How to Start a Non-Profit Organization in New Mexico
New Mexico has standard steps for starting a nonprofit organization. Some steps are mandatory, some are merely preferred, but all are designed to legally protect your organization. It's important to read and understand all the forms you need to file so you don't leave out any paperwork or send in the wrong fee amount. You can contact the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for help.
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Instructions
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Choose an original name for your nonprofit organization. You can use the PRC website to see if a name is already taken. Once you have a name, you can move on to the Articles of Incorporation.
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Submit your Articles of Incorporation to the PRC. In New Mexico, this is called a Domestic Nonprofit (DNP) form, and it's available on the PRC website. You must mail an original signed copy and a duplicate copy of the form to the PRC office along with a $25 filing fee.
Public Regulation Commission
Corporations Bureau
PO Box 1269
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1269
505-827-4511
nmprc.state.nm.us
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After receiving your Certificate of Incorporation from the PRC, you have 30 days to file an initial report with the same agency. The initial report form is also on the PRC website and should be mailed to the PRC office along with a $15 filing fee. If you don't meet the 30 day deadline, late fees will be added.
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Obtain 501(c)(3) status from the IRS by filling out and submitting federal form 1023, located on the IRS website. The IRS doesn't allow you to file this electronically, you must send signed copies to them. There is a fee attached, but it depends on the size and budget of your nonprofit, so you can look up rate scales before you file.
Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 12192
Covington, KY 41012-0192
800-829-1040
irs.gov/charities
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Register your nonprofit with the New Mexico Tax and Revenue Department. This step isn't mandatory, but it will get you a Nontaxable Transaction Certificate to keep you from being taxed when you purchase goods or services. Form ACD-31015 is available on the website and should be mailed in. There is no fee to file.
Taxation and Revenue Department
Manuel Lujan Sr. Building
1200 South St. Francis Drive
PO Box 5374
Santa Fe, NM 87502-5374
505-827-0951
tax.state.nm.us
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Register your nonprofit with the New Mexico Attorney General's Office. This is mandatory, and must be submitted within 30 days of filing your IRS 1023 form. You will not be allowed to solicit funds until you do this. The registration form is located on the Attorney General's website, along with any other documentation requirements. There is no fee to file.
Attorney General of New Mexico
Registry of Charitable Organizations
111 Lomas Blvd., N.W., Suite 300
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-222-9046
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Tips & Warnings
You may seek legal counsel to help prepare and file all the necessary paperwork, but it's not required.
References
Resources
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