Nonprofits in Mississippi must comply with specific state requirements to maintain their good standing and tax-exempt status.
Non-profits in Mississippi are required to complete several forms as part of their compliance obligations.
Mississippi Secretary of State Forms | Mississippi Department of Revenue Forms | Federal Forms (Required for State Compliance) |
---|---|---|
|
Mississippi, like all states, has specific regulations for nonprofits to ensure transparency and accountability. These requirements generally encompass two main phases: initial registration and ongoing annual filings.
The key entities you'll interact with are the Mississippi Secretary of State and the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
To establish a nonprofit corporation in Mississippi, organizations must:
Adhering to filing deadlines is essential to avoid penalties and maintain compliance.
Below are the key deadlines for non-profit filings in Mississippi:
Mississippi Secretary of State Deadline | |
---|---|
Articles of Incorporation | Before establishing the non-profit entity |
Charitable Registration | Must be filed before any solicitation activities begin in Mississippi. |
Annual Report | Must be filed by May 15th of each year. |
Federal Deadlines | |
---|---|
Form 990 Series | Due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization's accounting period ends Example: For calendar year organizations, Form 990 is due by May 15 |
Form 1023/1023-EZ | Must be filed within 27 months of incorporation to receive retroactive exemption to the date of incorporation |
To operate legally as a non-profit in Mississippi, organizations must file the Articles of Corporation with the Secretary of the State and pay the $50 filing fee.
1. Initial Registration
The first crucial step in forming a non-profit is to legally incorporate the entity with the Mississippi Secretary of State. Submit the Articles of Incorporation and the required filing fee to the Mississippi Secretary of State.
This document must include essential information about the organization, such as the name of the corporation, the address of its registered office and the name of its registered agent, and the name and address of the incorporator(s).
2. Initial Organizational Meeting
After the Articles of Incorporation are filed and the non-profit is legally formed, the next step typically involves holding an initial organizational meeting of the board of directors. During this meeting, the initial directors are formally installed, officers are elected, and important foundational documents such as the organization's bylaws are adopted.
3. Appointing a Registered Agent
Every Mississippi non-profit corporation is required to have a registered agent. This agent serves as the official point of contact for receiving legal and official notices from the state on behalf of the organization.
4. Obtaining an EIN
After incorporating with the state, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
This number is essential for non-profit organizations as it is required to apply for federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), to open a bank account in the organization's name, and to hire employees. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website.
5. Charitable Organization Registration
This is required if soliciting or accepting donations. Submit registration form to Secretary of State's Charities Division, and pay registration fee ($50 for organizations with annual revenue under $500,000).
1. Filing Annual Report
After initial registration, non-profits must file an annual report to renew their charitable registration. This is usually done online and includes updated financial information, board member details, and any organizational changes.
Failing to file the annual report can result in administrative dissolution or suspension of your organization’s ability to solicit contributions in the state.
2. Application for Sales Tax Exemption
Certain non-profit organizations may be eligible for an exemption from Mississippi sales tax on their purchases.
This exemption is typically granted to organizations that are organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, or educational purposes and have obtained federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
3. Filing IRS Form 990
Tax-exempt organizations must file the appropriate IRS Form 990 series return annually with the Internal Revenue Service. The deadline is generally the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of your fiscal year.