Washington State Registration Documents
- FormArticles of Incorporation
- Business Entity Search
https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov/#/ - Suffix Requirement No
- Fee
$50 - Average Processing Time Immediately approved online
- Online Filing?Yes
- State Requirement? Yes, exemption for organizations with less than $50,000 in revenue annually and with all-volunteer teams
- Charity Registration Search https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov/#/
- Fee
$60 - Renewal Requirement Annually within 11 months after the close of the entity’s fiscal year
- 990 EZ Requirement?
No
- State Requirement? Yes
- Due: Annually by the end of the month of the entity’s incorporation anniversary
- Fee:$10
- State Income Tax Yes
- Sales Tax Exemption Resale Only
Washington Nonprofit State Requirements
Washington, the Evergreen State, has a thriving nonprofit sector, with over 40,000 registered nonprofits. To start a nonprofit in Washington, you must register with the Secretary of State’s office and obtain tax-exempt status from the Department of Revenue. Washington is known for its progressive values and commitment to social justice, making it an ideal location for nonprofits focused on these issues.
Naming your organization is one of the hardest things you’ll do! Choose a name that conveys your organization’s purpose and is memorable for potential donors and constituents. You also need to consider the specific requirements set by Washington.
You cannot use a name currently registered in the state, so you also want to check the availability of your chosen name (https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov/#/). Consider a few variations that can be registered instead if your chosen name is taken.
- Incorporator: The Incorporator incorporates the business. They are responsible for filing the paperwork with the state, and their responsibilities end once the company is established.
- Registered Agent: A Registered Agent plays a vital role in handling legal documents received by your organization. The registered agent must either be a resident of Washington or a corporation authorized to conduct business there. By appointing a qualified registered agent, you ensure that critical legal communications and notices are promptly received and appropriately addressed on behalf of your organization.
The Board of Directors assumes responsibility for guiding and making decisions on behalf of the organization. Typically, a board comprises critical positions such as a president, treasurer, secretary, and other roles necessary for effective organizational governance.
Think of the Board as the people who run and manage the nonprofit organization. They may hire staff members to conduct business, but they are still always responsible for the organization.
Per federal regulations, a minimum of three directors who are not related to one another must be appointed (unless the organization is a Private Foundation, where related board members are ok). The organization’s Bylaws typically outline the specific board positions, ensuring compliance with internal guidelines and state requirements.
Forming a nonprofit in Washington requires a lot of paperwork. The Bylaws and Conflict of Interest Policy helps govern the organization’s operations.
- Bylaws: Bylaws serve as a comprehensive set of rules that dictate the operations and governance of the nonprofit.
- Conflict of Interest Policy: The Conflict of Interest policy aims to safeguard the organization’s integrity by ensuring that decisions made by the board and officers are in the organization’s best interest and do not benefit individual members.
This step is a big one! Incorporating legally establishes your organization in Washington, making everything official. The Articles of Incorporation are legal documents that include essential information about the nonprofit, such as its name, address, incorporator, registered agent, and more.
When the IRS establishes federal tax-exempt status (which we’ll talk about later in this guide), specific clauses must appear in your Articles of Incorporation. Washington does not include these automatically when filing.
Washington charges a $50 filing fee and typically processes applications immediately.
Did you know there are over two-dozen types of 501(c) tax-exempt organizations? 501(c)(3) is by far the most common and well-known, but it may not be the one that fits your organization. Determine which type of 501(c) tax-exempt nonprofit your organization is and prepare the appropriate application. It will likely be the IRS 1023, 1023 EZ, or 1024.
The IRS charges a $275 to $600 filing fee and typically processes applications in a few months.
- State Income Tax Exemption: This exempts your organization from state corporate income taxes. It is mandatory and is a one-time submission application.
- State Sales Tax Exemption: This exempts your organization from paying sales tax on items that are used for the entity’s resale purposes.
- Annual Report: Due annually by the end of the month of the entity’s incorporation anniversary. Failing to file an Annual Report may cause your organization to be automatically dissolved, meaning it is no longer a legal entity.
- Charity Registration Renewal: Due annually within 11 months after the close of the entity’s fiscal year. Remember, failing to renew will lead to the organization illegally soliciting funds.
- Federal 990: Nearly all organizations must file a Form 990 Annual Report to maintain tax-exemption status. The 990 return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization’s fiscal year. Failure to file for three consecutive years will automatically revoke the organization’s tax-exempt status!
BryteBridge Is Here To Help
Starting a nonprofit in Washington may seem daunting, but the process can be streamlined with the proper guidance and a well-defined plan.
If you want assistance establishing a nonprofit in Washington, please contact BryteBridge. Our team of experts is readily available to provide the support and guidance you need. Contact us today to get started on your nonprofit journey.