Congratulations on taking the first step toward launching your nonprofit! Once you've entered your payment details and completed checkout, you'll be directed to fill out your nonprofit profile. This information is essential for us to set up your organization and meet legal requirements. Here’s a detailed guide to completing each section of your profile:
1. Confirm the State of Filing
State Selection: Begin by selecting the state where you intend to file. For most users, this will be their home state. However, some might choose a different state if they’re using a registered agent or doing international work.
State Address Requirement: Ensure you have an address in your chosen state, either personally or through a registered agent.
2. Choosing Autopilot Services (Optional)
Autopilot Package: If you select this, Instant Nonprofit will manage your annual state filings, federal tax filings, and other recurring compliance tasks. This is recommended to avoid the risk of losing tax-exempt status due to missed filings.
3. Save Your Receipt
Expense Documentation: You’ll receive a receipt for your records. This expense may be reimbursable by your nonprofit or taken as a personal tax-deductible donation.
4. Check Your Welcome Email
Essential Information: Look for a welcome email with a blue heart icon. This will contain contact information, a receipt, and guidance on accessing support.
Save the Support Email: If you have questions or receive any correspondence from the IRS, send it to support@instantnonprofit.com.
5. Fill Out the Nonprofit Profile Information
Organization Details: Enter the essential information needed for filing, such as your organization’s name, mission, and board members.
Important Profile Fields:
Authorized Representative: Must be a board member or officer, as they’ll sign on behalf of the organization.
Social Security Number: Required by the IRS to apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Instant Nonprofit’s system securely encrypts and deletes this information once submitted.
Registered Agent: You may act as your own registered agent, or use a paid service if needed, particularly for those filing outside their home state or internationally.
Incorporation Status: If you’ve already incorporated, provide your Articles of Incorporation and EIN documentation.
6. Enter Organizational Details
Physical and Mailing Address: This should be an address within your filing state. For those using a registered agent, enter the agent’s address.
Fiscal Year: Most organizations align with the calendar year (January-December), but education or state-funded organizations may choose alternative fiscal periods.
7. Write a Concise Mission Statement
Simple and Clear: Your mission statement should be straightforward, describing who you help, what you provide, and the intended impact. This goes in your Articles of Incorporation and is required by the IRS.
8. Nonprofit Type Selection
Choose Correct Category: Most users are 501(c)(3) public charities. If unsure, select “public charity,” or contact support.
9. Add Board Member Information
Minimum of Three: Your nonprofit needs at least three board members, ideally with an odd number to avoid tie votes.
Family Members: While family members are allowed, at least one board member should be unaffiliated for public charities.
10. Choose Bylaws Option
Instant Nonprofit’s Bylaws: If you don’t have bylaws, Instant Nonprofit will provide customizable bylaws for your board to approve.
11. Sign the Limited Power of Attorney and Agreement
Authorization: Review the terms and sign the agreement, which allows Instant Nonprofit to file your paperwork accurately and efficiently.
Completing your nonprofit profile is a straightforward process and can be revisited if needed. Instant Nonprofit’s system saves your progress to ensure nothing is lost.