IRS Compliance

Teams that can channel all their funds through their school or another hockey club (e.g., Summit Youth Hockey or a similar organization) fall under that organization's tax umbrella and therefore do not need to complete the following steps.

All other teams must follow these steps to ensure compliance with the IRS and the State of Colorado. Note that JV and varsity teams are considered one “team,” so JV teams should be included with their parent varsity team.

Complete Articles of Incorporation:

• Instructions and a sample form are available in the side bar to the right. The form must be filed electronically.
• Click here to access the Colorado Secretary of State site and complete your form.

Lost or Missing Articles:

• If you need to replace lost or missing Articles of Incorporation, contact the Colorado Secretary of State’s office at 303-894-2200.

Submit Your Application:

• Submit the completed electronic application to the Colorado Secretary of State.
• Filing Fee: $50.

Documentation:

• Send a copy of your Articles of Incorporation to the league (Mandy) and keep a copy in a safe place.

• Apply online.  
• Instructions and a sample form are available on the right side of this page.
• Filing Fee: No charge to apply.
• Once you have your EIN, you can use it to open a team bank account and file for tax exempt status.
• Usage of EIN:
• Once you have your EIN, you can use it to open a team bank account and file for tax exempt status.
• Changing the Responsible Party:
• Fill out form SS22-B if you would like to change the “responsible party” originally listed.  
• EIN Ownership:
• Teams should retain the same EIN for the duration of the organization. The EIN is tied to the entity, not the individual who originally obtained the number.

Nonprofit & Tax-Exempt Status Filing Guide

501(c)(3) – Charitable Organization

Filing Fee: $275

There is a streamlined and lower-cost application process for small nonprofits — the Form 1023-EZ.

This is much simpler and faster than filing the full Form 1023.

You will need the following:

• Articles of Incorporation (filed with the State of Colorado)
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS

Steps to Complete:

1. Review the eligibility requirements for Form 1023-EZ.
2. (All HPHL clubs should qualify based on size and structure.)
3. Complete and file Form 1023-EZ electronically through Pay.gov.
4. Pay the $275 filing fee online when submitting your application.

Helpful Resources:

IRS Form 1023-EZ Information Page: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1023-ez

Form 1023-EZ Eligibility Worksheet & Instructions: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1023-ez

Last Step:

• Send a copy of your completed forms to HPHL (Mandy).  HPHL will then send you a check to cover the initial one time application fee.
• Once you receive approval, send a copy to HPHL (Mandy) and keep your copy in a safe place.

501(c)(7) – Social or Recreational Club

Filing Fee: $600

You will need the following:

• Articles of Incorporation (filed with the State of Colorado)
• EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
• Bylaws specific to your organization (do not use HPHL’s bylaws)
• Completed Application Forms:
• Form 1024 – Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a)
• Must be filed electronically through Pay.gov.
• The $600 user fee is paid at the time of submission.
• Form 1024 Instructions: IRS Form 1024 Information Page

Last Step:

• Send your completed forms to HPHL (Mandy).  HPHL will then send you a check to cover the initial one time application fee.
• Once you receive approval, send a copy to HPHL (Mandy) and keep your copy in a safe place.

You will need to file three (3) annual forms.

1. A 990N (e-Postcard) with the IRS

• Due Date: 4 1/2 months after the end of your fiscal year. Refer to instructions and due date calendar in the right sidebar.
• Filing Fee: No Charge
• Click here for more information.
• Click here to file the 990-N.

2. A Registration Renewal with the State of Colorado

• Due Date: Same as the 990N- 4 1/2 months after the end of your fiscal year.
• Filing Fee: $10 (if filed on time)
• Click here for more information and instructions.
• Click here to file.

3. A Periodic Report with the State of Colorado

• Due Date: Annually during the month your organization was incorporated.
• Filing Fee: $25 (if filed on time)
• Click here for instructions and to file the Periodic Report.

You can update contact information to reflect a new manager when filing each of these forms.

• From an IRS standpoint, teams are allowed to maintain an unlimited reserve in their bank account from year to year.
• Updating Signing Authority:
• Whenever the team manager or treasurer changes, be sure to update the signing authority on the team bank account. There is no need to open a new account.
• Sales Tax Exemption:
• 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(7) designations do NOT exempt your team from sales tax.
• Charitable Donations:
• Donations to a 501(c)(3) club can be deducted as charitable contributions.
• Non-Deductible Donations:
• Donations to a 501(c)(7) club cannot be deducted as charitable contributions.