Milwaukee Lawyers for Nonprofit Organizations

Attain nonprofit status and move your organization forward.

Attain 501c3 status in Wisconsin

Whether you run a charity, religious group, or other non-profit organization (NPO), attaining nonprofit status is essential and at times a fundamental right.

The corporate attorneys of Niebler, Pyzyk, Carrig, Jelenchick & Hanley, LLP have helped establish nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin for over 75 years.

Many times nonprofit and 501c3 are used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Nonprofit refers to the organization (usually a corporation) formed for a nonprofit mission. 501c3 refers specifically to a nonprofit organization which has been recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt (charitable organizations are tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 501c(3).)

Thanks to extensive experience in tax planning and business formation law, our attorneys have helped countless organizations attain 501(c)(3) status. Tax exemption is often a critical and even fundamental facet of NPOs, but complicated tax laws can stand in the way.

To create a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit in Wisconsin, first, you need to form a nonprofit corporation and then apply for tax-exempt status from both the state of Wisconsin and the IRS.

Wisconsin nonprofit laws

Wisconsin state laws pertain to many specific aspects of forming a nonprofit corporation including:

• Nonprofit name and number of directors
• Filing articles of incorporation
• Bylaws in compliance with Wisconsin law

Our attorneys will guide you through the requirements at every step, including the specific language required in the articles of incorporation in order to receive tax-exempt status from the IRS.

Your nonprofit may also be required to register with the state of Wisconsin before conducting fundraising activities.

Obtaining tax-exempt status

Once the nonprofit corporation has been created, there are additional steps to obtain state and federal tax exemption including completing & filing Form 1023. This is a long and detailed form, however, some organizations may be able to file Form 1023-EZ which is much shorter.

Once 501c3 status is granted by the IRS, the organization is automatically exempt from Wisconsin income tax. Our attorneys will help you understand the file requirements for becoming exempt from other state taxes such as property taxes or sales and use tax.

Affordable legal help for nonprofits & cooperatives in Wisconsin

Niebler Pyzyk attorneys have decades of experience helping people form nonprofit organizations and cooperatives.

Turning to do-it-yourself guides and sample forms online can create problems down the line if not executed perfectly, or if your organization needs to grow. Our lawyers will listen to your goals, questions, and vision to ensure your organization is formed with an optimal legal structure for longevity and stability.

Our full-service law firm is also available to help your nonprofit address matters of:

• Liability and duty for board members
• Employee relations & day-to-day operations
• Vendor and funding contracts
• Commercial lease agreements

The skilled lawyers of Niebler Pyzyk understand the complexities of local, state, and federal tax codes. Our legal team has the experience and resources of much larger firms, without the exorbitant fees that can discourage nonprofits from getting the legal help they need. We will ensure your tax-exempt status is properly granted and maintained for the life of your business.

Contact Niebler Pyzyk law firm today for a consultation.

Our Menomonee Falls law firm provides affordable legal services in virtually all aspects of business law to organizations throughout the greater Milwaukee area including Waukesha, Brookfield, Glendale, Mequon, Germantown, Grafton, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, Hartland, Pewaukee, Sussex, New Berlin, West Allis, West Bend, Port Washington & the surrounding communities.