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Basha Law, PLLC
Nonprofit Formation Vermont 501(c)(3) formation

Build the Vermont nonprofit your community actually needs.

Nonprofit organizations perform vital work throughout Vermont's communities. The legal foundation established in the first year shapes what your organization is able to accomplish for decades to come. We handle Vermont incorporation and federal 501(c)(3) recognition on written engagements confirmed before any work begins, so that founders may devote their attention to the mission.

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Scope

The complete formation package.

Nonprofit formation is more than filing paperwork. It's the governance, the tax exemption, and the compliance foundation your mission depends on.

  • Vermont Nonprofit Corporation

    Articles of Incorporation filed with the Vermont Secretary of State, forming the nonprofit corporation under 11B V.S.A.

  • Federal 501(c)(3) Application

    Preparation and filing of IRS Form 1023 (or the streamlined Form 1023-EZ where eligible) for federal tax-exempt status.

  • Nonprofit Bylaws

    Governance documents tailored to your mission — board structure, officer roles, meeting requirements, conflict-of-interest provisions.

  • Conflict-of-Interest Policy

    Required by the IRS as part of the 501(c)(3) application. We draft one tailored to your organization.

  • Initial Board Resolutions

    Founding board resolutions, officer appointments, and organizational meeting minutes.

  • EIN & Vermont Charitable Registration

    Employer Identification Number from the IRS and, where required, registration with the Vermont Attorney General's charitable solicitation office.

Who It's For

Every kind of Vermont mission.

Community Founders

You've identified a community need in Vermont and want to build a lasting organization to address it.

Faith-Based Organizations

Mosques, churches, synagogues, and other religious organizations seeking Vermont incorporation and 501(c)(3) status.

Cultural & Educational Nonprofits

Arts organizations, cultural centers, historical societies, schools, and educational programs.

Health & Social Services

Clinics, food access programs, housing organizations, and other social service missions in Vermont communities.

Advocacy Organizations

501(c)(3) permits some advocacy work. We help you understand what you can and can't do at the federal tax-exempt level.

Existing Groups Formalizing

You've been operating as an informal group and want the legal structure, governance, and fundraising credibility of an incorporated 501(c)(3).

Our Process

From mission to 501(c)(3) approval.

01

Mission & Strategy

We talk through your mission, your founding board, your funding plans, and your one-year, three-year, and five-year vision. This informs every drafting choice.

02

Vermont Incorporation

We draft and file Articles of Incorporation with the Vermont Secretary of State, obtain your EIN, and prepare your bylaws.

03

IRS 501(c)(3) Application

We prepare Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, draft the narrative description of your programs, and file with the IRS. The narrative is often where applications succeed or stall — we take real time on it.

04

Launch Handoff

You leave with your incorporation documents, EIN letter, bylaws, board resolutions, and a first-year compliance and fundraising roadmap.

Frequently Asked

Common questions.

How long does 501(c)(3) approval take?
Form 1023-EZ applications, when your nonprofit is eligible, are typically approved within 2 to 4 weeks. Full Form 1023 applications currently take the IRS approximately 3 to 9 months to process. Vermont incorporation itself is usually done within a few business days of filing.
What's the difference between Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ?
Form 1023-EZ is a streamlined application available to smaller nonprofits (generally under $50,000 in projected annual gross receipts and $250,000 in assets). Full Form 1023 is required for larger organizations, private foundations, and certain types of nonprofits. Not every organization qualifies for the EZ version — we advise on which path is right for you.
How much does it cost to start a Vermont nonprofit?
Costs include Vermont Secretary of State filing fees, IRS user fees (currently $275 for Form 1023-EZ and $600 for full Form 1023), and the Firm's attorney's fee for formation. The attorney's fee is scoped to the complexity of the specific matter and confirmed in writing following the strategy consultation, before any work begins.
Can I pay board members or founders?
501(c)(3) organizations can pay reasonable compensation to founders, employees, and even board members for services rendered — but there are rules, and excess benefit transactions can jeopardize tax-exempt status. We cover the governance and compensation guardrails during formation.
Do I need a Vermont charitable solicitation registration?
Vermont has specific charitable registration and reporting requirements administered by the Vermont Attorney General's office. Whether your organization needs to register depends on your fundraising activities. We flag it in your compliance roadmap.
Related Practices

Other ways we help Vermonters.

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Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and comprehensive plans built around your family's values, priorities, and objectives.

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Personal Injury

Representation for Vermonters injured through another's negligence. You pay nothing up front, and no attorney's fee unless we recover for you.

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Probate & Trust Administration

Compassionate counsel for executors, trustees, and beneficiaries through the administration of Vermont estates and revocable trusts.

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Contact

Discuss your matter with Attorney Basha.

Schedule a paid 30-minute consultation, or contact the office directly. Consultations are available by video, telephone, or in person at our South Burlington office.

Schedule a Consultation Call (802) 448-4341
Office
Basha Law, PLLC
38 Eastwood Drive, Suite 112
South Burlington, VT 05403

The information on this page is for general informational purposes only. Every legal matter is unique and depends on facts and circumstances specific to the situation. Nothing on this page creates an attorney-client relationship with Basha Law, PLLC. For advice about your specific situation, schedule a consultation. Attorney Advertising.