HELP!!! Does anyone here know anything about non-profit EIN status and when they

[madmom]

have to file with the IRS?

[Cal Carpenter]

1. What do you mean by 'file with the IRS'?

Do you mean when do they apply for nonprofit status, or when they have to file tax docs?

[madmom]

2. This was just brought to my attention....

http://nonprofit.about.com/od/faqsthebasics/f/unincorporationassociation.htm

Is this something I need to worry about? We are a small group of people in our community who do volunteer work. We want to become a 501c3 but haven't done any of the work toward it yet. BUT one of our members did file for and got an EIN , which has not been used at all. Do we have to file any forms with the IRS. We are strictly non-profit, we have done fund raisers (Relay for Life, etc.) but ALL funds were given over.

Thanks for any help :)

[Cal Carpenter]

4. Hmmm, that's a little outside of my knowledge base

Assuming you aren't saying that donations are tax-deductible, you may be okay but you will want to find out for sure.. Tax-exempt nonprofits have to file a 990 every year (their tax year can be different than a calendar year). It sounds like you are not a 501(c)3, which is the one I am most familiar with.

The letter you have from the IRS issuing you the EIN number should tell you which category you are in. If you find that out, check this link for your 990 requirements.
http://nonprofit.about.com/od/becomingtaxexempt/a/nonprofittypes.htm

An EIN can cover any sort of org or company, I think.

I would definitely suggest asking an accountant though. I am guessing you are required to file a 990EZ form which isn't too complicated. But whatever you guys are doing, you should be keeping very detailed records of any dollars coming in and out of the org. Especially if you plan to become a 501c3 eventually. Please take everything I say with a grain of salt as I am not an expert...

Good luck!

[no_hypocrisy]

3. Call the IRS or read the website.

Telephone Assistance for Individuals:
Toll-Free, 1-800-829-1040
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. your local time (Alaska & Hawaii follow Pacific Time).

http://www.irs.gov

[TheOther95Percent]

5. Some Resources

FAQs About the Exempt Organization Public Disclosure Requirements
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96430,00.html


I am more concerned about the charities registration requirements in your state. If you raise over X number of dollars - it varies by state - you do need to register with your local charities bureau.

[TheOther95Percent]

6. Okay, I see you're in Ohio

Whether or not you need to register depends on how much money you raise. If it's less than $5K per year, you shouldn't have to do much.

http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Services/Non-Profits/Charitable-Registration