How to create a Fire Temple

Step 1: Establish a Religious Purpose

First, clearly define the mission and religious purpose of your fire temple. This step is critical, as the IRS will want to see that your organization is primarily organized and operated for religious purposes. You can describe the temple’s belief system (Zoroastrianism), how you’ll practice worship (online services, rituals, prayers), and your community’s goals.

Write a Mission Statement: Craft a clear, concise mission statement that explains the religious purposes of your fire temple. This statement will be used in your legal documents and the 501(c)(3) application.

Step 2: Form a Nonprofit Corporation

To apply for 501(c)(3) status, your fire temple must first be incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in your state. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a Name for Your Temple

Ensure the name is unique and complies with your state’s rules for naming nonprofit organizations.

2. File Articles of Incorporation

File articles of incorporation with your state’s office (usually the Secretary of State). These articles establish the legal existence of your nonprofit and must include specific language to meet IRS requirements for 501(c)(3) status.
- Required Clauses:
  - Purpose Clause: State that your organization is organized exclusively for religious purposes as described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  - Dissolution Clause: Specify that if the organization dissolves, its assets will be distributed for tax-exempt purposes, such as to another 501(c)(3) organization.

3. Appoint a Board of Directors

Select a board of directors. Most states require at least 3 board members. The board will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the temple.

4. Create Bylaws

Draft bylaws that outline how your organization will operate, including:
- How the board of directors is structured
- How decisions will be made
- How funds will be managed
- The process for appointing religious leaders or ministers
- Frequency and structure of online services, rituals, and activities.

Step 3: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. This is like a Social Security number for your organization and is required to open a bank account and file for 501(c)(3) status.
How to apply: You can apply for an EIN online via the IRS website or by mailing IRS Form SS-4.

Step 4: Prepare IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ

To apply for 501(c)(3) status, you’ll need to submit either IRS Form 1023 (the long form) or Form 1023-EZ (the simplified form).

Eligibility for Form 1023-EZ:

Your fire temple is likely eligible for Form 1023-EZ if it expects to have gross receipts of less than $50,000 annually for the next three years and has assets of less than $250,000. Check the IRS eligibility worksheet to confirm.

Filing Form 1023-EZ:

Complete the Form Online: Go to pay.gov and fill out the form online. The fee for submitting Form 1023-EZ is $275.

Filing Form 1023 (Long Form):

If your organization is not eligible for Form 1023-EZ, you’ll need to complete Form 1023. This form requires more detailed information about your organization’s activities, financial projections, and governance.

Cost: The filing fee for Form 1023 is $600.

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documents

As part of the 1023 or 1023-EZ application, you’ll need to provide some additional documents:

1. Articles of Incorporation

Include your Articles of Incorporation, which must have the necessary 501(c)(3) language (purpose and dissolution clauses).

2. Bylaws

Provide your bylaws to show how your temple will be governed and how you’ll handle financial matters, board meetings, and religious services.

3. Financial Information

You’ll need to submit financial statements or projections showing the expected income and expenses for your fire temple.
- For a new organization, this can be a budget showing expected revenue (such as donations) and expenses (such as hosting services for your online temple, religious activities, and administrative costs).

Step 6: Submit Application to the IRS

Once you’ve completed IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ and gathered all necessary supporting documents, you can submit the application:

Form 1023-EZ:

File online via pay.gov.

Form 1023:

Submit the paper form by mail or electronically via pay.gov.

Step 7: IRS Review and Determination

The IRS will review your application. The timeline can vary:

Form 1023-EZ: Typically processed within 2-4 months.
Form 1023: Processing can take 6-12 months due to the more detailed review.

If approved, you will receive a determination letter from the IRS confirming that your fire temple is recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Step 8: Comply with Ongoing Requirements

Once your online fire temple is registered as a 501(c)(3), you’ll need to meet certain ongoing legal and financial obligations to maintain your tax-exempt status:

1. Annual Filings

Most 501(c)(3) organizations are required to file Form 990 (or a version of it) with the IRS each year to report income and expenses.
- Exception for Churches: Churches (including online churches) are generally exempt from filing Form 990. However, if the IRS does not recognize your online fire temple as a church but instead as a religious nonprofit, you may still need to file.

2. Maintain Records

Keep good records of all income, donations, and expenses. Even if you don’t file a Form 990, the IRS can still audit your organization, so keeping accurate records is essential.

3. State Compliance

Be sure to comply with state requirements, such as registering with the state’s charity regulator and filing annual reports if required by your state.

Step 9: Operate as a Religious Organization

Once you’re recognized as a 501(c)(3), your online fire temple can legally:

Receive Tax-Deductible Donations: Contributions to your fire temple will be tax-deductible for donors.
Receive Grants and Other Financial Support: You can apply for grants and funding available to nonprofit organizations.
Exempt from Federal Income Tax: Your temple’s income will be exempt from federal taxes as long as it is used for religious purposes.

