Everyone,

I've started working on the IRS form 1023. I'm hoping to have it finished by next Tuesday. Its only a 23-page form. <heh> There appears to be a provision that our Articles of Incorporation must be stamped approved by the State of CO before we can file our federal forms. Therefore, I'm also looking into the State's forms and requirements. I want to get moving on this ASAP since we're getting short on time.

If we can agree at the next meeting on a final draft the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, we should go ahead with obtaining an EIN, filing State forms, and setting up a bank account. Then we can start collecting dues and registering members, which will be one less thing to do as the event date draws near. There are only 3 months left, and we all know those go by really quickly.

Scott Frey

GPB,

I'm working on the exact sequence for filing the various applications and documents. In true bureaucratic fashion, you need one to file two, and one and two to file number three, etc. Problem is that all of the State forms are electronic, and by the state's own admission, there's no way to preview them. I'm following thier advice of gathering everything first and then taking a whack at it. I'm sure there will be snags, but that's the way they've designed the system. Welcome to my world.

First and foremost, we need to finalize and sign the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws and record the official names and addresses for the business and officers. I can't file any forms without those. So far, I've not received any further input on the draft copies that are already posted. Hopefully that means everyone is in agreement with them. If anyone does have input, please comment or contact me ASAP. I'd like to have a final version ready to sign for Tuesday. That will allow me to move forward and will also allow us to collect dues, etc.

The sequence for filing so far is: 1. Federal EIN  2. Articles of Incorporation (state form) - establishes us as a business, provides state EIN.  3. Non-profit solicitation (state form) - allows us to solicit donations legally.  4. IRS Form 1023 (federal) - establishes us as a non-profit, but can't be filed until state approves incorporation, but can be filed up to 27 months after we incorporate.  5. 990-N - federal financial & tax statement  6. Annual report  - state financial & tax.

I'm going to start checking with the banks for an adventageous (free) business checking account. There are nearly a dozen banks surrounding 29th Street that I work with on a regular basis for CU, so that shouldn't be a big deal.

Scott Frey

infamous Dr. Diobolical - master of dirigible flying machines and tax forms

That's not a bad idea. Hadn't thought of it.

Keep in mind everyone that the By-laws govern how we do business, who gets to vote for officers, etc. By-laws should not include specific rules to govern how we run a particular event. Those can be drafted by the oficers or committees for each event or type of event that we host.

Scott

ps: Hope you feel better soon.