Are you looking to establish a non-profit organization in Tarrant County? If so, there are certain requirements and steps you must take to ensure your organization is legally established and eligible for tax exemptions. This article will provide an overview of the requirements and process for starting a non-profit organization in Tarrant County. The first step in setting up a non-profit organization is to request an employer identification number. This number is used to identify your organization for tax purposes.
You will also need to organize organizational meetings and create bylaws for your non-profit. This will help ensure that your organization is operating according to the law. Next, you will need to apply for federal and state tax exemptions from Texas. This will allow your organization to be exempt from certain taxes. Additionally, you will need to apply for the necessary Texas state business licenses.
This will ensure that your organization is legally operating in the state. Once you have completed these steps, you can begin the process of applying for funding. The United Way of Tarrant County has an assignment process that begins with the announcement of requests for proposals (RFPs). Organizations can visit their website to download and request these RFPs. If appropriate, a bidders conference is held to inform applicants and address any questions before completing the proposal. A voluntary review panel then considers and classifies the answers.
The panel's recommendations are then sent to the Community Investment Office for funding approval. Finally, the United Way Board of Directors grants final approval. To qualify for a property tax exemption, an organization must be primarily engaged in performing one or more of the statutory charitable functions or holding title to that organization's property. This will help give your organization credibility and legitimacy, as well as instill public trust. Organizations must ask the Comptroller's Office for a “letter of determination” to request exemption from property tax by filling out Form AP-199, a Texas request for organizations primarily engaged in performing charitable functions and for companies that hold property titles for such organizations (PDF).Before creating a new nonprofit organization, it is important to make sure that there is an unmet need in your community and that there is no other organization serving your cause. If another organization exists, consider working together as this may be a better way to make an impact in your community and use existing resources. An organization that is primarily engaged in charitable activities may be eligible for a local property tax exemption.
The local tax assessment district will decide whether an individual organization's assets qualify for the exemption upon receipt of Form 50-299, the property tax exemption request for primarily charitable organizations (PDF), and the determination letter issued to the organization by the Comptroller's office. By following these steps, you can ensure that your non-profit organization is legally established and eligible for tax exemptions in Tarrant County.