Non Profit-Mulitple Entities

A nonprofit organization can have multiple entities, and there are several ways this can be structured depending on the goals, legal needs, and operations of the organization. Here are some common methods for a nonprofit to establish and manage multiple entities:

1. Subsidiary Organizations

A nonprofit can establish one or more subsidiary organizations for various purposes. Subsidiaries can be either nonprofit or for-profit entities, depending on the activities the parent organization wishes to pursue.

Nonprofit Subsidiaries

Purpose: A nonprofit may establish a separate nonprofit subsidiary to carry out specific programs, manage different types of work, or create a legal distinction for liability reasons.
Structure: The parent nonprofit typically owns and controls the subsidiary through a shared board of directors or oversight relationship.
Example: A religious organization may create a separate nonprofit to manage its educational programs, housing efforts, or charitable activities, while keeping the original entity focused on its core religious mission.

For-Profit Subsidiaries

Purpose: Sometimes nonprofits create for-profit subsidiaries to engage in activities that generate revenue (such as selling products, providing consulting services, or running a business). Income from the for-profit entity can be transferred to the parent nonprofit as long as the for-profit subsidiary is managed properly.
Taxation: The for-profit subsidiary will pay taxes like any other business, but it can donate profits to the nonprofit parent entity.
Example: A nonprofit that runs community programs might create a for-profit entity to sell merchandise or offer paid services, and then use the profits to fund its nonprofit activities.

2. Affiliated Entities

Nonprofits can also create affiliated entities, which are separate legal organizations that collaborate closely with the parent nonprofit but are not wholly owned by it.

Purpose: Affiliated entities allow nonprofits to expand their activities without merging or creating formal subsidiaries. They can share resources, branding, and missions while remaining legally distinct.
Example: A nonprofit focused on healthcare may have an affiliated foundation that raises funds to support the healthcare nonprofit’s activities but operates independently.

3. Supporting Organizations

A supporting organization is a type of public charity that exists specifically to support the work of another nonprofit.

Purpose: Supporting organizations typically manage resources, hold property, or conduct activities in direct support of the parent organization.
Tax Exemption: Like the parent nonprofit, supporting organizations are eligible for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and can receive tax-deductible donations.
Example: A university might have a supporting organization that handles real estate development or fundraising to support the university’s academic programs.

4. Program-Specific Entities

Nonprofits can establish separate legal entities to focus on specific programs or projects.

Purpose: This helps manage distinct activities, protect assets, or reduce liability for the main nonprofit. Each program entity can have its own governance structure and budget but still be closely aligned with the parent organization’s mission.
Example: A nonprofit that runs international aid projects might create a separate entity for each country’s operation to comply with local laws and regulations.

5. Joint Ventures

A nonprofit can also enter into joint ventures with other nonprofits or even for-profit organizations to pursue specific goals.

Purpose: Joint ventures are used when two or more organizations collaborate on a project or business. The nonprofit can own part of the venture and share in the profits, which must be used for the nonprofit’s mission.
Tax Considerations: If a nonprofit enters into a joint venture with a for-profit entity, the nonprofit must ensure that the venture does not compromise its tax-exempt status. The nonprofit’s involvement must further its charitable mission.

6. Fiscal Sponsorship

Another option is to use a fiscal sponsorship arrangement, where the parent nonprofit provides administrative and financial oversight to smaller organizations or projects.

Purpose: Fiscal sponsorship allows an unincorporated project or smaller nonprofit to operate under the legal and tax-exempt status of the parent nonprofit. This is often a temporary arrangement while the sponsored entity is getting started or until it can obtain its own 501(c)(3) status.
Example: A new community initiative may start as a fiscally sponsored project of a larger nonprofit, allowing it to receive grants and donations under the parent’s tax-exempt status.

Key Considerations for Managing Multiple Entities

If your nonprofit plans to create or manage multiple entities, keep the following in mind:

Governance: Each entity must have its own board of directors or governance structure, although the boards of related entities may overlap.
Liability: Having separate entities can help protect the parent nonprofit from liability. If one subsidiary or affiliate faces legal challenges, the parent nonprofit may not be held responsible, as long as proper corporate formalities are observed.
Tax Compliance: If the entities are not all 501(c)(3) organizations, careful planning is required to ensure that the nonprofit remains in compliance with IRS rules regarding unrelated business income, tax exemptions, and reporting.
Funding: Transfers of money between entities (such as a for-profit subsidiary donating profits to the nonprofit parent) must be carefully documented to ensure that funds are being used for the proper charitable purposes.
Legal and Tax Advice: Given the complexity of managing multiple entities, it’s important to consult with attorneys and tax professionals who specialize in nonprofit law to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.