Hey everyone:

I was wondering if anyone could possibly translate some of the 501(c)3 IRS jargon into English? I can do the legwork if I knew what is needed. I really don't want to pay in excess of $400 for someone else to draft some documents for me that would only take an hour or two to create. Please respond to [email protected]

My type of non-profit is going to be a storm chase team / disaster response team
:)

Is this a tax question? Because if it is, I would advise you to move this post (or repost) this question in the Tax Forum. You might get more responses.

It will help if you first tell what type of group you are forming or trying to get accepted under the 501 C, I will hope and assume it is a non profit group of some sort.

Exactly what papers are you talkng about.

The IRS forms to submit are printable off the IRS web site along with instructions.

As for as your state incorporation papers that will vary from state to state, in TN you merely go to the state office, fill out a few forms and you have incorporation.

If you are needing something else can you be a lot more specific.

Again, I said I would be running a not-for-profit storm chase team / disaster response team. I know about forms 1023 and 8718 from the IRS , but something like this... I was wondering which categories of the 501-C-3 this type of organization would fall into. Do I only have to file the state incorporation, then form 1023 and 8718 along with the supplemental documents? Is there specific wording I should use so the IRS won't think it's not legit? Is there wording or terms I should avoid. These are the questions I'm looking for answers from. I'm starting from scratch here so my first step is going to be filing the incorporation. I was looking for guidance after that point. Thanks for your replies Capt and Chuck.

I am up on the religious side of it, but from serious advice, I would hire an attorney, get your state ( or some state ) incorporation. Set up as a non profit corporation. Then you will need to file for non profit status with the IRS and your state tax system both ( in many states)

You will really need a good attorney to do all the paper work,

Good Luck.

Hello Storm:

I know you don't want to pay $400, but you'll wish you had if you do it wrong, and the IRS tries to put your little booty in the slam.

In fact, the Padre is right - you need an attorney. And, it's going to cost you more than $400.

excon

Um... actually speaking from an area that I DO have some knowledge in... criminal law(and no, not on the bad side,lol). The IRS can ONLY have you imprisioned if in fact, you demonstrate a willful attempt to evade taxes. I know enough about 501-c-3 to know if they don't like what they see on the app, they'll just reject it.Or if you were granted one and then you don't meet the qualifications, you'll simply have to pay taxes, and THEN if you do not pay, then they might go the jail route. And also, as a matter of fact, I have found an attorney that doesn't believe in ripping off an agency that is volunteer to begin with. Anything more then $400 for a lawyer to look over documents for errors /omissions that are already prepared is a crime in itself, or at least price gouging, lol.

Anyway folks, thanks for all the input and concern previously, but we have found a lawyer that believes in helping us to help others.:)