- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
Non-Profit Corporation Law
Both for-profit and non-profit businesses or organizations can incorporate within the state of Washington. However, there are large differences in how they are regulated and taxed. Non-profit corporations are charitable or educational organizations that have a humanitarian or social mission. To maintain their tax-exempt status, non-profit organizations must meet a strict set of legal requirements. Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess has the expertise in non-profit law to give you the counsel you need.
Non-Profit Corporations: Legal Issues
- Federal tax status. If a non-profit corporation is planning to apply for 501 (C) tax-exempt status, this needs to be included in the Articles of Incorporation. There must be a specific purpose clause, as well as a dissolution of assets provision.
- Fundraising. Non-profit corporations that intend to raise funds from the public will also need to be registered with the Charities Program through the Secretary of State.
- Department of Revenue. There are certain exemptions that may apply to non-profit corporations under Washington state laws through the Department of Revenue. These exemptions must be applied for, and certain stipulations must be met.
Non-profit corporations must seek legal advice to avoid pitfalls in starting and running their organizations. Non-profit organizations carry potential personal liabilities and must meet strict regulations regarding by-laws and record keeping. Non-profits are scrutinized for their use of funds and must maintain professional accounting practices. Expert legal counsel from Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess can ensure that all documentation meets the standards set by the state, and prevent complications down the road. In addition to our team of experienced business law attorneys, we have two accountants on staff to assist you in meeting all regulatory and accounting requirements.
Before Starting a Non-Profit Corporation, Call Us for a Consultation
If you are in the process of incorporating a non-profit, let us assist you in creating the articles of incorporation and other documentation needed to begin your enterprise. Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience serving non-profit organizations in the Seattle and Tacoma area. We understand the intricacies of Washington state business laws and can help ensure that the process transpires smoothly. We would be more than happy to discuss your options in a phone consultation, at your convenience. Give one of our offices a call today!
You can reach us at our Seattle office at 206-621-1110 or in Tacoma at 253-572-1000
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Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
Kyla S. Bennett
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kyla practices in a range of areas, including real estate, land use, and civil litigation.
