How To Start a Nonprofit in Missouri in Nine Steps

The first step is to come up with a name that not only identifies your type of nonprofit but also will not be confused with another business entity. You can search for business names using the Missouri Secretary of State's office business entity search. Enter the name to see if any other entities have that name. Then, you should search your business name on the internet to see if someone else reserved it as a domain name. And finally, look up the business name on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website for a prior registration. If no one else can claim that name, you can use it.

You can also take steps to preserve your name by registering it as a domain name so you can use it for your nonprofit's website. Also, consider trademarking your name with the USPTO so no one else can use it.

A board of directors helps govern your nonprofit by developing strategic plans and policies and providing financial oversight and leadership. They can also be extremely helpful in networking and fundraising for your nonprofit. In Missouri, state law requires that a nonprofit organization must have at least three directors on its board.

When searching for board members, look for professionals who are interested in promoting your cause. For example, a charity for children's allergies may ask a pediatric allergist to join its board. Religious organizations may ask a priest, rabbi, or minister to serve as a board member. However, your board must act only in the nonprofit's best interest.

To set up your nonprofit organization you must file articles of incorporation with the Missouri Secretary of State by completing Form 52, Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Corporation. Among other things, you will list the name of the nonprofit, the name and address of the registered agent, the names and addresses of the incorporator(s), and the purpose of the corporation.

You can fill out the PDF, print it, sign it, and mail it to the Corporations Division, PO Box 778 / 600 W. Main St., Rm. 322 Jefferson City, MO 65102. The filing fee is $25.

You can also create an account with the Secretary of State's Business Registration Online Portal and file your articles of incorporation. The filing fee is $25, but there is a convenience fee for using a check or credit card.

Or you can let our trusted partner LegalZoom handle your nonprofit creation starting at $99 plus filing fees.

Bylaws are an operating manual for your nonprofit. They provide a structure for your operation and detail how you make decisions in your company. You will also want to include a conflict-of-interest policy for your directors and officers to sign. You will need bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy to get tax-exempt status from the IRS.

During your initial board meeting, you should adopt your bylaws, elect officers for your nonprofit, and set up other organizational matters. Be sure to keep the minutes of the meeting as a corporation record.

Your nonprofit needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website. This number is used when opening bank accounts and as the corporation's identification number, even if it does not have employees or pay income taxes.

You must then file for tax-exempt status for your nonprofit corporation with the IRS, using the correct form for your designation according to the Internal Revenue Code:

• For 501(c)(3) charitable, religious, and educational nonprofit organizations, file Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ. If you qualify to file the 1023-EZ, you must do so using the Pay.gov site.

• For 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, file Form 1024-A.

• For other tax-exempt or nonprofit organizations such as 501(a), file Form 1024.

You should get a determination letter from the IRS that confirms your tax-exempt status for your new nonprofit.

Once you receive your federal tax-exempt status, you can apply for state tax exemptions in Missouri. This involves filing Form 1746, Missouri Sales or Use Tax Exemption Application with the Missouri Department of Revenue for sales tax exemption. Mail this form to the Taxation Division, PO Box 358, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0358.

It is important to understand your reporting requirements in Missouri. If you intend to engage in charitable solicitations for your nonprofit, you must file a Charitable Organization Initial Registration Statement for your exempt organization with the Missouri Attorney General's office. There is also a Charitable Organization Annual Report form for you to complete each year.

You may also want to check with your town or county clerk's office to see if you need to register for any business licenses or permits for your nonprofit's activities.