There are so many good causes out there, and if one has particular meaning for you, you may wish to start up a charity or nonprofit to support that cause. Whether your focus is environmental, educational, humanitarian, scientific, or any other good cause, giving back to our communities is extremely important. I have been forming nonprofits, and getting tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status from the I.R.S. for many years, and I wanted to discuss today how YOU can start a nonprofit, and whether or not you should use an attorney.
Having an Attorney Can Protect Your Startup Nonprofit
Although there is no law that states that you must use an attorney to form a non-profit, an attorney who is experienced in the field of nonprofits can help you to get started the right way, and position your organization to avoid or survive legal challenges. Nonprofits have legal issues that other businesses do not, especially relating to fund raising, employment, and political or business activities, and if you are planning to get tax exempt status from the I.R.S., there will be many rules and regulations that you will need to follow, both to form your charity and to operate it. An attorney experienced in nonprofit law will help you to avoid violating those rules.
Saving Money and Time
It’s normal to want to make sure that every dime of your nonprofit goes to your cause, and spending money on a nonprofit business lawyer might seem unnecessary, but in the long term it can actually save you a lot of money. For example, too many nonprofits that form their own organization using an online service, later find out that the I.R.S. will not accept those documents and they have to spend the money to change and refile them. The application for tax exempt status itself is very complex and the I.R.S. estimates that completing it can take over 100 hours. Plus, the I.R.S. is currently taking 6 to 7 months just to review these applications. An attorney who is experienced in this area prepare and file your application much faster and correctly the first time—no one wants to spend all that time only to hear, 6 or 7 months later, that the I.R.S. wants different information and the application must be amended! We have formed countless nonprofits and gotten tax exempt status for over 50 of them—in fact, not one of my applications has ever been denied.
Get Help for Your Nonprofit Startup
Trying to get nonprofit, can be extremely difficult, and you’ll likely need all the help you can get. Contacting an experienced Baltimore, MD business lawyer can really help your nonprofit get its footing and take off.
Work with a Professional Baltimore, MD Business Lawyer
Here at DK Rus Law, we’ve been providing Baltimore County, and the surrounding areas of Maryland for years, and it is one of the most rewarding parts of our practice. We’ve worked with many different types of charities, businesses, and nonprofits over the years, and we can help you. If you have any questions about how to start a nonprofit, give us a call we would be happy to speak to you.
