I had previously contacted a law firm a few years prior to my starting this process and was told that the cost would be approximately $3500, and could take up to 18-months for approval.  So, when I decided last July to incorporate as a 501(c)(3) Organization, I printed and reviewed IRS Form 1023, and the instructions.  It almost gave me a panic attack. It appeared to be an enormous undertaking.  I opted to go online to research law firms that had experience in preparing the 501(c)(3) paperwork. Even though there is a company here locally that does this same type of preparation for Non-Profits, I chose Patel & Alumit as I felt it was important to deal with a professional firm that knew the IRS laws regarding Non-Profits.

The Firm does everything they say they will do.  There are no hidden costs.  Patel & Alumit employ very professional and courteous staff.  I dealt with Jessica, Nikki & Stephanie.  I submitted the information on their questionnaire, and if I had questions or they had questions, we communicated through email or by phone.  They always responded to my questions promptly.  Any delays came on my part, in that I was working full time last year, and had to take the time to get the information into them.  I was pleasantly surprised, when I submitted the final package to the IRS in mid-November 2009 (my signature had to be on the original documents, so the final package was forwarded to me with clear notations of where to sign, etc.), and I received the approval from the IRS on January 5, 2010 (with an approval date of December 22, 2009).

Once I received the final approval from the IRS; Patel & Alumit then applied for Tax Exemption status for the Organization from the State of Florida. I just received that exemption back, this week.  The other company that I referenced here locally, charges an additional $199 for that service. 

Jamie McWilliams, President/CEO
Parents Encouraging Confident Choices, Inc.
www.justiceforjustin.com