Non-Profit Organization Legal Registration

Do you need help with legal registration of your non-profit organization? If so, you’ve come to the right place. LegalRegistration.com is the number one destination of nonprofits in the US. Through our services, your organization can adhere to all government regulations. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call.

What Is a Non-Profit Organization?

A non-profit organization can refer to an NPO, not-for-profit organization, and nonprofit institution. It functions as a legal entity operated and organized to benefit the public. Every nonprofit stands in contrast to a legal entity operating a business. That’s because nonprofits focus on more than creating profit for business owners. Every nonprofit has to become subject to non-distribution constraint. This means that any revenue exceeding expenses goes to an organization’s purpose. The revenue or profit cannot benefit private parties.

In the United States, tons of organizations have non-profit legal status.

From schools to churches to political organizations to social clubs. A nonprofit entity has to seek approval from governments to gain tax-exemption. Some nonprofits can receive contributions that are tax-deductible. Any entity can incorporate as a nonprofit entity. That is the case even if the entity does not secure tax-exempt status. Nonprofit organizations get held accountable by donors, volunteers, and founders. Many nonprofits finance their operations through donations. That is why maintaining public confidence is important to these organizations.

More Information About Non Profit Organizations

The term “nonprofit” can hold different definitions for various people and organizations. Sure, it is a common word with diverse meanings. But nonprofit organizers must apply the IRS’ definition of the word. That is because many people assume that all nonprofits have tax exemptions. Congress has created many different forms of tax-exempt organizations. These creations fall within the US tax code. Section 501(c)(4) of the tax code focuses on homeowners associations. It also includes homeowners associations and volunteer fire companies. Please contact our organization if you need a complete summary of the US tax code. Our experts can help your business or nonprofit understand official IRS policies.

Does Nonprofit & Not-for-Profit Mean the Same Thing?

No. Sure, nonprofit and not-for-profit are two terms that get used in a similar manner. But both terms have different definitions. The two terms refer to organizations that never focus on making a profit. Instead, nonprofits and not-for-profits receive incomes to keep missions intact. Income generated by both entities gets used for unique purposes.

A non-profit organization returns extra profit and income to its organization.

Meanwhile, a not-for-profit uses excess revenue to pay members that perform work. But that is not the only difference between the two legal entities. A nonprofit organization has employees or volunteers. These people do not get any money through the fundraising efforts of an organization. Sure, they can earn a salary through their work. But the salary stays independent from money that an organization fundraises. Not-for-profit members can benefit through fundraising efforts of an organization.

How Money-Raising Works for Non-Profit Organization

Nonprofit organizations do not focus on generating revenue and profit. Instead, their main mission is to bring in income to help pursue social goals. These organizations can raise money through different outlets. One easy way to create an income is through donations. The donations can come from both foundations and donors. Corporations can also provide sponsorships that create an income for nonprofits. Other income sources come from service or product sales, programs, and investments.

Every Non-Profit Organization has its own solutions in play for how to make an income.

Over the last decade, the number of NPOs in the US has increased. This has led to many organizations adopting new competitive advantages. That way, they can draw revenue while remaining stable in a financial manner. Donation amounts will vary every year. NPO donations come from other organizations and separate individuals. In the past, many nonprofits could survive thanks to government grants. But the number of government grants has gone down. This led many organizations to have more diversity when it comes to funding sources. These days, more nonprofits focus on appealing to individual donors.

Management of Non-Profit Organization

Many people across the US hold a common misconception about nonprofits. They believe that volunteers run most nonprofits. But that is not the case. The average nonprofit has a staff working for the organization. Some nonprofits use volunteers to perform specific services. But this takes place under the supervision of a paid staff. Nonprofits have to exercise caution when providing salaries to staff. Salaries paid to staff have to get balanced against money that provides services. Otherwise, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) could take notice.

Here is another common misconception about nonprofit organizations.

Many people believe that a great deal of nonprofits do not make a profit. Sure, the official goal of a nonprofit is not to boost its profits. But every organization still has to operate with a goal in mind of making money. Nonprofits must manage income, donations, and grants while providing services. Plus, the organizations also must find ways to manage and reduce expenses.

The Formation & Structure of Nonprofit Organizations

US tax law matters when it comes to the formation of any nonprofit organization. The organizations get formed through filing articles of incorporation or bylaws. Sometimes both of them must get filed at the same time. Filing has to take place in the state where a nonprofit plans to operate. An act of incorporation forms an official legal entity. This way, an organization can get treated as a corporation under US law. Then, the nonprofit can perform business dealings, own property, and create contracts. The process is like when a person or entity incorporates a for-profit corporation.

All Non-Profit Organizations can have members but many organizations do not need any.

A nonprofit can also operate as an association of members or a trust. Each organization can get controlled by the members. The members can elect a board of directors. Or, the members can elect a board of trustees or board of governors. Some nonprofits feature delegate structures. The structures position the representation of members, corporations, or groups. Otherwise, the formation of a non-membership organization takes place. That is when the board of directors can elect specific successors.

There are two popular forms of Non-Profit Organizations.

They are board only and membership designations. A membership organization must elect the board. This board holds consistent meetings. It also has the power to amend all bylaws. Most board only membership organizations have self-selected boards. In this case, the power of membership is much more limited. The board can delegate power to certain elements of membership.

5 Exempt Non-Profit Organization Types

The IRS grants five different types of nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status. First, charitable organizations receive the classification through IRC 501(c)(3). These organizations exist on an exclusive basis for religious or scientific means. Other grounds for this classification include charity, education, and testing for public safety. Churches and religious organizations can also fall into the second classification. It is the IRS’ IRC 501(c)(3) legal policy for both entities. They both qualify for exemption from the federal income tax.

A third type of organization the IRS provides exemptions for is private foundations. The foundations also fall under the IRC 501(c)(3) IRS tax code. Most of these organizations have one single source of funding. The funding often stems from gifts a separate organization provides. The final two subgroups for IRS tax exemption are political organizations and some nonprofits. Please contact LegalRegistration.com if you need more information. Our legal experts can assess your information within minutes. Then, we can let you know if your non-profit can receive an IRS tax exemption.

The Difference Between a Private Foundation & Public Charity

A private foundation and a public charity both have 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. But the terms for how both entities receive funding are not the same. A public charity almost always receives funding through the government or public. Meanwhile, a private foundation often receives funding from at least of the following. Funding comes either from family, a corporation, or a few individuals.

Do I Have To Incorporate a Non-Profit Organization?

No, you never have to incorporate a nonprofit. But many advantages exist for incorporation. The biggest advantage is that it can help protect personal assets. Also, incorporating leads to a boost in credibility from potential donors. Plus, incorporation can unlock funding reserved for nonprofits. This applies to organizations that have an official corporate structure.

Do You Have Questions About Non-Profit Organization? Contact Us Now

The LegalRegistration.com team is standing by to answer your questions. Please call us right now to learn more about how nonprofits function. You are also welcome to send us an email or a message through our website. We look forward to helping you succeed.