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1. How do I start an association?

The process for initiating an HOA does not have to be intimidating, but some organized steps should be used. 

STEP 1: Determine the need for the association. To do so, host an informal meeting with your neighbors to see if there is a real interest in or need for the association. While it is optimum for 100% of area residents to attend the initial meeting, it is not imperative that they be present at that time. This first meeting could be among just a few or all of your neighbors. 

STEP 2: Check with the Dallas County Clerk’s Office to see if the developer has filed a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for your subdivision. You can reach the Dallas County Clerk’s Office at 214.653.7275, or at 509 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Dallas, Texas. 

STEP 3: Contact the City Manager’s Office at 972.230.9643 to schedule a meeting with your neighbors to clarify the necessary steps and the benefits of organizing an HOA. 

STEP 4: Create bylaws and articles of incorporation to bring for consideration by all your members. Bylaws establish the procedures for the operation of the association. They create HOA rules for voting, financing, and control procedures. The articles of incorporation actually create a corporation if the association chooses to become incorporated. Need a guideline for bylaws? Need a guideline for articles of incorporation?  

STEP 5: Once the articles of incorporation are complete, send two (2) copies and the $25 filing fee to the Secretary of State, Corporate Section, P.O. Box 13697, Austin, Texas 78711. Their phone number is 512.463.5555.

2. How do I find out if my subdivision has an association?

View Interactive Maps

3. How does my association get a tax exempt number?

Steps for Obtaining Tax-Exempt Status
for Your Neighborhood Association

Neighborhood Associations with gross receipts of $5,000 or less per year are not required to file form 1023. These organizations are exempt automatically if they meet the requirements of I.R.S. section 501(c)(3).

File your neighborhood association's Articles of Incorporation with the State.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number.
• File I.R.S. Forms 1023 & 8718 with appropriate fees.
• Receive Tax-Exempt Status from the I.R.S.? (average turnaround time from the time all necessary documents are filed is 100 days)
• File for State Sales Tax Exemption.
• Make I.R.S. suggested corrections.
• File for State Franchise Tax Exemption.
• Re-File

Important Facts about Tax-Exempt Status

Your Neighborhood Association may obtain tax exempt status if:

It is incorporated by the State as a nonprofit corporation and organized solely for charitable purposes. This includes organizations dedicated to:

• Correct community deterioration
• Combat juvenile delinquency
• Lessen neighborhood tensions

In order to keep your Association tax-exempt status, you must ensure that:

• All assets are permanently dedicated to an exempt purpose. This means that, even upon assets of the corporation may to exempt purposes or groups. Dissolution of the group and all assets must be used or donated, no part of the net earnings or
• Be used for the benefit of, or be distributed to, the members or officers.
• No portion of the corporation’s assets or funds may be used to influence legislation, promote propaganda, or benefit specific political candidates.

4. How do I request a speaker for my next association meeting?

Please contact Kathy Jones at 972.230.9648 or by email at kathy.jones@desototexas.gov and she will try to make arrangements with the appropriate city staff.

5. How do I report a code violation?

Residents can contact the Action Center at 972.230.CITY to report code violations or click on the Citizen Assistance button and enter a service request online. Citizen Assistance