This page contains information about writing Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws for Uptown-on-Calhoun Morris Dancers for the
purpose of obtaining 501[c](3) status
The team has gotten along just fine for years without Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws. The only reason for writing them is to get
501[c](3) status. For these reasons I have written these using
the following guidelines.
- They need to be technically accurate.
- They should include the minimum amount of information. Include
the legally required stuff and them pad with fluff.
- Whenever possible we should avoid specifics. Try to stick to
something along the lines of "We will do it this way,
unless that is a problem, them we will do it some other way."
- Stuff like our kit should be completely avoided or only mentioned
in the vaguest possible language.
You think kits fights are fun. You should try a Bylaws fight.
The Bylaws really need to be bland.
Proposed
Please think of these versions of the documents as a starting point for
discussion.
Why 510[c](3) Status
We need to make a statement as to why we would like to have 501[c](3)
status. It is not a forgone decision that this is a good idea.
Some possible reasons for seeking 501[c](3) status are:
-
The team has income. If we are not 501[c](3), income taxes need
to be paid. (At a minimum, I think that we need to become a legal
entity.)
- Those of us, who itemize taxes, would like to take credit for our
contributions to the team.
Some reasons against getting 501[c](3) status are:
- The process of applying for the status could destroy the team.
- It places some limitations on our activities.
- If you think Kit fights are fun, you should try a Bylaws fights.
Obvious Omissions
At a minimum, these proposed Bylaws have the following omissions.
These omissions are intentional, and if we can get away with them
I am all for it.
- There is no requirement
- For the Bag to make an annual report.
- For the Bag to keep financial records.
- To keep a list of members.
- To take notes at meetings.
- To record the history of the team.
Issues Noted
- How do you know if 50% of the members are present if there
is no record of whom are members?
- Should the name of the team be "Uptown-on-Calhoun Morris Dancers"
or "Uptown-on-Calhoun Morris"?
- Should the "o" in "on" be upper or lower case?
Significant Notes
- There is a $70.00 fee for filing our Articles of Incorporation.
Every year thereafter we have to file an annual registration form, for
which there is no filing fee.
- The initial filing of form 1023 with the Federal Government costs
$150.00. Average processing of Form 1023 is 100 days. Applicants are
frequently asked for additional information, and may be sent a list of
questions.
- We do not need to file annual tax forms unless our annual income
exceeds $5000.00.
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Last updated 8 May 2001