Similarly to any other business, there are legal requirements if you want to start a church. This includes the following steps:
Incorporate your church: Choose a name and mission for your church and file the Articles of Incorporation with your Secretary of State.
Obtain a federal employer identification number: You can apply for this IRS form online with the IRS website.
Establish bylaws for your church: These protect your church from laws that pertain to your church’s First Amendment Rights.
Apply and obtain a 501(c)3 tax-exempt status: This establishes your church’s legal foundation.