized for any purpose other than a purpose for which corporations may be organized under this Act or a purpose other than a purpose prepare forth in the corporation'south articles of incorporation.
805 ILCS §105/104.05

The incorporator is the person who signs the Articles of Incorporation for your nonprofit. You will need at least i, merely tin have more than 1. Directors make upwards the governing body of your nonprofit corporation and are stakeholders in your system'south purpose and success. You'll want to identify three, unrelated individuals to meet IRS requirements. Y'all volition too want to be aware of any historic period or residency requirements.

Illinois director requirements:	Number: minimum 3 Qualifications: None. No residency requirement. No membership requirement. Term: until next election unless staggered equally provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws Quorum: majority Committee: minimum 2 directors and directors must be the majority of membership, except for committees involved in electing directors
Illinois officer requirements:	Defined in articles or bylaws. One officer certifies corporate records (eastward.g. the Secretary). Ii or more than offices may be held past the same individual, if the bylaws and so provide.

A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal notices on behalf of your organization. The appointed registered agent must be physically located in the land and maintain an office that is open during regular business organisation hours. As a nationwide registered agent, our service is designed to receive your legal documents and provide secure access to those documents through your online account. Our local Illinois registered agent part is located in Springfield, IL. We offer registered agent service independently or every bit part of our nonprofit germination packages.

Your nonprofit'due south manufactures of incorporation officially mark the cosmos of your organization. They certificate where and when the organization was formed and capture other data necessary to verify its existence. While requirements for language vary from state-to-state, at that place are some basic provisions that the IRS volition expect for when you apply for 501(c)(3) exemption. Information technology is of import to customize the articles for your organization and brand sure yous meet the state and IRS requirements. Meeting these requirements from the start will assistance avoid having to brand amendments later or gamble getting your 501(c)(3) application rejected. Some states will likewise require you to publish your manufactures of incorporation, then be mindful of any deadlines and publishing instructions.

Bureau:	Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services Section
Class:	Form NFP 102.10: Articles of Incorporation
Filing Method:	Mail, fax (simply if you have a prepaid account), or online
Bureau Fee:	$50 past mail or $75 online
Turnaround:	~2 weeks by postal service or fax. ~1-v business days if you file online and pay the $100 expedite fee.
Law:	805 ILCS 105
Notes:	The purpose of the corporation must be selected among the 33 purposes listed in Section 103.05(a) of the General Not-For-Turn a profit Corporation Deed. You must file by paper to include additional provisions such as those required for 501(c) taxation exemption. When you file by postal service you lot must submit the original articles with signatures in black ink and one copy.

After filing articles of incorporation, y'all must file an initial study.

This unique, nine-digit number is assigned by the IRS to place your nonprofit. All types of nonprofits will use for an EIN, not only those that hire employees. You lot will use your EIN to open a bank account, apply for 501(c)(three) status, and submit 990 returns to the IRS.

Agency:	Internal Acquirement Service (IRS)
Class:	IRS Form SS-4
Filing Method:	Mail service, phone, fax, or online.
IRS fee:	$0
Turnaround:	Immediately online or by phone. 4 business organization days by fax. 4-5 weeks by mail.
Notes:	The IRS website is only bachelor during sure hours. Print your EIN before closing your session. For additional guidance, see IRS Pub 1635: Understanding Your EIN.

As you launch your nonprofit, you volition receive a number of official documents. Organizing these documents in one identify will relieve you headaches down the route. You will before long have numerous items to continue in your records including your EIN letter of the alphabet, bylaws, coming together minutes, 501(c)(three) conclusion letter, and more.

A great way to maintain necessary documentation is Records Managing director, our software for storing records securely, tracking directors and officers, and getting notified of meetings.
Your bylaws are the governing document for your nonprofit. They serve as your organization'south operating manual and should exist consistent with your articles of incorporation and the law. When your Board of Directors meets for the first time, you'll review and ratify the bylaws and they will be a roadmap for governance from there.

