How to File Colorado Nonprofit Articles of Dissolution
Filing Colorado Nonprofit Articles of Dissolution is the formal legal step required to end a nonprofit corporation’s existence with the Colorado Secretary of State. This filing confirms that the organization has completed internal approval procedures and is legally dissolving in accordance with Colorado nonprofit law.
What Are Colorado Nonprofit Articles of Dissolution
Colorado Nonprofit Articles of Dissolution are the legal documents used to notify the state that a nonprofit corporation has chosen to dissolve.
Filing this document confirms that the nonprofit has approved dissolution internally and is proceeding with winding up its affairs. After the filing is processed, the nonprofit is no longer authorized to operate except for activities related to closing the organization.
Legal Authority Governing Nonprofit Dissolution in Colorado
Nonprofit dissolution in Colorado is governed by the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 7, which outline the legal requirements for approving, filing, and completing dissolution.
What Are Colorado Nonprofit Articles of Dissolution
The Colorado Secretary of State administers the filing process and maintains public records of dissolved nonprofit corporations. Compliance with statutory requirements ensures the dissolution is legally valid and enforceable.
When a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation Must File Articles of Dissolution
A Colorado nonprofit corporation must file Articles of Dissolution after dissolution has been properly authorized by its board of directors, members, or incorporators, depending on the organization’s structure.
The filing is required once the nonprofit has decided to cease operations and begin winding up its affairs. Dissolution should not be delayed once the decision has been finalized, as ongoing state compliance obligations remain until the filing is completed.
Information Required on Colorado Form
1. Entity Identification Information
The form requires the nonprofit’s exact legal name and Colorado Secretary of State identification number. This information must match state records precisely to ensure the dissolution is applied to the correct entity.
2. Principal Office Address
A complete principal office address must be provided. This address becomes part of the public record and is used by the state for official correspondence related to the dissolution.
3. Dissolution Confirmation Statement
The filer must confirm that the nonprofit corporation has been dissolved in accordance with Colorado law. This statement verifies that the required internal approvals have already occurred.
4. Delayed Effective Date (Optional)
The form allows an optional delayed effective date if the nonprofit wishes the dissolution to take effect at a later time. If used, the date must comply with statutory timing rules and be clearly stated.
5. Additional Information Section
This optional section may be used to include supplemental statements permitted by law. It should only be completed when additional clarification is necessary.
6. Notice of Perjury Certification
The filing includes a perjury certification stating that the information provided is true and correct. Submitting false information may result in legal consequences under Colorado law.
7. Filer Information
The name and address of the individual submitting the filing must be listed. This ensures accountability and provides a point of contact if the Secretary of State requires clarification.
Information Required on Colorado Form
Execution and Filing Requirements
- Authorized execution under Colorado law
Colorado Nonprofit Articles of Dissolution must be executed by an authorized individual, typically an officer, director, or other person permitted under the nonprofit’s governing documents. The signer certifies that dissolution was properly approved and that the filing complies with the Colorado Revised Statutes.
- Perjury certification requirement
The dissolution filing includes a notice of perjury statement, meaning the signer affirms under penalty of law that all information provided is true and complete. This certification gives the filing legal effect and helps protect the integrity of Colorado’s public records.
- Electronic filing with the Secretary of State
Colorado requires nonprofit dissolution filings to be submitted through the Secretary of State’s online filing system. Paper filings are not accepted, and the form must be completed exactly as required for acceptance.
Public Record and Disclosure Notice
Once filed, the Colorado Nonprofit Articles of Dissolution becomes a public document accessible through the Secretary of State’s database. Information such as the nonprofit’s name, principal office address, and filer details may be viewed by the public.
Colorado does not allow the removal of required statutory information from dissolution filings. Filers should avoid including sensitive personal data in optional fields, as all submitted information may be disclosed.
Post-Filing Responsibilities After Nonprofit Dissolution
- Completion of winding up activities
Filing Articles of Dissolution does not eliminate the nonprofit’s responsibility to complete winding up. The organization must still resolve outstanding obligations, distribute remaining assets according to nonprofit law, and comply with any donor or grant restrictions.
- Tax and regulatory follow-up obligations
Dissolved nonprofits may still be required to file final federal and state tax returns, including IRS filings and state charitable registrations. Dissolution at the state level does not automatically close tax or regulatory accounts.
- Record retention requirements
Even after dissolution, nonprofit corporations should retain governing documents, financial records, and dissolution approvals for the period required by law. These records may be needed for audits, tax inquiries, or future legal verification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing before proper authorization
Submitting Articles of Dissolution without valid board, member, or incorporator approval can invalidate the filing. Colorado requires dissolution to be authorized internally before submission.
- Incorrect or incomplete entity information
Errors in the nonprofit’s legal name, Secretary of State ID number, or address frequently lead to rejection or processing delays. All information must match state records exactly.
- Misunderstanding dissolution versus winding up
Some nonprofits mistakenly assume that filing dissolution ends all responsibilities. In reality, winding up obligations continue after filing and must be completed properly.
- Including unnecessary or sensitive information
Adding confidential details in optional sections can create privacy risks, as dissolution filings are public. Only legally required information should be included.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
How FastFile Supports Colorado Nonprofit Dissolution
1. Articles of Dissolution Preparation
FastFile prepares Colorado Nonprofit Articles of Dissolution using accurate entity information and state-specific requirements. Each filing is completed based on the nonprofit’s structure and approval method to reduce the risk of rejection.
2. Compliance and Accuracy Review
Every document is reviewed for consistency with Colorado law, including entity details, dissolution statements, and perjury certifications. This review helps ensure the filing meets all statutory standards before submission.
3. Filing, Tracking, and Confirmation
FastFile submits the dissolution filing to the Colorado Secretary of State, tracks its status, and confirms acceptance. Clients receive confirmation once the dissolution is officially recorded.
4. FastFile Process, Pricing, and Turnaround
FastFile uses a simple intake process that requires only basic entity details. With flat-fee pricing and typical processing completed within approximately 24 hours, FastFile provides an efficient and dependable solution for nonprofit dissolution filings.
Conclusion
Filing Colorado Nonprofit Articles of Dissolution is a legally significant step that requires accuracy, proper authorization, and full compliance with Colorado Revised Statutes. From confirming internal approval to completing perjury certifications and final filings, each stage of the dissolution process plays a critical role in properly closing a nonprofit corporation.
FastFile provides a structured and dependable solution for nonprofits that want to complete dissolution correctly the first time. With a guided process built around clear legal requirements, FastFile prepares the Articles of Dissolution, reviews all information for accuracy, and confirms compliance with state filing standards before submission.
FastFile’s streamlined workflow is designed for efficiency without sacrificing quality. Clients complete a short intake process, receive transparent flat-fee pricing, and benefit from filings that are often processed within approximately 24 hours.
Throughout the process, FastFile manages filing, tracking, and confirmation, giving nonprofit leaders confidence that their organization is being dissolved in accordance with Colorado law. For organizations seeking a reliable partner to handle nonprofit dissolution with precision, consistency, and speed, FastFile delivers the experience and operational clarity needed to complete the process.