James W. Martin is a Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer and Adjunct Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law who, for over forty years, has practiced Florida real estate, wills, trusts, probate, corporations, nonprofits, and business law. The author has seen too many nonprofit corporations improperly formed and maintained. Some failed to file for tax-exempt status after incorporation; some failed to hold annual meetings and file annual reports; some failed to prepare meeting minutes and maintain records; and some failed to follow statutory procedures. Failure to comply with the basics of nonprofit corporation law can result in real estate title problems, litigation, taxes, penalties, and potential personal liability. This book provides a step-by-step process with forms and checklists for forming and maintaining Florida nonprofit corporations to avoid these problems. It is primarily directed to lawyers because Florida nonprofit corporations are legal entities created under the Florida Not For Profit Corpora­tion Act, so having a law degree really should be a prerequisite to forming and maintaining nonprofit corporations. However, the author realizes that we live in an age where nonlawyers freely access these materials on the Internet, so he has written this book in plain language that does not require a law degree to understand. But his message for nonlawyers reading this book is to be sure to engage a Florida-licensed lawyer on their behalf to review any document before it is signed or filed.

"A step-by-step guide to forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in any state"--Cover.

The definitive guide for anyone who wants to start a nonprofit organization, this book shows step by step how to form and operate a tax-exempt corporation in all 50 states. It includes complete instructions for obtaining federal 501(c)(3) tax exemption and for qualifying for public charity status with the IRS. It also includes all the forms for Articles, Bylaws and Minutes, both as tear-outs and on CD-ROM.

In this book, you will get to know the precise steps to start out a nonprofit within the USA from scratch. I also cover what you’re required to incorporate in your bylaws, tips when filling out Form 1023, and the way much the entire process will cost you. Plus, at the top I explain what you would like to try and do to take care of ongoing compliance.

"Provides background information and step-by-step instructions that nonprofits need to apply for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and qualify as a public charity with the IRS. The 10th edition covers recent changes in the law"--Provided by publisher.