How to Start a Non Profit in Georgia

Starting a nonprofit organization is a lengthy process that involves filling out a lot of paperwork. Once you decide to start a nonprofit, be sure to follow the proper procedures in order to incorporate the organization. Complete each of the steps involved in the correct order. Completing the steps out of order can cause a delay in the process and can make becoming incorporated more difficult than necessary.

Find out if the chosen name of your organization is available. Search the Georgia Secretary of State Securities & Business Regulations Regulated Charitable Organization Database to check availability. Reserve the name with the Georgia Secretary of State Corporate Division.

Obtain and file your articles of incorporation with the Georgia Secretary of State's Corporate Division. This must be done within 30 days of reserving the name.

Publish a Notice of Intent to Incorporate with the county newspaper. Contact your local clerk's office to determine the correct newspaper in which to publish the notice.

Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number with IRS application form SS-4.

Apply for Federal Tax-Exempt Status. Fill out IRS forms 4220, 4221, 557, 1023, 1024, and 8718. These must be submitted within 15 months of the date the articles of incorporation were filed.

Apply for Georgia state Tax-Exemption Status by filling out form 3605. The organization must have an IRS determination letter in order to apply for state tax-exemption.

Apply for a Georgia state I.D. Number with Georgia Department of Revenue form CRF-002.

Register as a charitable organization if your organization's annual income will be less than $25,000. Fill out the Georgia Secretary of State's Securities and Business Regulations form C-100 to register.

Apply for a business license. Contact your city and county clerks' offices for more information on how to apply for a license.

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