Legal Question in Business Law in Florida

Starting a church

I am in the process of starting a church in Tampa, Florida. It will be non-profit. I will soon be filling out paperwork with the IRS to get a PIN number for banking purposes only.

Since this will be a church --- and not a business --- what am I required to fill out with ths IRS and the State of Florida?

Am I required by law to seek not-for-profit status? If so, how do I do this. Am I required to register a ''Fictitous Name'' with the State of Florida?


Asked on 1/04/01, 3:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Verbit Stephen R. Verbit, P.A.

Re: Starting a church

First of all, congratulations on starting a new church. Lord knows, we need all we can get. I believe it would be in your best interests to incorporate as a not-for-profit corporation and take the steps necessary to qualify the corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This will enable contributions to your church to be tax-deductible to the contributors and will give you favorable tax treatment. I do not believe a fictitious name filing is necessary unless you intend to operate the church under a name other than that you incorporate under. There are a whole host of legal issues, in addition to these, that arise concerning the establishment of a church. I encourgage you to retain qualifed legal counsel to guide you on this venture. Good luck.

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Answered on 1/05/01, 9:09 am


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