Checklist of 501(c)6 Requirements

Federal Compliance Requirements for Non-Profit Organizations

IRS Documentation

  • Maintain copy and make available upon request IRS Exempt Application (Form 1024) and any support materials filed with or subsequent to Form 1024 itself.
  • Maintain copy and make available upon request IRS Determination Letter.
  • Maintain record of Federal Employer Identification Number.

IRS Form 990s

  • File IRS Form 990 series (due on the 15th day of the 5th month following the end of the organization’s taxable year – May 15).
  • Maintain copies of 990 filings for a minimum of seven years.
  • Make available upon request 990s for the past three years.
  • Maintain all supporting documentation for income and expenses (including canceled checks) for at least seven years to substantiate 990 filing.

State Compliance

Articles of Incorporation

  • The articles of incorporation are filed with the Texas Secretary of State.
  • A copy of the articles of incorporation are maintained in the office.
  • Amendments to articles of incorporation are submitted with Form 990.
  • Ensure that the association’s mission and purpose are current and accurate in the articles of incorporation.

Bylaws

  • A copy of the most recent bylaws with amendments are maintained in the office.
  • Ensure that the bylaws do not conflict with the articles of incorporation or state law.
  • The association’s mission and purpose are current and accurate in the bylaws.
  • Bylaws amendments are submitted with Form 990.

Registered Agent/Registered Office

  • Current information on the registered agent and registered office is filed with the Texas Secretary of State.

Board of Directors

  • The number of members of the Board of Directors is in accordance with bylaws or articles of incorporation.
  • The number of members of the Board of Directors is at least three.
  • The Board of Directors serve terms in accordance with the bylaws or articles of incorporation.

Officers

  • The officers of the association are in accordance with the bylaws or articles of incorporation.
  • The association has a president and secretary.
  • All officers and members of the Board of Directors are elected in accordance with the bylaws or articles of incorporation.
  • The list of officers is submitted with Form 990.

Annual Meeting

  • An annual meeting of the association is held in accordance with the bylaws or articles of incorporation.
  • The annual meeting is documented and retained to show proof of compliance.

Record Retention

  • Maintain correct and complete records, books and annual reports of the association’s financial activity for the past three years.
  • Articles of incorporation with all amendments.
  • Bylaws with all amendments.
  • All records are maintained in the office.

Financial Report

  • The association prepares an annual financial statement.

Annual Report

  • An annual report is filed with the state (if applicable).

Taxes

  • Filed state and other taxes (if applicable).