How to Keep Your Non Profit in Compliance: A Checklist

Thou Shalt Not

Have any shareholders.

Expend income on anything intended to advance any purpose other than your tax-exempt purpose.

Contribute to political campaign(s).

Lobby in order to affect legislation in any “substantial” way.

Make substantial profits from, or contribute substantial time on, “unrelated activities”.

Keep good records.

File a 990 informational return on time

Act in accordance with Company Bylaws.

Conduct proper board meetings.

Make a conflict of interest policy.

Not allow a paid officer to also be a director.

Not pay a director, who is also an officer or member.

Pay taxes on unrelated activities over $1,000.

Pay members, officers, and directors.

Pay independent contractors.

Build grassroots campaign(s).

Promote the company.