The first step in forming a 501(c)(3) charity in Missouri is to file your Articles of Incorporation. This article will help you through the 12 steps necessary to submit the Articles of Incorporation in Missouri and formally create a nonprofit.
Table of Contents
Starting Over
You must submit the Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Corporation in Missouri to form a domestic nonprofit corporation. This tutorial covers every step you need to take to properly complete this paperwork and get started on the path to founding a Missouri charity.
Step 1: List Your Nonprofit’s Name
Step 2: Confirm Your Corporation Type
Step 3: Specify the Duration of Your Nonprofit
Step 4: Select a Registered Agent;
Step 5: Provide Incorporator Information
Step 6: Confirm any additional members
Step 7: Outline the Asset Distribution Upon Dissolution
Step 8: Describe the Purpose of Your Nonprofit
Step 9: Determine the Effective Date of Your Filing
Step 10: Include Any Additional Attachments
Step 11: Make a list of your contact information.
Step 12: Documents for File Formation
Step 1: List the Name of Your Nonprofit
The first step in completing the Missouri Articles of Incorporation is to specify the name of your nonprofit company. If you haven’t yet decided on a name for your organisation, below are the prerequisites for naming a nonprofit in Missouri:
Your nonprofit’s name must be distinct from any other name on file in Missouri, including any reserved names.
The name of your nonprofit cannot persuade the public to assume it exists for a purpose different than what is stated in its Articles of Incorporation.
Look for the Availability of Your Name
Following the selection of prospective names — preferably, at least four or five — it’s essential to check their availability in your state. You may do this by completing the four suggested searches listed below.
Missouri Corporation Lookup
A nonprofit company must have a distinct name in order to exist in Missouri. You may simply verify whether your desired name is available by utilising the Missouri Business Entity Search tool.
Domain Name Lookup
We highly advise you to additionally check to see whether your company name is accessible as a web domain (URL). Even if you don’t intend to construct a company website right away, you should purchase the domain name to prevent others from gaining it. It’s a completely free search.
Federal Trademark Lookup
Using the federal Trademark Electronic Search System, you may quickly see whether your preferred charity name has already been trademarked. Even if you do not intend to create your charity right immediately, this is essential.
You may register for a trademark for your organisation after you have confirmed that no one else has previously trademarked your selected name.
Search the Web and Social Media
A good social media presence can help you reach out to prospective funders as well as customers who will employ your services. As a result, before registering your preferred name, check the web and prominent social media platforms for it to confirm it is accessible on all platforms where you want to advertise your group.
Step 2: Determine Your Corporation Type
Enter either “public benefit” or “mutual benefit” to confirm if your company is a “public benefit” or “mutual benefit” business.
Step 3: State the duration of your nonprofit.
The majority of incorporators create their nonprofit businesses with no final goal in mind. However, if your organisation has a fixed termination date, you must state it in article three. If you want to specify a “perpetual” period, leave this field blank.
Step 4: Select a Registered Agent.
In Missouri, the Articles of Incorporation must be filed with a registered agent. This position may be filled by either a person or a corporation having a physical address in Missouri. A registered agent’s duties include receiving and sending service of process paperwork for the company as well as acting as the entity’s point of contact.
This section’s requirements include:
The name of your designated registered agent
The street address of your registered agent’s registered office (no P.O. Boxes)
Step 5: List Your Incorporator Details
Any individual who takes part in the completion and filing of the Articles of Incorporation is considered an incorporator. In article five, include the name and address of each incorporator.
Step 6: Confirm any additional members
Check the relevant box in item six to confirm whether or not your nonprofit company will have members.
Step 7: Outline the Asset Distribution Upon Dissolution
Describe how your nonprofit corporation’s assets will be dispersed if it is dissolved in article seven. Use an attachment if you need extra space.
Dissolution assets must only be distributed for authorised, tax-exempt uses. Refer to the sixth section of the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS’) proposed wording for corporations and organisations for further information on the requirements of dissolution and 501(c)(3) status.
Step 8: Describe the Purpose of Your Nonprofit
Describe the mission of your nonprofit in article eight. For your organisation to be qualified for 501(c)(3) status, it must have one or more of the following characteristics:
Charitable\sReligious\sEducational\sScientific\sLiterary
Public safety testing
promoting amateur sports competition on a national and worldwide scale
Preventing animal/child cruelty
Step 9: Determine the Effective Date of Your Filing
Unless you specify a different date in article nine, the effective date of your Articles of Incorporation will be the day you submit them.
Step 10: Include Any Extra Attachments
You must incorporate certain extra declarations in your Articles of Incorporation to qualify for 501(c)(3) status. Because the Missouri formation paperwork lacks a section on your first board of directors, utilise an attachment to supply information on that subject.
Create Your First Board of Directors
To qualify for 501(c)(3) status, you must designate at least three directors to serve on your first board of directors. Follow these guidelines while creating your nonprofit’s inaugural board of directors:
Prefixes such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” should be avoided.
Use lineage titles if relevant.
If appropriate, use titles such as “M.D.” or “Ph.D.”
Include each director’s postal address.
Step 11: Make a list of your contact information.
Include a contact name and address where the state may send your submitted formation documentation.
Step 12: Documents for File Formation
You may submit your Missouri Articles of Incorporation online or by mail.