Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a critical step in starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Wyoming. 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 Wyoming. 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 Wyoming is easy, just follow these easy steps to file the Wyoming Articles of Incorporation:
If you are starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Wyoming, you have come to the right place. After reading the comprehensive guide for Wyoming nonprofit formation, follow this guide to file the Wyoming Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
What is covered in this guide:
Information you will need to file the Wyoming Articles of Incorporation
To become a nonprofit corporation in Wyoming you must file NP - Articles of Incorporation.
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 a Wyoming nonprofit.
Section 2: Entity Type
Check the box to select the correct entity type (religious, public benefit, mutual benefit).
Section 3: Registered Agent and Registered Office
The registered agent can be any entity registered to do business in Wyoming or any person who is a resident of the state. Your organization cannot act as its own registered agent.
Any person you designate as the registered agent must have already explicitly consented to act as the registered agent for your organization and you must include a signed consent form with your Articles of Incorporation.
Enter the information of the registered agent you have selected.
For more information read our guide: What is a registered agent? And The Wyoming Registered Agent Guide.
Section 4: Mailing Address
Enter the complete mailing address for your nonprofit.
Section 5: Principal Office
Enter your nonprofit’s principal office address.
Section 6: Membership
Select the appropriate box depending on whether or not your nonprofit corporation plans to have members.
Section 7: Dissolution
Use this section of the articles of incorporation 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.
Section 8: 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 9: Incorporator
Each incorporator must sign and date the form, affirming everything written in the form. They are also affirming that the registered agent listed has already consented to be the registered agent for this nonprofit organization.
Section 10: Execution
Each incorporator must sign and date the form, affirming everything written in the form. They are also affirming that the registered agent listed has already consented to be the registered agent for this nonprofit organization.
How to file the Wyoming Articles of Incorporation
The Articles of Incorporation can be filed one of two ways:
Online:
File the Articles of Incorporation through the Secretary of State's online portal.
By Mail:
Submit the Articles of Incorporation to the mailing address below:
Wyoming Secretary of State
Herschler Building East, Suite 101
122 W 25th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
The filing fee is $25.
- Personal checks or money orders must be made payable to the "Wyoming Secretary of State"
- Accepted credit cards for online filing include MasterCard and Visa
Wyoming Nonprofit Formation FAQ
How long does it take to process the Articles of Incorporation?
All forms are processed in the order they are received. The standard processing time is 3-5 business days after they are received.
How do I contact the Secretary of State for more information?
You can call for information at (307) 777-7311 or email them at Business@wyo.gov.
State of Wyoming 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
State of Wyoming 65th Legislature - Nonprofit Corporation Act
Department of Revenue (Sales and Use Tax Information)
Wyoming Business Council (Licensing or Permit Information)