Expert: John Varghese - 8/30/2009

Question
My question comes in several parts and I'm not sure which one to ask first, so I'll just ask. In the area of forming a religious organization, I understand that there has to be an established office/headquarters, but can the services be held in different locations on a weekly basis in the same state? Can the organization still file for tax exempt status? Does there have to be a charter and bylaws? Does there have to be a Board of Directors?

Rich

Answer
Dear Richard,

The answer to your question would depend on the state in which your organisation is incorporated. However, from a general legal perspective, you can have services in different locations and still be able to file for tax exempt status. When ever you are incorporating any organisation you need to have a charter and byelaws, since it is not just for legal compliance but to take care of situations that may come up in future, such as disputes regarding office, property etc. Board of Directors should be there for any organisation, if it is incorporated as a company.

Hope this clarifies.

Regards

John Varghese