How to Form a Non-Profit Organization in Kentucky
With the 26th largest population in the United States, Kentucky services both large and small businesses. Kentucky’s major industries include agriculture and automobiles.
When forming a Non-Profit organization in the state of Kentucky, you must complete the following requirements:
- Select an organization name according to requirements
- Establish at least three directors
- Complete annual report
- Appoint a registered agent
- File articles of incorporation and submit fees
- Register your federal tax ID number with the IRS
Let Eco-fyle help you fullfil your business needs.
Select an Organization Name According to State Requirements
- Name requirement: Your nonprofit’s name must include the phrasing “corporation” or “incorporated” (or an abbreviated form of these words), and it must be distinguishable from the names of other businesses in the records of the Kentucky Secretary of State.
- You can do a preliminary name availability search at the KY Secretary of State’s website.
Establish at Least Three Directors
- Member requirements: List the names and addresses of your nonprofit’s initial board of directors (at least three).
- It is fine to list PO Boxes if you are concerned about listing your directors’ street addresses in the public record.
Complete Annual Report
- Annual Report Deadline: The Kentucky Secretary of State requires nonprofits to submit annual reports confirming the accuracy of their membership and contact information. Your annual report is due each year between January 1st and June 30th.
- Keep in mind, however, that you cannot use the annual report to change your nonprofit’s information.
- To make changes, you will need to file a Statement of Change for an additional $10 fee.
- Filing Fee: $15
Appoint a Registered Agent for Your Organization
- Kentucky requires your nonprofit to appoint a Kentucky registered agent to receive services of process (lawsuits) on its behalf.
- You can do the job yourself, appoint an associate, or hire an authorized registered agent service.
- A registered agent must be available at a physical Kentucky address (your nonprofit’s registered office) during normal business hours, and that address appears publicly on your Articles of Incorporation.
File Articles of Incorporation and Submit Fees
- To start a nonprofit corporation in Kentucky, you must file nonprofit articles of incorporation with the Kentucky Secretary of State. You can file your articles online, by mail, or in person.
- Filing Fee: $8
- Processing Time: Most in-person or online filings are processed the very same business day they are filed. Mailed filings will take extra days for postage.
- County filing: After the incorporation, one copy of the Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located.
Register Your Federal Tax ID Number with the IRS
- You will need a federal employer identification number (EIN) to navigate your nonprofit’s finances and apply for federal and/or state tax exemptions (among numerous other financial matters).
- After the Kentucky Secretary of State approves your Articles of Incorporation, you can apply for an EIN at the IRS website.
- If you’d rather not deal with the IRS, you can also add our EIN service for an additional fee when you hire Northwest.
- All businesses registered in the state of Kentucky are also required to obtain a Kentucky State Tax ID Form
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incorporation. Request a consultation with one of our specialists!