501[c](3) Information

This page contains information about writing Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for Uptown-on-Calhoun Morris Dancers for the purpose of obtaining 501[c](3) status

The team has gotten along just fine for years without Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. The only reason for writing them is to get 501[c](3) status. For these reasons I have written these using the following guidelines.

  • They need to be technically accurate.
  • They should include the minimum amount of information. Include the legally required stuff and them pad with fluff.
  • Whenever possible we should avoid specifics. Try to stick to something along the lines of "We will do it this way, unless that is a problem, them we will do it some other way."
  • Stuff like our kit should be completely avoided or only mentioned in the vaguest possible language.

You think kits fights are fun. You should try a Bylaws fight. The Bylaws really need to be bland.

Proposed

Please think of these versions of the documents as a starting point for discussion.

Why 510[c](3) Status

We need to make a statement as to why we would like to have 501[c](3) status. It is not a forgone decision that this is a good idea.

Some possible reasons for seeking 501[c](3) status are:

  • The team has income. If we are not 501[c](3), income taxes need to be paid. (At a minimum, I think that we need to become a legal entity.)
  • Those of us, who itemize taxes, would like to take credit for our contributions to the team.

Some reasons against getting 501[c](3) status are:

  • The process of applying for the status could destroy the team.
  • It places some limitations on our activities.
  • If you think Kit fights are fun, you should try a Bylaws fights.

Obvious Omissions

At a minimum, these proposed Bylaws have the following omissions. These omissions are intentional, and if we can get away with them I am all for it.

  • There is no requirement:
    • For the Bag to make an annual report.
    • For the Bag to keep financial records.
    • To keep a list of members.
    • To take notes at meetings.
    • To record the history of the team.

Issues Noted

  • How do you know if 50% of the members are present if there is no record of whom are members?
  • Should the name of the team be "Uptown-on-Calhoun Morris Dancers" or "Uptown-on-Calhoun Morris"?
  • Should the "o" in "on" be upper or lower case?

Significant Notes

  • There is a $70.00 fee for filing our Articles of Incorporation. Every year thereafter we have to file an annual registration form, for which there is no filing fee.
  • The initial filing of form 1023 with the Federal Government costs $150.00. Average processing of Form 1023 is 100 days. Applicants are frequently asked for additional information, and may be sent a list of questions.
  • We do not need to file annual tax forms unless our annual income exceeds $5000.00.

Useful Links

Home Page Last Updated: $Date: 2007-01-28 16:06:07-06 $