White Plains Nonprofit Organization Lawyer
Helping Clients with Formation, Governance & Other Legal Matters
If you are considering starting a nonprofit organization or need help with an existing non profit, consulting with with a legal professional who understands the unique needs of these entities is important. Starting and maintaining a nonprofit organization isn’t always straightforward, which is why legal support can be integral to the long term success of your non profit. With assistance from a dedicated lawyer, your nonprofit can get the attention it needs to get off the ground, thrive and realize its goals.
At Natasha Meruelo, Attorney at Law, I can provide the services you need to form and maintain your nonprofit organization and its ever-important tax-exempt status. I strive to provide personalized service necessary to optimize the best possible outcome for your organization. I also understand that non profits often have their largest growth and success after achieving tax- exempt status and I enjoy seeing my clients thrive. However, with this status comes significant responsibility which although confusing at times, should not deter you from becoming a tax- exempt entity. Helping you navigate this process is where I come in. My goal is to help you form your non profit, understand what is needed to maintain its tax- exempt status, and assist you with any compliance concerns. Rest assured that by entrusting your organization with me, you will see the difference my dedication to high-quality legal service can make.
If you need a nonprofit organization lawyer near White Plains, don’t hesitate to reach out to Natasha Meruelo, Attorney at Law for assistance.
“Natasha Meruelo is professional, knowledgable and a solid attorney. She made sure I was well informed, prepared, and empowered throughout the court process. Having her support was invaluable. I am so grateful I followed my intuition and chose her to represent me. I highly recommend her!”
How Do I Form a Nonprofit Organization in New York?
If you want to form a nonprofit organization of any kind, you should consult with an experienced attorney who can ensure that your organization is established in accordance with New York law.
At Natasha Meruelo, Attorney at Law, I can help you with the following and more:
- Forming your nonprofit by choosing the organization form that’s most appropriate for your needs
- Preparing formation (incorporation) documents or amendment of your formation documents
- Assisting you with state registration and reporting requirements
- Providing guidance on matters concerning bylaws, your board of directors, membership, officers, governance policies, and establishing consistency between your operations and bylaws
- Obtaining tax-exempt status, once properly formed.
- Advising on issues unique to religious nonprofit organizations or members of the clergy or other religious organizations with tax exemptions
- Helping you with matters concerning the dissolution or winding down of your existing nonprofit organization
If you don’t see your needs described above, don’t worry. As an attorney familiar with nonprofit law, I have the skill and experience necessary to address a variety of needs or issue you may have. If you want to learn more about how I can help, please reach out to Natasha Meruelo, Attorney at Law to schedule an initial consultation.
Obtaining Tax-Exempt Status
If your goals for your nonprofit include obtaining federal tax exemption, I can also assist you with obtaining this status. The most common or well known tax-exempt status is 501(c)(3). This designation is reserved for organizations such as public charities, churches, schools, scientific organizations, museums and private foundations. Non profit organizations usually seek out this option over others because contributions made to 501(c)3) organizations are tax deductible and this allows them to grow and expand through donations.
Other tax-exempt statuses are also available such as those pursuant to 501(c)(4)- social welfare organizations and 501(c)(6)- trade groups, bar associations, professional leagues, and so forth. Contributions are not tax deductible for these entities.
As long as the nonprofit organization operates in a manner that meets certain rules and requirements, it can avoid federal income tax.
Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status are prohibited from the following activities:
- Political campaigning or “electioneering”
- Serving private interests/benefits, although some incidental private benefits may be acceptable
- Lobbying
- Generating too much income for a purpose unrelated to the mission
- Giving income or assets to a person in control of the non profit for non exempt purposes (for example, excessive compensation)
- Engaging in activities that are illegal or violate public policy
Any of these activities can potentially lead to the revocation of tax- exempt status.
Depending on the goals you have for your nonprofit, 501(c)(3) status may or may not be appropriate for you. If you want to learn more about this designation and others that may be more beneficial to your cause, you can consult with me, a nonprofit organization lawyer in White Plains.
Is a Religious Nonprofit Organization the Same as a Church?
At least when it comes to dealing with the IRS, a religious nonprofit organization isn’t necessarily a church. This distinction matters because it can make the difference between whether your nonprofit can qualify for federal tax-exempt status.
A few of the qualities that the IRS looks for when determining whether or not an organization is a church include the following:
- The presence of ordained ministers or other clergy members
- If the organization is part of a recognized form of worship or creed
- If there is a distinct religious history
- If regular worship services and/or assemblies are held
- The organization performs services and/or assemblies at maintained places of worship
- If the organization adheres to dogma or any kind of code or doctrine
- The members of the organization aren’t affiliated with another denomination or religious faith
- The organization has youth schools/religious instructions for its youngest members
If the above criteria seem to apply to your organization, you may likely qualify for tax-exempt status as a church. If not, your religious nonprofit organization can still obtain 501(c)(3) if it otherwise meets the criteria for this designation.
Contact Me for Additional Guidance
For assistance with any matter related to establishing, maintaining, or dissolving a nonprofit organization, reach out to me, Natasha Meruelo, Attorney at Law, at any time. I’ve assisted many nonprofit clients over the years and can respond to any need or issue you may have with legal support backed by experience.
Contact Natasha Meruelo, Attorney at Law
