How do I set up a new homeschool co-op with the right structure and tax forms?
What business structure and tax forms are needed for a new homeschool co-op?
Category Nonprofit status
Is a homeschool support group automatically tax exempt?
Most homeschool support groups can be considered 501(c)(7) Social Clubs. Why is that important?
IRS makes it easier to convert to a nonprofit corporation
For years I told small homeschool groups: “If you never incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in your state, then by default, your organization is an unincorporated association.” And I also told them that, “Unincorporated associations CAN apply for 501 tax…
Do homeschool groups have to file this new FinCEN report?
The US Department of Treasury wants all “business entities” formed by filing with their Secretary of State to register in 2024 in their new Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting. Here’s a handy information brochure. This new new federal database is designed…
Lost your tax exempt status?
If your organization has not filed any of the 990/990EZ/990N forms for three years, it is likely your tax exempt status was revoked.
What is an Nonprofit Unincorporated Association?
In consultations with homeschool leaders, I frequently explain the two options for nonprofit homeschool groups: Be a nonprofit corporation Be an unincorporated association (this is the default if you do nothing) I’ve written articles, blog posts and podcasts about what…
Soliciting funds, donations and fund raising
A homeschool leaders wishes to "solicit funds" and asks if she needs 501c3 status first.
Your state wants your nonprofit to register
Many homeschool groups breath a sigh of relief when they get 501 tax exempt status from the IRS! But only a few realize that their government paperwork is not over! 41 states require nonprofits to register with their state when…
Is your homeschool organization a “mutual benefit” organization? Maybe not!
Most homeschool co-ops are public benefit organizations because they serve a public good (i.e. education of children) and are not mutual benefit organizations.
What does it take to be a nonprofit?
For years, I have heard homeschool groups leaders say things like this: “We’re not an official nonprofit.” “We’re not a recognized nonprofit?” “We’re not a registered nonprofit” Or sometimes, the leaders say this: “We’re a nonprofit but we don’t have…