How To Start a Nonprofit in Virginia

Virginia is for lovers and it’s obvious that the state loves helping their community. In fact, there are over 30,000 nonprofits registered in the state. Maybe it is the slogan that is encouraging our Old Dominion friends to join the business of helping others. If you are interested in starting a Virginia nonprofit, read the information below for some tips to make the process move smoothly for you and your business.

1. First you’ll need to appoint your initial directors
   • In Virginia, you must have at least three members on your board of directors. When filling out paperwork, the name and physical address of each director is required.
2. Appoint a Registered Agent
   • You must have a registered agent that is a current resident of Virginia. This person will act as a liaison between your corporation and the state, as well as the IRS. Your organization’s registered agent can be a member of your organization or a resident of the state of VA.
3. Prepare and file your nonprofit’s Articles of Incorporation
   • Articles of Incorporation is the collection of documents that legally establish your nonprofit as a corporation in your state. Filing for these documents is required in order to be recognized as a legal corporation in Virginia, and to become tax-exempt with the IRS. There is required information such as the name of your corporation, mission, purpose statement, primary physical address, proof that your business follows certain provisions, and a dissolution clause. The Filing fee is $75 through mail or online.
4. Set up bylaws
   • This must follow Virginia law and include certain policies and procedures of how your organization will operate. “They serve as your organization’s operating manual and should be consistent with your articles of incorporation and the law.”
5. File for an EIN Number
   • This is a nine digit personalized number that is used solely for your organization. The IRS uses this number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. You can get this number through the IRS and is used for employment tax purposes. In order to apply online, visit the IRS website for details.
6. File for tax-exemption status
   • To become tax-exempt under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code, you must complete Form 1023 or 1023 EZ and file it with the IRS. Form 1023 is a 12 page form that requires extensive information of your nonprofit that must be mailed into the IRS for approval. Form 1023-EZ is an online streamlined version of the 1023 application. Through our services, you can prepare and file this paperwork easier and faster while gaining compliance in lesser time.

The Mother of States is a splendid place to start your nonprofit. We understand the process can be difficult which is why we want to extend our services to you. Check out the ExemptMeNow website and sign up to fill out a questionnaire to see what next steps to take and how are services can make the above process significantly easier. Let us help you so you can back to the business of helping others.