Question
I'm planning to start a non-profit organization in New York to provide food to the homeless. Can you guide me through the process of registering my non-profit in New York on this website and confirm the total cost for registration?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Starting a non-profit organization in New York involves several steps. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process of registering your non-profit to provide food to the homeless:
### Steps to Register Your Non-Profit Organization in New York:
1. **Choose a Name**:
- Your organization must have a unique name that is not already in use. You can check the availability of your proposed name through the New York Department of State's Corporation & Business Entity Database.
2. **Draft Your Organizational Documents**:
- Write your **Articles of Incorporation**. This document is required for registering your non-profit and should include:
- The name of your organization
- Purpose of your organization
- Office address
- Information about the non-profit’s management
- Create **bylaws** to outline how your organization will be governed.
3. **Create a Board of Directors**:
- New York requires a minimum of three directors who are not related. They should be involved in managing the organization.
4. **File Your Articles of Incorporation**:
- Submit the Articles of Incorporation to the New York Department of State. You can file online or by mail.
- **Cost**: The filing fee is typically $75.
5. **Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)**:
- Apply for an EIN from the IRS, which is necessary for tax purposes. This can be done online at the IRS website for no cost.
6. **Apply for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status**:
- To be recognized as a charitable organization, you must apply for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. This involves:
- Completing IRS Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ (for smaller organizations).
- **Cost**: There is a filing fee that ranges from $275 to $600 depending on the form used.
7. **Register with New York State Charities Bureau**:
- If your non-profit will be soliciting contributions in New York, you must register with the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau.
- **Cost**: The registration fee is generally $25.
8. **Comply with Local and State Regulations**:
- You may need to obtain permits or licenses based on the services you plan to provide or local regulations.
9. **Set Up Financial Accounts**:
- Open a bank account in the name of the organization and establish a system for managing funds.
10. **Maintain Compliance**:
- After formation, you will need to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, including filing annual reports and keeping accurate financial records.
### Estimated Total Costs for Registration:
- **Articles of Incorporation Fee**: $75
- **EIN Application**: Free
- **501(c)(3) Application Fee**:
- $275 (Form 1023-EZ) or $600 (Form 1023)
- **Charities Bureau Registration Fee**: $25
### Total Estimated Cost:
- **Minimum Cost**: $75 (incorporation) + $0 (EIN) + $275 (Form 1023-EZ) + $25 = **$375**
- **Maximum Cost**: $75 (incorporation) + $0 (EIN) + $600 (Form 1023) + $25 = **$700**
### Conclusion:
Make sure to plan ahead and allocate enough time for each step, as certain processes can take time, especially the IRS application for tax-exempt status. Good luck with your non-profit organization!
### Steps to Register Your Non-Profit Organization in New York:
1. **Choose a Name**:
- Your organization must have a unique name that is not already in use. You can check the availability of your proposed name through the New York Department of State's Corporation & Business Entity Database.
2. **Draft Your Organizational Documents**:
- Write your **Articles of Incorporation**. This document is required for registering your non-profit and should include:
- The name of your organization
- Purpose of your organization
- Office address
- Information about the non-profit’s management
- Create **bylaws** to outline how your organization will be governed.
3. **Create a Board of Directors**:
- New York requires a minimum of three directors who are not related. They should be involved in managing the organization.
4. **File Your Articles of Incorporation**:
- Submit the Articles of Incorporation to the New York Department of State. You can file online or by mail.
- **Cost**: The filing fee is typically $75.
5. **Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)**:
- Apply for an EIN from the IRS, which is necessary for tax purposes. This can be done online at the IRS website for no cost.
6. **Apply for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status**:
- To be recognized as a charitable organization, you must apply for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. This involves:
- Completing IRS Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ (for smaller organizations).
- **Cost**: There is a filing fee that ranges from $275 to $600 depending on the form used.
7. **Register with New York State Charities Bureau**:
- If your non-profit will be soliciting contributions in New York, you must register with the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau.
- **Cost**: The registration fee is generally $25.
8. **Comply with Local and State Regulations**:
- You may need to obtain permits or licenses based on the services you plan to provide or local regulations.
9. **Set Up Financial Accounts**:
- Open a bank account in the name of the organization and establish a system for managing funds.
10. **Maintain Compliance**:
- After formation, you will need to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, including filing annual reports and keeping accurate financial records.
### Estimated Total Costs for Registration:
- **Articles of Incorporation Fee**: $75
- **EIN Application**: Free
- **501(c)(3) Application Fee**:
- $275 (Form 1023-EZ) or $600 (Form 1023)
- **Charities Bureau Registration Fee**: $25
### Total Estimated Cost:
- **Minimum Cost**: $75 (incorporation) + $0 (EIN) + $275 (Form 1023-EZ) + $25 = **$375**
- **Maximum Cost**: $75 (incorporation) + $0 (EIN) + $600 (Form 1023) + $25 = **$700**
### Conclusion:
Make sure to plan ahead and allocate enough time for each step, as certain processes can take time, especially the IRS application for tax-exempt status. Good luck with your non-profit organization!