INDUSTRY SPECIFIC GUIDE
How to Start a Nonprofit in Iowa
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Please note that this information pertains mostly to additional licensing needed to start a nonprofit in Iowa. If you haven’t already, please review the Start a Business Guide for additional steps you may need to take to start your nonprofit.
Are you considering starting a nonprofit organization in Iowa? Most nonprofits are formed for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes and are often eligible for federal and state tax exemptions. In order to form a nonprofit corporation in Iowa, here are the steps you will need to take:
Determine who will be on the board of directors
In Iowa, you are required to have one or more directors for your nonprofit organization.
Choose a name
The name of your organization cannot be the same as the name of another nonprofit or other business already registered with the Iowa Secretary of State. Search the Business Entities Name Database to see if your chosen name is available.
Create and file your nonprofit articles of incorporation
The Iowa Secretary of State’s office does not provide a sample or form for the articles of incorporation. Instead, the Secretary of State points you to the Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act, which describes the requirements for what needs to be included. You will also need to include certain provisions in your articles of incorporation to meet IRS requirements for tax-exempt status. Check out IRS Publication 557 for more information on Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization. Next, you will receive a certificate of acknowledgement from the Iowa Secretary of State.
Prepare bylaws
Bylaws for your nonprofit corporation will include the rules and procedures your corporation will follow for holding meetings, electing officers and directors, and taking care of other formalities. Your bylaws do not need to be filed with the Iowa Secretary of State, but they function as your organization’s operating manual.
Hold a meeting with your board of directors
Once you have received a certificate of acknowledgement, hold an organizational meeting with the board of directors to adopt bylaws, appoint officers, and discuss other business. Make sure to record minutes from the meeting.
Set up a corporate records binder
Your nonprofit will need a corporate records binder to hold important documents such as the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and meeting minutes.
Obtain federal and state tax exemptions
In order to obtain federal tax-exempt status from the IRS, you will need to complete and file IRS Form 1023. Once you have established tax-exempt status with the IRS, you are automatically exempt from Iowa income tax. Your nonprofit may still be subject to other state taxes, so be sure to check with the Iowa Department of Revenue for more information.
In addition, here are some other great resources available to nonprofits in Iowa
- Need legal guidance or assistance with registering your nonprofit? Use the Iowa Find-A-Lawyer tool from the Iowa State Bar Association to find a professional near you.
- The Larned A. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center at the University of Iowa is a go-to resource with a wealth of information on best practices, training and workshop opportunities, professional development, in addition to an online Iowa Grants Guide.
- The National Council of Nonprofits has many tools and resources covering advocacy, ethics and accountability, financial management, fundraising, leadership and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about setting up your online store? You should consider checking out our Resource Navigator. It houses the contact information of 400 of our most helpful partners from across the state who provide free to low-cost assistance to Iowa entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Q: What is a nonprofit?
A: A nonprofit organization or foundation (NPO), also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is dedicated to furthering a particular social cause or advocating for a shared point of view.
Q: Are there different types of nonprofits?
A: Yes, there are many different types that are recognized throughout the country. The IRS has put together a list of different types of nonprofit organizations and their primary goals for forming.
Q: How do I form a nonprofit?
A: The steps to starting a nonprofit in Iowa can be found on the Start a Nonprofit step within our Start a Business Guide.
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NOTICE: The information included on this website is to be used only as a guide. It is not intended to cover all provisions of the law or every taxpayer's specific circumstances.
GUIDE: START A NONPROFIT
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