Pros And Cons Of A 501c3 Non-Profit Organization

As a possible creator of a 501c3 exempt non-profit organization, you might have heard that formally making a non-profit is really a lot of work and headache !V paperwork, red tape, dealing with the IRS, forming a board and drafting bylaws, to name a couple of headaches involved. So why would it be worth it? For some people, it is not, and it's much better to work with a non-profit than to create their own. For others, the pros outweigh the cons. The trick would be to know what's greatest for you and weigh the two carefully.

Pros

There are several benefits to starting a 501c3 non-profit organization instead of working as a volunteer with an existing one. The major of these benefits is that the "501c3" means tax exemption under the IRS and tax laws. This creates an ideal scenario in which the organization can work with out going into the negatives each year at tax season.

Another major benefit to creating a non-profit organization that's 501c3 exempt is that it is structured. Instead of volunteering or serving on the board of a number of non-profits with out any major structure, making a non-profit can form rules, a team, and process by which it'll run, giving the feel of a well-oiled machine that does good and charitable tasks for its community or area.

Liability is frequently a concern when starting up any organization, be it for profit or not-for-profit. When creating an organization bent for charitable aid, it is considered a limited liability business. This means that the board members, workers, administration and volunteers aren't responsible for any debt that the organization owes, whereas if it was not an official organization the administration might be held responsible.

Cons

As using the advantages for becoming a non-profit organization with 501c3 exemption, you will find several disadvantages. Paperwork is one of the greatest "cons" numerous individuals think of when officially becoming a non-profit, and the truth is that it's considerable. Articles of incorporation, 501c3 tax exemption application, drafting contracts and bylaws with board members, and many more papers are typical for groups that have achieved non-profit organization status.

Two other disadvantages (to some) of becoming a non-profit are the public scrutiny and also the requirement to share power inside the organization. These are lumped together because they're similar. Many people do not like relinquishing power simply because they feel other people can't do what other people can for the mission of the group. Also, many small groups who perform public services don't like being in the public eye, as non-profits are available for IRS scrutiny and investigation.

Lastly, a major component that is regarded as a disadvantage will be the cost of becoming 501c3 tax exempt in a non-profit status. Attorneys, accountants and government groups may be required to help using the paperwork and legal issues you will find to deal with. In addition to this, there are a number of individual fees for filing for non-profit status, tax exemption, along with other major documents and tasks.

Nonprofit Legal Center provides tips and resources for you to discover more about starting a 501c3 and setting up a 501c3 organizations.