Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a critical step in starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Idaho. Whether you have been running a charity for a while or are just starting out, your nonprofit organization will need to fill out the Articles of Incorporation and file them with the State of Idaho. This will allow you to file for 501(c)(3) status and reap the benefits of having an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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Starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Idaho is easy, just follow these easy steps to file the Idaho Articles of Incorporation:
If you are starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Idaho, you have come to the right place. After reading the comprehensive guide for Idaho nonprofit formation, follow this guide to file the Idaho Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
What is covered in this guide:
Information you will need to file the Idaho Articles of Incorporation
To become a nonprofit corporation in Idaho you must file the Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
Here are the sections that you will need to complete.
Section 1: Entity Name
Enter the name you have selected.
For help with selecting a name for your nonprofit read our comprehensive guide on how to name an Idaho nonprofit.
Section 2: Purpose
Describe the purpose of your nonprofit organization.
In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, the organization’s purpose must explicitly be limited to one or more of the following:
- Charitable
- Religious
- Scientific
- Literary
- Testing for public safety
- Fostering national/international amateur sports competition
- Preventing cruelty to animals/children
NOTE: You can read the IRS guidelines on their website.
Section 3: Registered Agent
The registered agent can be any entity registered to do business in Idaho or any person who is a resident of the state. Your organization cannot act as its own registered agent.
Enter the information of the registered agent you have selected.
For more information read our guide: What is a registered agent? and The Idaho Registered Agent Guide.
Section 4: Directors
Enter the information of the directors selected.
Section 5: Incorporator(s)
The incorporator is the person who completes, signs, and submits the certification of formation. This person does not need to be a part of your organization. This can be you or a lawyer helping you with the process of formation.
Enter the information of the incorporator(s).
Section 6: Mailing Address
Enter the mailing address for your organization.
Section 7: Voting Members
Indicate whether your organization will have voting members.
Section 8: Dissolution
Use this section of the articles of formation to formally state what the assets of the organization will be used for, and what will happen to the assets if the organization is dissolved.
To be eligible for 501(c)(3) status, you must convince the IRS that the organization’s assets will always only be used for the purposes approved under 501(c)(3) rules. To this end, you must include provisions ensuring that in the event your organization is dissolved, the assets of the organization will be used towards tax-exempt purposes.
Section 5 of this sample document provides an example of these provisions required for 501(c)(3) eligibility.
How to file the Idaho Articles of Incorporation
You may file the Articles of Incorporation in one of three ways:
Online:
File the Articles of Incorporation through the Secretary of State's online portal.
In-Person:
Submit the Articles of Incorporation to the mailing address below:
Idaho Secretary of State
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080
By Mail:
Deliver the Articles of Incorporation to the office address below:
450 N. 4th St
Boise ID 83702
The filing fee is $30, plus an additional $20 for paper forms.
- Checks must be made payable to "Secretary of State"
- Online filings may be paid by credit/debit card or using an Access Idaho Line of Credit account
Idaho Nonprofit Formation FAQ
How long does it take to process the Articles of Incorporation?
If filed online, it typically takes about 8 business days to process the Articles of Incorporation. When filing a paper form, expect additional processing time.
How do I contact the Secretary of State for more information?
You can call for information at (208) 334-2301 or visit them at their website.
State of Idaho Nonprofit Resources
IRS - Information for Charities & Nonprofits
IRS - Required Provisions for Organizing Documents
IRS - 990 Series for Tax-Exempt Organizations
IRS - Applying for Tax-Exempt Status
IRS - 501(c)(3) Compliance Guide
Small Business Administration - License and Permits