How Many Board Members Are Required for a Nonprofit in Tennessee?

Learn about the legal requirements for board members when forming a nonprofit corporation in Tennessee. Find out how many board members are required and how to obtain federal tax exemption from the IRS.

How Many Board Members Are Required for a Nonprofit in Tennessee?

Tennessee nonprofit corporations must have a minimum of three board members, and it is recommended to have at least seven directors when possible. All directors must be natural persons, and there must be at least one incorporator. The constitution form on the Secretary of State's website does not include prohibited activities or dissolution clauses, but these can be added in the blank Other Provisions section of statutory forms. To obtain federal tax exemption from the IRS, you must complete and file IRS Form 1023, Request for Recognition of Exemption under section 501 (c) () () of the Internal Revenue Code.

This form requires a lot of information about your organization, including its history, finances, organizational structure, government policies, operations, activities, and more. For line-by-line instructions on how to complete Form 1023, refer to How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo). Visit the IRS website for more information on the filing requirements for Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ. Filing rates depend on your individual situation.

Your specialist will determine your exact filing rates and bill the additional fees if necessary. To become a non-profit corporation in Tennessee, you must file Form SS-4418 (Nonprofit Corporation Statute) with the state of Tennessee. Visit the Tennessee Secretary of State website for information and forms on registration requirements for nonprofit organizations in Tennessee. When forming a nonprofit corporation in Tennessee, it is important to understand the legal requirements for board members. The state requires that all nonprofit corporations have at least three board members.

It is also recommended to have at least seven directors when possible. All directors must be natural persons and there must be at least one incorporator. In addition to meeting the state's requirements for board members, nonprofits must also obtain federal tax exemption from the IRS by filing IRS Form 1023. This form requires detailed information about the organization's history, finances, organizational structure, government policies, operations, activities and more. For line-by-line instructions on how to complete Form 1023, refer to How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo).The filing rates for Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ depend on your individual situation. Your specialist will determine your exact filing rates and bill any additional fees if necessary. Finally, nonprofits must file Form SS-4418 (Nonprofit Corporation Statute) with the state of Tennessee in order to become a non-profit corporation in the state.

Visit the Tennessee Secretary of State website for information and forms on registration requirements for nonprofit organizations in Tennessee.

James Anderson
James Anderson

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