The first step in forming a 501(c)(3) charity in Montana is to file your Articles of Incorporation. This article will help you through the seven procedures necessary to submit the Articles of Incorporation in Montana and formally create a nonprofit.
Table of Contents
Starting Over
To form a domestic nonprofit company in Montana, you must use the ePass Montana site to submit the Articles of Incorporation. This tutorial will walk you through each step of completing this online paperwork and getting started on the path to founding a Montana charity.
Step 1: Enter the Name of Your Nonprofit
Step 2: Select a Registered Agent
Step 3: Enter Your Incorporator Information
Step 4: Form Your First Board of Directors
Step 5: Describe the Purpose of Your Nonprofit
Step 6: Outline Asset Distribution Upon Dissolution
Step 7: File Formation Documents
Step 1: List the Name of Your Nonprofit
The first step in completing the Montana 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 Montana:
Your nonprofit’s name must be distinct from any other name on file in Montana, 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.
The name of your nonprofit cannot indicate that it is anything other than a nonprofit company.
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.
Montana Corporation Lookup
A nonprofit company must have a distinct name in order to exist in Montana. You may quickly verify whether your desired name is available by utilising the Montana Business 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: Select a Registered Agent.
In Montana, 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 Montana. 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 actual address of your registered office (not a P.O. Box)
Step 3: List Your Incorporator Details
Any individual who takes part in the completion and filing of the Articles of Incorporation is considered an incorporator. In this part, provide the name and postal address of each incorporator.
Step 4: Form Your First Board of Directors
Then, form your first board of directors. Your nonprofit company must have at least three directors to qualify for 501(c)(3) status.
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.”
Step 5: Describe the Purpose of Your Nonprofit
Describe the mission of your organisation in this area. 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 6: Outline the Asset Distribution Upon Dissolution
Describe how the assets of your nonprofit company will be divided if it is dissolved.
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 7: Documents for Formation
Montana Articles of Incorporation may only be filed online.