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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?

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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!