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OBTAINING NFP STATUS
Not-For-Profit > Resources > Obtaining NFP Status

obtaining not-for-profit status

Plante & Moran has information on obtaining Not-For-Profit Status for both Michigan and Ohio. To discuss how you can obtain your Not-For-Profit status, please contact us.

Michigan Nonprofit Organizations - Steps Required to Obtain Tax-Exempt Status Under Section 501(C)(3)

  1. Draft governing documents; most organizations form a Michigan nonprofit corporation by filing Articles of Incorporation with the State. Filing fee to the State: $20.
  2. Obtain employer identification number by filing Form SS-4 with the IRS. No filing fee.
  3. Apply for recognition of tax-exempt status by filing Form 1023 with the IRS. Filing fee: $750 for organizations expecting more than $10,000 in annual gross receipts.
  4. Register with the State of Michigan Attorney General’s office as a charitable organization by filing Initial Charitable Trust/Charitable Solicitation Questionnaire. No filing fee involved.
  5. Once assets are held, file Charitable Trust Registration Statements with State of Michigan Attorney General’s office . No filing fee.
  6. Obtain directors and officers (D&O) insurance. Contact your insurance agent for an up-to-date quote.
  7. Annual reporting requirements include Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, filed with the IRS, if gross receipts exceed $25,000. No tax liability unless the organization engages in unrelated activities.
  8. Application for License to Solicit Donations must be filed annually with the Michigan Attorney General’s office if contributions of more than $8,000 are received or anticipated. No filing fee involved.
  9. Michigan Annual Report is filed each October 1 with the Michigan Corporation, Securities and Land Development Bureau. Filing fee: $20.


NOTE: Most forms can be obtained from IRS and Michigan websites, as follows: