How to Confirm a Nonprofit's State and Federal Status
By : Amy Smith & Christine Tutcher
The majority of this data was compiled by a member (Amy Smith WR) of a Facebook group and I have added additional info. It comes in very handy when people are claiming to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) are NOT the same things! 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is at the federal level and you must apply for this status (and pay a fee based on the type of form you use - $850 for IRS Form 1023 and $400 for IRS Form 1023-EZ; the org's gross receipts over a 10 year period determines the fee). One of the first things that they require when filing for federal tax-exempt status is that the organization is incorporated as a nonprofit (also referred to as not for profit) in its state of operation.
Every state has its own set of rules for incorporating as a nonprofit. Each state's Department of Revenue should have info on what to do in forming a nonprofit corporation.
Most states require that the nonprofit register , to solicit for funds. The states that do not require that solicitation registration is: Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and Wyoming.
Be wary of those claiming to be a nonprofit and check them out first before donating your hard earned money and time. Yes, everyone has to start out somewhere but there are way too many scammers out there taking advantage of kind hearted people.
DO YOUR RESEARCH!
Some good online articles about nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
The Difference Between a Nonprofit Corporation and a 501(c)(3)
The Differences Between a 501(c)(3) & Other Non-Profit Organizations
What Is The Difference Between Incorporation and 501(c)(3) Status
Federal
Exempt Organization Select Check
IRS website designed for 501(c)(3) organizations. They have great training videos.
GuideStar to check on 501(c(3) Exempt Status
Be sure to register for a FREE Guidestar login ID as you will be able to access more info on an organization including Forms 990 (either 990 or 990-EZ) that are downloaded by Guidestar from the IRS.
Charity Listings
You can also check your state's Secretary of State (S.O.S) for more information on a rescue organization
Arizona
Charities soliciting donations in Arizona will no longer be required to file with the Secretary of State’s Office as of September 13, 2013.
See Laws 2012, Chapter 234, Relating to Solicitation of Funds For Charitable Purposes (HB 2457).
Filings submitted after this date will be returned.
Alaska
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
To Register with the Idaho Attorney General
Idaho does not require charities to register before engaging in fundraising activities, nor does it require reporting on these activities to the Idaho Attorney General. Contact the Attorney General's office with any questions.
Office of the Attorney General 700 W. Jefferson Street PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720
Information: (208) 334-2400 Fax: (208) 854-8071 Web Site:
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
Effective January 1, 2014, Nevada will require a nonprofit corporation to register with the Nevada Secretary of State before it solicits tax-deductible charitable contributions within the state. Under this new law, a registering nonprofit corporation will register with the Secretary ofState at the time it files its articles of incorporation or annual list of officers and directors by filing a financial report of its most recent tax year(such as a copy of the Form 990 or good faith estimates if it has not completedits first fiscal year) and the following information (NRS Chapter 82,Section 3):
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico