I intend to look into the issue further, but the benefits for our type of organization can be HUGE to set it up as a non-profit. Most of our income, such that it is, will come from member dues, and any significant contributions are going to come from charitable sources. If we are not non-profit, we are subject to pay taxes on any and all donations given to us. We can apply for grants also as a non-profit. Donations by third parties to non-profits are tax-deductible. If we want to create a museum or repository of Saturnalia, we will rely on donations not just of money, but also of cars, parts, parephernalia, and even real estate (perhaps someone will donate a part of a building for us to keep an exhibit in). All of these things would be taxable if we were a for-profit, non-taxable if we are non-profit.
Continued....