How Do I Get a Church Charter in Ohio?
If you intend to start a church in Ohio, you are required to acquire a church charter. Before you start the application process, establish how you will organize and manage the church. The process also requires you to include the parent church under which you will operate, and you must comply with IRS regulations to obtain the charter. The charter is offered by a parent ministry, which will authorize the operations of your church.
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Instructions
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Plan a meeting with your church board members and come up with regulations to govern your operations. The meeting should also define the functions of the church.
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Create bylaws. The bylaws should provide essential details like the name of the church, officers, members and procedures that allow patrons to become church members.
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Submit an application for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number is offered by the IRS and you can apply for it on phone, through fax or online. To submit an application for your EIN, you need to provide your names, church name, church address and the kind of organization you intend to start. A Social Security Number (SSN) is also required for the application.The SSN should belong to the individual starting or acting on behalf of the church.
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Fill in Form 1023, which is designed for non-profit organizations like churches and allows you to make an application for 501(c)(3). The details required in the form include the name of the organization, mailing address, EIN, contact information and date the church was created. The form also requires you to include names of five officers, employees and contractors who qualify for compensation. Once the form is filled, submit it to the IRS.
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Contact the Ohio Department of Taxation and apply for tax exemption. A form is provided by the department for application for tax exemption. Fill in the form and return it to the department.
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Use your EIN to open a checking account after Form 1023 has been processed. The IRS has to approve the form before you can be able open a checking account. The church name should be used when opening the checking account.
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Submit an application for a charter with the ministry your church falls under. The applications vary depending on the ministry but there are some general details that are required including church name, officials, address, church pastor and EIN. The church secretary and pastor may be required to sign the application before you get the charter.
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