To start a non-profit organization in Illinois, several legal requirements must be met.
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Incorporation: The first step is to incorporate the non-profit organization by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Illinois Secretary of State's office. The articles must include the organization's name, purpose, duration of existence, and location.
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Bylaws: The non-profit must develop bylaws that outline how the organization will be run. This includes outlining the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors, how they will be elected, how meetings will be conducted, and how decisions will be made.
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Tax-Exempt Status: To obtain tax-exempt status and avoid paying taxes, the organization must file a federal tax-exempt status application with the IRS and a state tax-exempt status application with the Illinois Department of Revenue.
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Registered Agent: The non-profit must appoint a registered agent in Illinois who will receive legal documents on behalf of the organization.
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Annual Reports: The non-profit must file an annual report with the Secretary of State's office and the Attorney General's office. The annual report includes updates on the organization's activities, financial statements, and information about the board of directors.
There may be other legal requirements depending on the type of non-profit organization or the activities it plans to engage in. It is always important to research and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Consulting with an experienced attorney can ensure that all legal requirements are met.
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