Church Planting 101
What
is your corporate status?
Introduction:
Florida Corporation Forms (Profit and NonProfit)
***Do not use for Limited Liability Companies or LLC's. Limited
Liability Companies or LLC's are not corporations.***
The below link to assist you in filing with the Division of Corporations. You have three choices:
I. Self Help
Division of Corporations - Florida Department of State
Offering forms, information and online filing.Print out the selected form, then prepare it, fill-in the form online, then print it out. Mail your completed form with the appropriate fee to the Division of Corporations for processing and filing. Please make all checks payable to the Florida Department of State.
How
to Incorporate in Florida
There
are certain steps that you must take to ensure that
you can properly show your status as a church or
other nonprofit..
You must attach to the
application the following items.
¤ Articles
of Incorporation: If
your church is not incorporated,
we recommend that you do so. By incorporating your church, you provide
personal
liability protection to the church leadership and also to the members
of the
church. Additionally, your church will enjoy many of the benefits that
come
with incorporating the church.
¤ FEIN:
Make sure
that the FEIN you have reflects the same name of your church. I.e. if
you have
incorporated, make sure that the FEIN is registered with the exact same
name
that appears on your Articles of Incorporation.
¤ Constitution
and Bylaws: The
Constitution and Bylaws serve as an instrument that
will outline the way your church will provide a housing allowance for
the pastor
and ministers of your church.
¤
501(c)
(3): Without
having your 501(c)(3), your chances of ever getting a grant are almost
non-existent. ECAmerica LLC provides professional services: “Becoming
a 501(c) (3).” They
are a great resource for your church.
¤ Independent Audit: Most grant makers will require that your organization use a CPA firm to audit your financial books every year. It is a good idea for your ministry to establish a relationship with a CPA or CPA firm to annually audit your books. Therefore, you must keep good financial records and follow your CPA’s audit guidelines.
II. Pro Help: http://futureed4u.org/ParaLegal.html
III. Student Help: http://scbu.edu/moodle
1 800-692-0474
