The state of Texas requires you to file Form 202 to incorporate a nonprofit organization and raise funds. Form 202 is the Texas certificate of formation for all nonprofits including 501(c)3. Unlike most states, 501(c)3 and other nonprofits do not have to register with the state before soliciting funds.
No, but signing them is a smart idea. We recommend having your officers and directors sign your bylaws to affirm that they sign on to your policies.
Corporate bylaws are a company's foundational governing document. They lay out how things should run day-to-day and the processes for making important decisions. They serve as a legal contract between the corporation and its shareholders, directors, and officers and set the protocol for how the organization operates.
Corporate bylaws are legally required in Texas. Don't mess with Texas—skipping this step could have serious consequences.
Non-U.S. corporations, LLCs, LPs and financial institutions must register with the secretary of state before transacting business in Texas. Such entities are subject to state franchise tax and federal income tax on certain income.
The secretary of state does not maintain the bylaws or tax exempt filings of any nonprofit organization. Some organizations that have obtained tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service are required to make certain documents available to the public.
As Chief Elections Officer for Texas, the Secretary is responsible for ensuring the uniform application and interpretation of election laws throughout Texas as stipulated by the Texas Election Code — the “law of the land” for Texas voters, elections, voting systems, candidates, and political parties.
The only way to change a registered office address is to file a statement of change. See Forms 401 (Word 103kb, PDF 94kb) and 408 (Word 170kb, PDF 117kb).
You should be able to complete your name change within 2 weeks to 3 months. The timeline will depend on how many documents and accounts you need to update with your new name and the steps you take. Everyone's situation is different.
How long will the entire application for change of name take? Name change actions can take anywhere from a day to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for such action to be ordered/decreed varies not only from county to county, but sometimes from courthouse to courthouse as well.