At the same time, y'all'll also want to create and adopt a conflict of interest policy. A conflict of interest is when someone in a fundamental position in your nonprofit has competing interests and is making choices that could benefit themselves to the harm of the organization. Personal interests should be fix bated and organizational interests prioritized. If a conflict of interest does arise, it should be disclosed immediately.

Your application to the IRS for 501(c)(3) exemption will crave that both the bylaws and the disharmonize of interest policy are approved and adopted. Once they've been adopted, safely store them in your Nonprofit Records Kit.
The initial organizational meeting of your Board of Directors volition exist incredibly productive. At this meeting yous will approve the bylaws, adopt the conflict of involvement policy, elect directors, engage officers, and approve resolutions such equally opening the organization's banking concern account. Important decisions are being fabricated then be sure to record them in the meeting minutes.
Illinois offers a consolidated state tax registration awarding.

Applying for 501(c) revenue enhancement exemption can feel like the about daunting footstep in bringing your nonprofit dream into reality, just obtaining tax exemption comes with many benefits. You will be able to apply for grants and grow your fundraising success in addition to being exempt from IRS income tax. 501(c) is the chapter of the Internal Acquirement Code that regulates nonprofit organizations. Like others, y'all may be most familiar with 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including charities and foundations. 501(c)(3) nonprofits apply using Grade 1023 or Form 1023-EZ. Review the criteria for each application and make sure yous see the eligibility requirements set out by the IRS. Other types of nonprofits, including 501(c)(4)south and 501(c)(half-dozen)s, utilize using Grade 1024. After reviewing and approving your application, the IRS will return a Determination Letter officially recognizing your exemption.

Completing the federal awarding for revenue enhancement exemption is significantly easier with the assistance and support of a professional. Find someone with the expertise to ensure the right application is being used and is completed accurately. A well-prepared application takes time, over 100 hours past IRS estimates, then put yourself on the path to success past finding a specialist to walk alongside you in the journey - from start to tax-exempt terminate!

Agency:	Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Form:	IRS Form 1023, IRS Form 1023-EZ, or IRS Form 1024
Instructions:	IRS Instructions for Form 1023, IRS Instructions for Grade 1023-EZ, or IRS Instructions for Form 1024. Also see guidance IRS Pub 557: Taxation-Exempt Status for Your System.
Filing Method:	Mail
Bureau Fee:	$275 for organizations filing Form 1023-EZ and $600 for organizations filing Class 1023.
Turnaround:	1023-EZ average: <1 month. 1023 average: iii-6 months.

Taxation-Exempt in 2 Weeks!

Download the instance written report of how our client, Reform It Now, obtained 501(c)(3) tax exemption in just ii weeks using the new IRS Form 1023-EZ!

From filing the 1023EZ on Baronial 1st to receipt of the conclusion letter on Baronial 14th is, in my humble opinion, merely breathtaking and I dare say, ONLY Harbor Compliance could accept achieved that.

Dr. Bob A. Reform Information technology Now, Inc.

With your IRS Determination Letter in hand, make sure you lot familiarize yourself with your state'south requirements for recognizing your nonprofit's revenue enhancement-exempt status. This is an expanse where requirements vary state-by-state. Many states event their ain tax-exempt certificate that can be used for sales and employ tax purposes, but it may require application and periodic renewal.

To file to obtain exemption from state income tax:

Not required

If your corporation receives a federal tax exemption, it is exempt from Illinois income tax. No reports need to exist filed and no tax is due.

More data: Illinois Department of Revenue

To file to obtain Sales Taxation:

This is another area where laws differ from state to country, only most states require any nonprofit soliciting donations to register to do so on an almanac basis. This means registering in the land prior to soliciting any resident of that land. Registering in your home state is essential, but you may also demand to register other states depending on the scope of your organization.

Illinois Charitable Organisation Registration

Agency:	Illinois Attorney Full general - Charitable Trust Bureau
Police:	225 ILCS 460/ii and 760 ILCS 55/5
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:	Yeah
Registered Amanuensis (Special Agency) Required?	Yes

Automatic Exemption

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Exemption Eligible Organizations:

The University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University,Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State Normal Academy, Northern Illinois Academy, Western Illinois Academy, all educational institutions that are recognized by the Country Board of Teaching or that are accredited by a regional accrediting association or by an organization affiliated with the National Committee on Accrediting, any foundation having an established identity with whatever of the aforementioned educational institutions, any other educational institution circumscribed its solicitation of contributions to its student body, alumni, kinesthesia and trustees, and their families
Fraternal, patriotic, social, educational, alumni organizations and historical societies when solicitation of contributions is confined to their membership
Persons requesting any contributions for the relief or benefit of whatsoever individual if the contributions collected are turned over to the named beneficiary, first deducting reasonable expenses for costs of banquets, or social gatherings, if any, provided all fund raising functions are carried on past persons who are unpaid, direct or indirectly, for such services
Any bona fide union, bona fide political organization or bona fide political activeness committee, which does non solicit funds for a charitable purpose
Whatsoever charitable organisation receiving an allocation from an incorporated community breast or united fund provided certain weather are met
A bona fide organization of volunteer firemen, or a bona fide auxiliary or affiliate of such organization, provided all its fund raising activities are carried on by members of such an organization or an affiliate thereof and such members receive nocompensation, directly or indirectly
Any charitable organization operating a nursery for infants awaiting adoption providing that all its fund raising activities are carried on by members of such an system or an affiliate thereof and such members receive no bounty, directly or indirectly
Any corporation established past the Federal Congress that is required by federal police force to submit annual reports of its activities to Congress
Any boys' club which is affiliated with the Boys' Lodge of America provided, still, that such an affiliate properly files the reports required by the Boys' Order of America and that the Boys' Gild of America files with the Government of the United States the reports required past its federal charter
Any veterans organization chartered or incorporated under federal police force and whatsoever veterans organisation which is affiliated with, and recognized in the bylaws of, a congressionally chartered or incorporated veterans organization
Any parent-instructor organization that is controlled by teachers and parents of children attending a item public or individual school for which the organization is named and solicits contributions for the do good of that particular schoolhouse provided that certain conditions are met

Notes:

Fax a letter to the charitable trust bureau requesting exemption.

One-Time Exemption Registration

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Exemption Eligible Organizations:	Religious organizations
Form:	Form CO-3: Religious Exemption Form
Agency Fee:	$0
Notarize:	Required
Notes:	Exemptions do not expire every bit long as the arrangement continues to qualify under the exemption criteria.

Initial Registration

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Grade:	Form CO-1: Registration Statement
Filing Method:	Mail
Bureau Fee:	$fifteen
Turnaround:	4-six weeks
Notes:	President and CFO or another authorized officer must sign. They must be two individuals. Notarization of signatures is not needed. Some Illinois counties and municipalities may crave charities that solicit in-person to register prior to fundraising.
Earlier y'all Apply:	Domestic Applicants: Check the available exemptions to encounter if your clemency is eligible for exemption from the total registration requirement. Appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents in Illinois. If your charity meets the audit threshold, obtain an audited financial report to submit with your registration application. Wait through the list of required attachments and brand sure that you have each required document in hand before starting the registration application. Foreign Applicants: Check the available exemptions to meet if your charity is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement. Engage a registered agent to receive legal documents in Illinois. Obtain certified copies of your articles of incorporation (including amendments) to file during the foreign qualification process. These documents must be dated within ninety days of the date of application for foreign qualification. If your charity meets the audit threshold, obtain an audited financial report to submit with your registration awarding. Look through the list of required attachments and make certain that you have each required document in paw earlier starting the registration application.
How to Apply:	Domestic Applicants: File entity formation documents with the Illinois Secretary of State - Business organization Services Department. Submit a Registration Argument and all required attachments to the Illinois Attorney Full general - Charitable Trust Agency. Foreign Applicants: File strange qualification documents with the Illinois Secretary of Country - Business organization Services Department (The foreign qualification requirement may exist waived by sending a alphabetic character to the section notifying them that the charity is not required to register with the Secretary of State). Submit a Registration Statement and all required attachments to the Illinois Attorney General - Charitable Trust Bureau.
Required Attachments:	IRS form 990 Audited financials (if applicable) Articles of incorporation (or Constitution and all amendments and Past-Laws if an unincorporated association) Bylaws IRS determination alphabetic character List of officers and directors Professional fundraising contracts A signed statement indicating no funds were solicited or held in Illinois at any time prior to registration Certificate of authority to do business in Illinois If a representative of a probate estate, Will and Messages of Office. Inventory; Declarations of Trust for any trusts into which the Will pours over and all Amendments thereto. If a charitable trust or a living inter vivos trust, Declaration of Trust, and all Amendments thereto; Inventory and recent accounting. If the arrangement has been in beingness for less than i yr, too submit Form CO-2: Financial Information Class

