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Kentucky State Filing Requirements

Operating a non-profit in Kentucky comes with the responsibility of adhering to specific state filing requirements.

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Required Non-profit Forms

Here are the key forms required for non-profits in Kentucky, along with links to where you can find them:

Secretary of State FormsAttorney General FormsDepartment of Revenue FormsFederal Forms (Required for State Compliance)
  • Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation
  • Articles of Amendment
  • Articles of Dissolution
  • Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code): For most charitable organizations
  • Form 1024 (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a) or Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code): For other types of nonprofits.
  • Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax): Annual information return for tax-exempt organizations.

State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

Non-profit organizations in Kentucky are subject to various filing requirements depending on their activities and legal structure. These requirements are primarily overseen by the Kentucky Secretary of State and the Kentucky Attorney General.

Failure to comply can result in penalties, loss of tax-exempt status, and potential legal action. Here's a breakdown of the key areas:

  1. Incorporation with the Secretary of State
    The first step in forming a non-profit corporation in Kentucky is to file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. This document officially creates your organization as a legal entity in the state.
  2. Solicitation of Charitable Contributions
    If your organization solicits donations from the public in Kentucky, you must register with the Kentucky Attorney General's Office.
  3. Annual Reporting
    Non-profit corporations are required to file annual reports with the Kentucky Secretary of State to maintain their corporate good standing.
  4. Obtaining Tax-Exempt Status
    • Federal Tax Exemption: After state incorporation, most organizations apply for federal tax-exempt status through IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ.
    • State Tax Exemption: Organizations must register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue for state tax exemptions.
  5. Sales and Use Tax
    While some non-profits may be exempt from sales and use tax, it's crucial to understand Kentucky's regulations and apply for exemptions if eligible.
State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

Filing Deadlines for Non-Profit Forms

Staying on top of filing deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain your organization's good standing.

Below are the key deadlines for non-profit filings in Kentucky:

Secretary of State Deadlines
Articles of IncorporationThis form is filed upon the initial formation of the non-profit corporation. There is no specific annual deadline, but it must be filed before the organization can legally operate.
Annual ReportsDue by June 30th each year for all non-profit corporations
Annual Renewal Form for Charitable OrganizationsThe annual renewal with the Kentucky Attorney General is typically due four and a half months after the close of the organization's fiscal year.
Charitable Gaming License ApplicationDue at least 60 days before the intended start of gaming or before the expiration of your current charitable gaming license.
Federal Form 990 SeriesDue by the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization's fiscal year ends.
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Registration & Annual Filing (Non-Profits)

To operate legally as a non-profit in Kentucky, the registration process involves several steps:

Initial Registration

1. Incorporation

The initial registration involves filing the Articles of Incorporation and paying the associated filing fee of $40. This officially creates your non-profit corporation.

2. Charitable Organization Registration

Submit the Charitable Organization Registration Statement to the Attorney General's office. Include organizational documents (Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, IRS determination letter)

3. Obtain an EIN

Apply for an EIN from the IRS. This can be done online through the IRS website.

4. Federal Tax Exemption (IRS)

While not a Kentucky filing, obtaining 501(c)(3) status is crucial. File Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ with the IRS.

After receiving the exemption, you must file Form 990 annually (or Form 990-N if your gross receipts are typically $50,000 or less). Failure to file for 3 consecutive years will automatically revoke your 501(c)(3) status.

Annual Filing Requirements

1. Annual Report Filing

  • Complete online or paper annual report through the Secretary of State
  • Update officer/director information and registered agent details

2. Charitable Solicitation Renewal

Registered charitable organizations must file an annual renewal form with the Attorney General each year. This renewal typically requires updated information about the organization's activities, finances, and board members.

Failure to file the annual renewal can result in penalties and the loss of the organization's registered status.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all non-profits required to register with the Kentucky Attorney General's office?

No, only non-profits that solicit charitable contributions in Kentucky are required to register with the Attorney General's office. However, religious organizations, educational institutions, and certain other types of non-profits may be exempt from registration requirements.

2. Can a non-profit organization in Kentucky apply for sales tax exemption?

Yes, qualified non-profit organizations can apply for sales tax exemption using Form 51A125. Organizations must typically have 501(c)(3) status from the IRS to qualify. The exemption certificate must be renewed every four years.

3. What happens if I miss the annual report deadline in Kentucky?

Missing the annual report deadline (June 30th) results in a business being placed in bad standing, and failure to file within a 60-day grace period (by August 31st) can lead to administrative dissolution or revocation of authority to do business.

4. What is a registered agent and why do we need one?

A registered agent is an individual or entity designated to receive legal and official documents on behalf of your non-profit corporation in Kentucky. You must have a registered agent with a physical address in Kentucky.

5. What is the difference between state incorporation and federal tax exemption?

State incorporation establishes your organization as a legal entity within Kentucky, while federal tax exemption (501(c)(3) status) is granted by the IRS and provides exemption from federal income taxes.

These are separate processes, and both are typically necessary for non-profit organizations.