How to File Articles of Incorporation in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the first step in establishing a nonprofit organization is to file articles of incorporation. These documents describe the organization’s goals, structure, and governance while also establishing the organization’s legal existence. The actions to file articles of incorporation in Oklahoma are as follows:

1. Decide on a name for your nonprofit company. The name must be original and unclaimed by any other Oklahoma-based organizations. On the website of the Oklahoma Secretary of State, you may determine whether the name you want is available.

2. Write up your articles of incorporation and submit them to the Secretary of State in Oklahoma. The name and objective of the organization, the original board members’ names and addresses, and any other pertinent information should all be included in the articles of incorporation.

3. Ask the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number enables your organization to create a bank account, apply for grants and other financing, and is required for tax purposes.

4. Submit an IRS application for tax-exempt status. Your nonprofit organization must fulfill certain conditions, such as having a charitable purpose and operating only for that reason, to be eligible for tax-exempt status. How many directors need to a nonprofit have?

The size and complexity of the organization determine the appropriate number of board members. A board should typically consist of three or more people to ensure variety of viewpoint and avoid conflicts of interest. Larger organizations, however, might have a board with ten or more members. How Difficult Is It to Found a Nonprofit?

A goal statement, rules, board member recruitment, and tax-exempt application are all steps in the process of starting a nonprofit, which can be difficult but doable with careful planning and effort. Establishing a nonprofit organization might take several months or even years, but the benefits of having a beneficial influence on the community can make the effort worthwhile.

Yes, as long as it is reasonable and based on the services rendered to the organization, the founder of a nonprofit may be paid. To be disclosed on the organization’s tax documents, the remuneration needs to be authorized by the board of directors. Who Should Not Be a Member of a Board of Directors? A board of directors should not consist of anyone with a conflict of interest, such as a financial investment in the company or a close relationship with a current employee. A history of unethical behavior or legal infractions should also exclude someone from participating in nonprofit organization governance.