Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a critical step in starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Kansas. 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 Kansas. 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 Kansas is easy, just follow these easy steps to file the Kansas Articles of Incorporation:
If you are starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Kansas, you have come to the right place. After reading the comprehensive guide for Kansas nonprofit formation, follow this guide to file the Kansas Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
What is covered in this guide:
Information you will need to file the Kansas Articles of Incorporation
To become a nonprofit corporation in Kansas, you must file Form AI: Not-For-Profit Corporation Articles of Incorporation.
Here are the sections that you will need to complete.
Section 1: Corporation Name
Enter the name you have selected.
For help with selecting a name for your nonprofit read our comprehensive guide on how to name a Kansas nonprofit.
Section 2: Registered Agent & Registered Office
The registered agent can be any entity registered to do business in Kansas 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 Kansas Registered Agent Guide.
Section 3: Mailing Address
Enter the mailing address for your organization.
Section 4: Tax Closing Month
December is the default tax closing month.
We advise you to talk to your accountant before selecting another month.
Section 5: Effectiveness of Filing
This section allows you to determine the date on which your nonprofit corporation officially forms.
Most organizations opt to form on the day the articles are filed but you can select a different day up to 90 days after the articles are filed.
Section 6: Purpose
Describe the purpose of your nonprofit organization and additional provisions.
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 7: Stock
Indicate that your organization will not issue capital stock.
You can select “yes” for 7c if the rules for membership in your organization are covered in the bylaws for your organization. Otherwise, you can list them out in this section.
Section 8: Incorporator
An incorporator, is a 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 name and address of the incorporator.
NOTE: You can have more than one incorporator.
Section 9: Board Members
Enter the information of the directors selected.
Section 10: Duration of Corporation
Most organizations are created with no specific end date in mind. If this is true for your organization select ‘Perpetual’.
If your organization was created with a specific end date in mind, enter the date on which your organization will cease to exist.
Section 11: Distribution of Assets
When the incorporator signs and dates the form they are affirming everything written in the form.
How to file the Kansas Articles of Incorporation
There are four ways to submit your Articles of Incorporation:
Online:
File the Articles of Incorporation through the Kansas Business Center.
In Person:
Submit the Articles of Incorporation to the office address below:
Kansas Secretary of State
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 S.W. 10th Ave.
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
By Mail:
Submit the Articles of Incorporation to the mailing address below:
Kansas Secretary of State
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 S.W. 10th Ave.
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
Fax:
Fax the Articles of Incorporation to (785) 296-4570.
The filing fee is $20.
- Checks and money orders for mailed forms must be made payable to the "Kansas Secretary of State."
- Faxed filings must pay an additional $20 processing fee.
- Accepted credit cards for include Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express.
- Online filing can also be paid by eCheck.
Kansas Nonprofit Formation FAQ
How long does it take to process the Articles of Incorporation?
If you file online it typically takes 1 business day. If you file by mail expect to get a response in 2-3 business days.
How do I contact the Secretary of State for more information?
You can call for information at (785) 296-4564 or visit them at their website.