Fill Out Your Ss4418 Form

What is the SS-4418 form used for?

The SS-4418 form is used to file a charter for a nonprofit corporation in Tennessee. Submitting this form officially establishes your organization as a nonprofit entity recognized by the state. The information required on the form includes the corporation's name, address, registered agent details, and the purpose of the organization. Proper completion of the form ensures compliance with the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act.

How can I submit the SS-4418 form?

There are several methods available for submitting the SS-4418 form. You can e-file through the Tennessee Secretary of State's online portal by completing the necessary information and paying the $100 filing fee with a credit or debit card. If you prefer not to pay a convenience fee, you can print the completed form and mail it along with the fee to the Secretary of State’s office. Alternatively, you can obtain a blank charter form by visiting the office in person, calling, or emailing to request it. Each submission method requires accurate and legible information to avoid rejection.

What is the filing fee for the SS-4418 form?

The filing fee for the SS-4418 form is $100. This fee must be paid when submitting the form, whether through e-filing, mail, or in person. Cash is accepted only for walk-in filings. When mailing the form, ensure that payment is made by check, cashier’s check, or money order made out to the Tennessee Secretary of State. Any form submitted without the appropriate fee will be returned.

What happens if the SS-4418 form is not filled out correctly?

If the SS-4418 form is inaccurate, incomplete, or difficult to read, it will be rejected by the Division of Business Services. To avoid this, double-check all sections, including the corporation’s name and address, the registered agent’s information, and any required consents or additional designations. It’s crucial that every required element is clearly presented to ensure smooth processing of your nonprofit charter.

When filling out the SS-4418 form for establishing a nonprofit corporation in Tennessee, applicants often encounter common pitfalls that can lead to delays or rejections. Understanding these mistakes can facilitate a smoother filing process and ensure compliance with state requirements.

One frequent error involves the choice of the corporation's name. Applicants may propose names that are indistinguishable from existing businesses. Without the appropriate written consent, the form will not be accepted. It's essential to check name availability and secure any necessary approvals from the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions or the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance when applicable.

Inaccurate or incomplete addresses are another common source of issues. The form requires the complete address of the initial registered agent and office, as well as the principal executive office. Failing to provide these addresses in a format recognized by the United States Postal Service may result in rejection. Remember that a post office box is not an acceptable address for the registered agent or office, which adds an additional layer of importance to ensure accurate and deliverable addresses.

Additionally, misunderstanding the fiscal year close month can lead to complications. If applicants do not specify this month, the Division of Business Services defaults to December. This oversight can impact the timing of required annual reports, illustrating the importance of adhering to proper timelines as set forth in Tennessee law.

Applicants might also neglect to check applicable boxes correctly in section eight regarding the corporation's characteristics. Each option must be reviewed carefully. If selections are omitted or incorrectly checked, this may lead to unnecessary delays as the application is scrutinized for completeness.

Another mistake involves the signature and date of execution. The signer must be one of the incorporators listed in the form. Failure to sign or date the application can be a critical error, as the form will be rejected if it risks the validity of the charter being filed.

The filing fee, currently set at $100, is a common oversight. If the payment is not included, or if it is made out to an incorrect payee, the form will also be rejected. It is vital to follow the specific payment instructions outlined in the form to avoid unnecessary complications.

Lastly, submitting an optional section without including the minimum required provisions regarding the distribution of assets upon dissolution can lead to rejection. If a nonprofit corporation intends to dissolve, clear provisions must be documented. Skipping this step can hinder the acceptance of the entire document.

By recognizing these common mistakes and addressing them proactively, applicants can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering problems with their SS-4418 form filing.

The SS-4418 form is an essential document for establishing a nonprofit corporation in Tennessee. Along with this form, several other documents may be required or beneficial during the incorporation process. Below is a summary of up to five commonly used forms and documents.

• Application for Use of Indistinguishable Name: If your proposed nonprofit's name is similar to an existing corporation, you need this application to seek permission for use. It comes with an additional filing fee.
• Initial Report: Within a few months of incorporation, newly formed nonprofits must file this report detailing their activities and current status to keep the secretary of state's office informed.
• Bylaws: Nonprofit organizations must draft bylaws outlining the governance structure, rights and responsibilities of members, and rules for meetings. While not required for filing, they are critical for internal operations.
• IRS Form 1023: To obtain federal tax-exempt status, organizations must complete this form, which requires extensive information about the organization's structure and activities.
• Charitable Organization Registration: If planning to solicit donations, you may need to register as a charitable organization in Tennessee. This registration ensures compliance with state fundraising laws.

