How to Start a Nonprofit Corporation in the State of Missouri
Starting a nonprofit organization in Missouri allows you to offer services or products to an individual or groups of individuals that may be in need. Nonprofit organizations can be charitable organizations, churches or schools. Nonprofits also have the benefit of being tax-exempt. Tax-exempt status means that any donations and monies received for the business is tax-free, as well as any goods and services you may purchase. The approval process of becoming a tax-exempt, non-profit can be lengthy because only the IRS can grant the privilege of not having to pay taxes.
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Instructions
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Visit the Missouri Secretary of State website and conduct a business entity search. Two business names cannot operate in the same state. Within the business entity search page, type in the business name you intend to use, and click "Search." If no results populate, the business name is available for use.
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Draft articles of incorporation to form a corporation. This is a formal document that explains how your corporation will run and operate. Articles of incorporation typically include the name of the business owner, name of the business, address, number shares issued, and also special details on how the business will operate. Hire an attorney or certified public accountant to draft the articles of incorporation for you, or do it yourself by using articles of incorporation templates (see Resources).
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Pay fees necessary to incorporate in Missouri. Fees are determined based on the number of shares you plan on issuing for your corporation. The filing fee for the first $30,000 for shares costs $50. For every $10,000 in shares you issue, add an extra fee of $5. (Fees are as of 2010.) Review the fee schedule on the secretary of a state website for Missouri to determine the specific amount you will need to pay (see Resources). Mail or deliver the fee with your articles of incorporation. Checks should be made out to the Secretary of State Missouri. The mailing address is Corporations Division James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center P.O. Box 778, Jefferson City, MO 65102. There are three different branches that you can drop off your articles of corporation based on your location, which can be found on the Secretary of State's website (see Resources).
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Fill out Form 1023 with the IRS to apply for the 501(c)(3) designation. The IRS requires you to be incorporated in the state the nonprofit organization will operate and have exempt status. An exempt corporation would be a business that does not expect to receive a profit such as a school, church or charitable organization. Form 1023 can be printed from the IRS website and mailed to your local IRS office (see Resources). There may be a fee involved based on the amount of revenue you expect to make in the first year.
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Resources
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