Legal Question in Business Law in Massachusetts

Re: business operated from home with non-profit status

there are specific rules governing the qualification of a non-profit as a 501 (c) 3. You need to file a form 1023 and meet the requirements of same. You need to create a non-profit entity if you have not already and file recognitiion as a charity with the MA AG's office.

If you are buying a residence to use as a business even a non-profit one you need to make sure it complies with the local zoning ordinance. Assuming it is permissable use and you will not create a nuisance by purchasing the property, then it will be OK to do so.

I think you need to speak to an attorney familiar with non-profits and the formation of same, approval as 501 (c) 3 and with the manner in which a non-profit can purchase real estate for its use.

Please feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

Re: business operated from home with non-profit status

It is a good thing your posting is anonymous... it sounds like you are in over your head if you are planning a commercial enterprise, out of a residence, and calling it a "non profit 501(c)3"... I recommend you sit down with an attorney and review whetehr your plan would cause you to forfeit your charitable, eductaional or fraternal organization (non-profit)status and whether you could open a business in a residential house.