Iowa Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create a Iowa nonprofit corporation.
Preparing and filing your articles of incorporation is the first step in starting your nonprofit corporation. Approval of this document secures your corporate name and creates the legal entity of the nonprofit. Only after this approval can you apply for 501c, apply for fundraising licenses, open a bank account, and otherwise conduct business.
Benefits
Incorporating provides many important benefits:
- Limits the liability of directors, officers, and shareholders
- Fulfills statutory requirements to register your organization's name
- Is a prerequisite for applying for 501(c) tax exemption
- Provides governance and adds credibility to the business or organization
Fast Facts
| Agency: | Iowa Secretary of State |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax, or online |
| Agency Fee: | $20 |
| Turnaround: | ~1-2 business days |
| Law: | Iowa Code - Chapter 504: Revised Iowa Nonprofit Corporations Act |
| Notes: | Upon filing the articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State, a certificate of acknowledgment will be issued to the nonprofit corporation. |
Other Helpful Iowa Facts
As you are preparing to incorporate, keep in mind the following requirements specific to Iowa, keep in mind:
Iowa Directors
- Number: minimum 1
- Qualifications: An individual. No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
- Term: 1 year
- Quorum: majority
- Committee: minimum 2 directors
Iowa Officers
- A president, a secretary, a treasurer, and other officers appointed by the board of directors. One officer prepares minutes of the directors' and members' meetings and authenticates records of the corporation.
- Two or more offices may be held by the same individual.
Iowa Members
- Members: optional
- Annual meeting: required
- Quorum: 1/10th votes
