Supporting Non-Profit Organizations Across New York State
The non-profit lawyers at Lawyer for Business have extensive experience and a deep understanding of New York non-profit business and tax laws to help not-for-profit agencies achieve their mission.
We understand a non-profit organization's challenges and work to address them. Our non-profit organization attorneys work with smaller groups, like local synagogues and churches, as well as larger companies, like healthcare organizations with multiple locations.
As your not-for-profit attorney, we walk beside you at every stage of your agency’s development with the in-depth legal support you need to ensure that your organization is compliant with all operating regulations and tax laws. Your attorney for non-profit organizations will:
- Recommend the right insurance coverage
- Prepare documents like trust and member agreements and bylaws
- Obtain government approval for the operation
- Advise you on the best corporate structure for your mission and size
- Apply for tax-exempt status
- Represent you in transactions and grant allocations
Lawyer for Business also counsels New York businesses about charitable giving and the regulations governing business donations to not-for-profit agencies.
Our focus includes the intricacies of private foundations, restricted funds, endowments, and charitable trusts. We also help NGOs and NPOs seeking to operate in New York state.
Legal Services Provided by Our Non-Profit Lawyers
Andrea A. Tarshus, Esq., the attorney for non-profit at Lawyer for Business, provides legal support and counsel for tax-exempt, non-governmental, and non-profit agencies operating in New York and internationally. She advises nonprofit clients on all legal matters pertaining to their funding, organizational structure, and tax status.
Her extensive experience as a business attorney and focus on non-profit operations benefits clients seeking legal advice they can trust. Lawyer for Business, 501(c)(3) attorney near me, operates out of Buffalo but represents clients in cities across New York State. We are committed to the highest ethical standards and efficiency.
The following are some of the services Lawyer for Business provides:
Non-for-Profit Organizations We Help in New York State
At Lawyer for Business, a Buffalo attorney for a non-profit organization can assist with all New York non-profit organizations, such as:
- Agricultural commissions
- Animal rescue organizations
- Charities
- Churches
- Condo associations
- Cooperatives
- Credit unions
- Educational institutions
- Firefighters
- Foundations
- Government entities
- Homeowners’ associations
- Hospitals
- Joint powers authorities
- Mobile home tenants’ associations
- Mosques
- Professional associations
- Religious organizations
- Service clubs
- Sport clubs
- Synagogues
- Trade associations
- 501(c)(2) corporations holding property for tax-exempt organizations
- 501(c)(3) charitable organizations
- 501(c)(4) civic organizations
- 501(c)(5) labor organizations
- 501(c)(6) professional, business, trade associations, chambers of commerce
- 501(c)(7) social and recreational clubs
- 501(c)(8) employee associations and fraternal organizations
- 51(c)(9) — see 501(c)(8)
- 501(c)(10) — see 501(c)(8)
If you are the leader of any of these non-profit organizations in New York, Lawyer for Business has you covered.
Why Choose Lawyer for Business for Your Non-Profit Organization?
Non-profit clients of Lawyer for Business rely on the shrewd insight the legal team at Lawyer for Business provides. As attorneys 501(c)3, we carefully ensure that each client is tax-compliant and retains their state and federal status. Our clients include NGO and NPO organizations from all over the world that chose to operate in New York.
Here are just a few of the reasons why Lawyer for Business is the ideal 501(c)(3) lawyer near me for your non-profit legal counsel:
As your legal advisor, we work only for you and your organization. We value integrity in the legal profession and are scrupulous about any conflicts of interest.
When shopping for the right nonprofit legal counsel, it’s crucial to find a firm whose interests align only with yours — and not with the other side of the fence.
Formation of Non-Profit Legal Entities
Advise on the proper formation of legal entities, including charitable trusts, unincorporated associations, and corporations, with insight into the advantages and disadvantages of each structure. Oversee entity formation and guide the process.
Prepare charters for non-profit organizations and file appropriate documents with the federal and New York state governments. Obtain an Employment Identification Number from the IRS and apply for tax-exempt status. Advise on the formation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Non-Profit Corporate Governance
Prepare the documents for a non-profit organization’s internal affairs, including corporate bylaws and operating guidelines. Prepare or review other policies, such as:
- Document retention policy
- Whistle-blower policy
- Conflict of interest policy
Complete risk management assessments and counsel the board on potential issues, including anti-takeover strategies. Provide fiduciary advice. Review organization best practices for the legality and potential compliance concerns.
Non-Profit Charitable Registrations
Oversee the registration for the entity’s 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) status, which are required for the charitable organization to solicit charitable contributions.
Non-Profit Tax Exemptions — 501(c)(3) and Others
501(c)(3) attorneys review the nonprofit client’s charter and bylaws to ensure each meets the requirements of the state of New York and the federal government for the operation of tax-exempt organizations. Counsel on permissible activity and advise against prohibited activities that could risk a nonprofit organization’s tax status. Prepare all tax exemption forms required by the IRS as well as state sales and property tax forms and franchise or other tax exemption requirements as required.
Compliance with Non-Profit and 501(c)(3) Law
501(c)(3) lawyers ensure legal compliance of tax-exempt organizations operating in New York with regard to:
- Private inurement
- Public support requirements for public charities
- Executive compensation
- Excess benefits transactions
- Lobbying or advocacy
- Charitable solicitation and fundraising
- Corporate fiscal sponsorship
- Management of conflict of interests
- Unrelated business income tax (UBIT) activities
If you have questions about compliance, just ask!
Non-Profit Contracts and Agreements: Review, Drafting, and Negotiation
Negotiate and prepare contracts and other agreements; review and provide counsel on agreements and contracts presented to the client. Ensure that all contracts are compliant with New York tax-exempt organization requirements. Review enforceability of internal contracts and provide counsel on said agreements.
Draft contracts to address specific operating concerns and provide advice to ensure the client receives favorable terms when signing contracts with another agency.
Non-Profit Outside General Counsel
The non-profit organization lawyers give legal advice on all transactions by the client. Provide ongoing general counsel advice, develop client policies, and define corporate procedures and operating programs, including employment agreements.
Offer strategic counsel to the agency’s board of directors as needed or in board meetings. Evaluate outside counsel and oversee all work done by the agency’s legal affiliates.
Non-Profit Reorganizations and Dissolutions
Oversee any mergers, acquisitions of other entities, or dissolution of the not-for-profit agency and provide ongoing legal advice to ensure all contractual obligations are met. Provide legal advice on special rules for dissolution as per New York laws and any asset transfers under the New York Religious Corporation Law and/or the New York Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.
Choose an experienced New York non-profit attorney to handle your affairs so you can focus on your mission! Reach out to Lawyer for Business today.
We are one of a handful of non-profit lawyer specialists in the country
We have deep knowledge of New York and federal tax laws for nonprofits
Testimonials
Contact Business Attorneys Protecting Non-Profit Interests Across New York State Today!
Does your nonprofit organization need dedicated, focused legal representation to address your non-profit operating status? Lawyer for Business, an experienced New York business law firm, has the experience and insight to ensure your organization is compliant so you can focus on your mission and goals. Contact us today to learn more!
-poster-00001.jpg)