Your mission deserves a legal home
built to last.
Forming a Non-Profit is not just about filing paperwork with the state. It is about building an organization that can receive funding, earn community trust, operate with integrity, and protect the mission you are called to serve for years to come. We handle the legal complexity so you can stay focused on the work.
Built for founders with a mission bigger than a business.
You have identified a gap in your community. You have the vision, the passion, and probably a room full of people who believe in what you are building. What you need now is the legal structure to make it real and protect it.
Non-Profit founders come to Stokes Law Group when they are ready to move from idea to incorporated. When they need to be grant-eligible. When they want to receive tax-deductible donations, build a board, and operate with the credibility their mission deserves.
Whether you are starting from zero or you have already filed your Articles and just need tax-exempt status, we have a path for you.
"We do not just form businesses. We build legal foundations for generational success, and that applies to every mission-driven organization we serve."Shaunette Stokes, Esq. · Managing Attorney & Founder
Non-Profit formation has layers.
Unlike a standard LLC, forming a Non-Profit requires coordination across state filings, federal applications, governance documents, and compliance requirements, often simultaneously. Here is what is actually involved.
State Incorporation
Filing Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Division of Corporations to legally establish your Non-Profit entity, with the correct language to support tax-exempt status down the road.
Governance Documents
Drafting Bylaws that establish how your organization operates, who makes decisions, how your board is structured, and how the organization handles conflicts of interest. Required for IRS approval.
EIN & Tax ID
Obtaining your Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Necessary before you can open a bank account, hire staff, or apply for tax-exempt status.
Federal Tax-Exempt Application
Preparing and submitting IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ for federal 501(c)(3) status. A detailed application that requires precision. Errors or incomplete submissions lead to rejection and delays.
State Tax Exemption
Applying for Florida state tax exemption. A separate process from federal exemption that allows your organization to operate without state sales and corporate income tax liability.
Registered Agent & Compliance
Designating a registered agent to receive official correspondence, plus setting up annual report reminders to keep your organization in good standing with the state year after year.
Invest in Your Legacy Today
Two packages designed for two different stages. Whether you are starting from the beginning or your organization already exists and needs tax-exempt status, we have the right service for where you are right now.
For visionaries who are ready to incorporate, structure, and build an organization that can receive funding from day one.
This is the complete formation package for founders who have not yet filed with the state. We handle every layer, from Articles of Incorporation through compliance setup, so your organization is legally sound, grant-eligible, and positioned to receive tax-deductible donations as quickly as possible.
- Personalized Walkthrough
- Strategic Business Formation Session (1 Hr)
- Real-Time Matter Tracking
- Articles of Incorporation
- Bylaws
- State & Federal Filing Fees Included
- Tax ID / EIN
- Federal & State Tax Exemption Application
- Registered Agent Services (1 Year)
- Complimentary Brand Name Search
- Yearly Annual Report Reminders
- VIP Client Rates on Future Services
For organizations already filed with the state that are now ready to pursue their 501(c)(3) designation.
Your Articles are filed. Your organization exists. But without federal tax-exempt status, you are not grant-eligible, your donors cannot deduct contributions, and your credibility with funders is limited. This package moves you from incorporated to exempt, with document review and modification included if your existing paperwork needs updates to qualify.
- Personalized Walkthrough
- Strategic Business Formation Session (1 Hr)
- Real-Time Matter Tracking
- Review of Existing Articles & Bylaws
- Modification of Corporate Documents (if needed)
- Federal Filing Fees Included
- Federal & State Tax Exemption Application
- Registered Agent Services (1 Year)
- Complimentary Brand Name Search
- Yearly Annual Report Reminders
- VIP Client Rates on Future Services
Exclusive perks for every SLG client
Formation is just the beginning. Every client receives the full Stokes Law Group experience.
Strategic Business Formation Session
One hour with Attorney Stokes to map your organization's structure, governance, and positioning before a single document is filed. This is not paperwork prep. It is strategic planning tailored to your mission.
Real-Time Matter Tracking
Track exactly where your matter stands at every stage through our secure client portal. No chasing emails. No guessing games. You are always in the loop, from your phone or computer.
Annual Compliance Reminders
We do not disappear after formation. Yearly annual report reminders and compliance alerts keep your organization in good standing with the state, so you never miss a deadline or risk your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two packages?
The Non-Profit Corporation Formation package is for organizations that have not yet incorporated with the state. It covers everything from Articles of Incorporation through tax-exempt status. The Tax Exempt Status package is for organizations that are already incorporated in Florida and only need federal and state 501(c)(3) exemption.
How long does the process take?
We submit your state formation documents within two weeks of receiving all necessary information. Federal tax-exempt applications (IRS Form 1023) typically take three to six months for IRS processing, sometimes longer during peak periods. We keep you updated in real time throughout.
What are the benefits of 501(c)(3) status?
Federal tax-exempt status significantly expands what your organization can do. It makes you eligible for most grants and foundation funding, allows donors to deduct contributions, exempts the organization from federal income tax, and gives your mission credibility with the community and institutional funders.
What if my existing documents need to be changed to qualify?
The IRS has specific language requirements for Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. If your existing documents do not meet those standards, we review and modify them as part of the Tax Exempt Status package. No additional fee for standard modifications.
Do I need a board of directors to form a Non-Profit?
Yes. Florida requires a minimum of three directors for a Non-Profit corporation. Your Bylaws will govern how your board is structured, how members are selected and removed, and how decisions are made. We walk you through all of this in your Strategy Session.
What is the Strategic Business Formation Session?
This is your one hour with Attorney Stokes before anything is filed. We map your organization's structure, review your governance needs, and make sure your mission is set up to qualify for the exemptions you are seeking. Strategy first, always.
Your legacy, wealth, and protection are our priority.
Start with a $500 Strategy Session. One hour with Attorney Stokes to map your Non-Profit's structure, governance, and path to tax-exempt status. That $500 applies directly to your retainer when you retain the firm within 14 days.
Schedule a Strategy Session $500 · 1 Hour · Zoom · By AppointmentThe hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.
Fees stated on this page are subject to change and will be confirmed in your written engagement agreement. Stokes Law Group, PLLC is located at 10150 Highland Manor Drive, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33610. Attorney Shaunette Stokes is licensed in Florida (Bar No. 109278).