Non profit organizations?

Question

I want to start a non profit organization. I wish to start a small interest group that fights for the civil liberties and personal freedoms of Americans, starting with Ohio. I am a Cincinnati citizen. Any ideas (instead of the IRS website) on how?

Answer 1

Form a non-profit corporation under Ohio law. It has to be a humanitarian, charitable, religious, or educational organization to get the benefits of a 501(c)(3).

Then, you have to file an application with the IRS to become a tax-exempt, non-profit organization. In order to do that, you have to meet the criteria listed in the Internal Revenue Code.

If you do not fit neatly into the categories set out, you may have to request a ruling of some kind.

If you are interested in lobbying, that may present a problem. Political organizations are always running afoul of the tax code.

BEWARE!

Answer 2

Start with the laws of your state, and your Secretary of State.

Most states make it fairly easy to incorporate a non-profit group, and the foms involved are usually under 5-10 pages.

Be careful about your defined goals. Providing education and legal advice (for licensed attorneys) is one thing. Advocating political changes is often different, and different rules apply.