These additional documents play a supportive role in ensuring that your nonprofit corporation is compliant with both state and federal regulations. Collectively, they help to create a strong foundation for your organization's operations and financial responsibilities.

• Articles of Incorporation: Like the SS-4418 form, Articles of Incorporation establish a corporation's existence. Both documents require information about the corporation’s name, registered agent, and purpose, making them essential for any new business entity.

• Certificate of Formation: This document is similar in that it creates a legal entity under state law. Both the SS-4418 and the Certificate of Formation outline the corporation’s foundational elements, such as duration and purpose.

• Nonprofit Bylaws: While not a filing requirement, bylaws complement the SS-4418 by outlining how a nonprofit will operate. Both documents serve as guidelines for governance but differ in their purpose and content.

• Form 990: Nonprofits are required to file Form 990 annually with the IRS. Similar to the SS-4418, this form provides a snapshot of the organization, detailing its finances, mission, and activities.

• State Business License Application: Just like the SS-4418 form, a business license application is necessary for legal operation. Both documents ensure compliance with state regulations, although the business license focuses on operational permission rather than formation.

• Fundraising Registration: Many states require nonprofits to register before soliciting donations. Similar to the SS-4418, this registration documents the identity and purpose of the organization, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Annual Report: Like the annual report, the SS-4418 collects essential information about the corporation. Both require updates about the corporation's activities, although the annual report is more focused on financials and governance during the year.

• Dissolution Certificate: If a nonprofit decides to close, it may file a dissolution certificate, much like the SS-4418. Both documents capture critical information regarding the status of the corporation but serve opposite functions—creation versus termination.

• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Application: Applying for an EIN is often necessary for nonprofits. Both the SS-4418 and the EIN application require fundamental organizational details, positioning them as foundational steps for operation.

• Business Plan: Though not a legal requirement, a business plan serves a function similar to the SS-4418 by outlining the nonprofit’s mission, goals, and operational structure. Both documents are essential for guiding the organization’s direction but vary in purpose and scope.

When completing the SS-4418 form, adhere to the following guidelines:

• Review all requirements: Ensure you fully understand the form and its requirements before beginning.
• Provide complete information: Fill in all sections accurately. Incomplete forms will be rejected.
• Use a valid address: Enter the physical address of your registered office. P.O. boxes are not acceptable.
• Sign and date the form: Ensure the form is signed and dated by an incorporator listed in Section 11.

Conversely, avoid the following mistakes:

• Do not use a name without proper consent if it is indistinguishable from another business.
• Avoid mailing the form without the appropriate filing fee; it will be rejected.
• Do not forget to double-check for legibility and clarity; illegible forms will not be processed.
• Do not submit a document that specifies a delayed effective date more than ninety days from submission.

• Misconception 1: The SS-4418 form can be submitted without a filing fee.

Many believe that there are no fees associated with submitting the SS-4418 form. However, there is a required filing fee of $100. This fee must accompany the form, whether submitted online, by mail, or in person. Without this payment, the application will be rejected.

• Misconception 2: You can use a post office box for the registered agent's address.

Some applicants think that a post office box suffices for the registered agent’s address. This is incorrect. The law requires a physical street address that can be verified by the United States Postal Service. Failing to provide this will lead to rejection of the form.

• Misconception 3: The online submission process is the only method to file the form.

Another common belief is that the SS-4418 form must be filed electronically. In reality, there are several ways to file this form. Applicants have the option to print and mail it, submit a paper form, or even walk in to file. Each method has its own processes and requirements.

• Misconception 4: The information provided on the form is private and confidential.

Many people are unaware that all information on the SS-4418 form is considered public record. Once filed, anyone can access that information. Applicants should therefore be cautious when providing details about their corporation or personal information.

Here are some important points to understand about filling out and using the SS-4418 form for a Nonprofit Corporation Charter:

• The filing fee for the charter is $100.
• You can file online, print and mail, or submit a paper form by visiting the Secretary of State's office.
• If using the online option, remember there’s a convenience fee when paying by credit or debit card.
• The corporation's name must comply with Tennessee law, specifically T.C.A. § 48-54-101.
• If your proposed name is similar to an existing business, you may need written consent from other state departments.
• Ensure you provide a valid registered agent's address; a post office box is not acceptable.
• Indicate the end date for the corporation if it is not meant to last indefinitely.
• When specifying your corporation's type, accurately check the appropriate boxes between options like public benefit or mutual benefit.
• All relevant addresses must be complete and verifiable by the United States Postal Service to avoid rejection.