Registration Renewal

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Form:	Course AG990-IL: Illinois Charitable Organisation Almanac Study
Filing Method:	Mail
Bureau Fee:	$15
Due:	Annually 6 months after the close of your fiscal year. So if your fiscal year ends December 31, and then renewal is due June thirty. There is no official kickoff to the renewal period, so renewals may be submitted every bit soon as financials go bachelor for the most recently completed financial year.
Due Appointment Extension:	Due dates tin exist extended for 60 days beyond the original due engagement past sending a letter including the name, CO number, and EIN number of the clemency to the attorney general's office. If more time is needed, a second extension of an boosted 2.5 months is available. When applying for a second extensions, charities must submit an unsigned AG990IL with "draft" written at the top, a letter requesting extension, preliminary income statement and remainder canvass, IRS Form 8868, and the $15 renewal fee.
Original Ink:	Not required
Penalties:	In that location is a late fee of $100.
Notes:	Include all required attachments, including finanical audit if needed.
Required Attachments:	IRS course 990 Audited financials (if applicable) IFC Report of Individual Fund-Raising Entrada (if applicable)

Change of Fiscal Year

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Cancellation

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Grade:	AG990-IL Charitable Organization Almanac Study
Agency Fee:	$xv
Notes:	To close out your registration, file a terminal annual report with "Terminal" written beyond the top and original signatures. Organizations must likewise provide a alphabetic character indicating that they wish to withdraw and proof of dissolution or withdrawal from the Secretary of State.

To fundraise nationally or online, delight come across our Fundraising Compliance Guide. Our services manage your initial, renewal, and exemption filings in every country.

Running your nonprofit corporation legally as well ways securing all applicable licenses and permits. The range of local, land, and federal requirements is wide. Access resource like the Small Business Assistants Concern License & Allow look-up tool and search by your business blazon and locality.

Illinois nonprofits who wish to conduct bingos, raffles, and other charitable games must register with Illinois Department of Revenue - Part of Bingo and Charitable Games to be compliant with the Illinois Charitable Games Act. Yous must apply at to the lowest degree 30 days before the upshot. One annual application is skilful for four events. To apply, submit:
- Grade RCG-i: Charitable Games Application for License
- Class RCG-2: List of Charitable Game Workers
- Class RCG-10: Diagram of Charitable Games Issue Playing Areas
- Whatever other required attachements
- $200 state fee

Yous've fabricated it! You turned your passion into a legitimate nonprofit corporation exempt nether IRS 501(c) and are benefiting your community. That solid foundation on which you built your organisation requires ongoing maintenance. Investing in maintaining compliance with all of the government agencies is an ongoing responsibility and commitment needed to ensure your vision continues long into the future. Check out our compliance guide to larn more!

Once you accept registered your nonprofit per the steps listed in a higher place, you will demand to maintain compliance with all of the government agencies. Staying current with the IRS and land requirements is an ongoing responsibleness. Continue reading our Illinois nonprofit compliance guide to learn more than!

Continue reading "Illinois Nonprofit Compliance"

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