How to Start a Nonprofit Organization

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Nonprofit Startup Guide
Overview

This page outlines the state filings to incorporate a nonprofit. Click on your state below to access information on the forms and fees.

Harbor Compliance has partnered with BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions to provide comprehensive nonprofit formation services. With seamless service packages, BryteBridge completes all of the necessary paperwork to get your 501(c)(3) approved.

Start My 501(c) Nonprofit

Alabama

Our Resources:

Alabama Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Name Reservation Request Form for Domestic Entities
  • Name Reservation Certificate
  • Form SOSDF-5: Domestic Nonprofit Corporation Certificate of Formation template
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form COM-101: Alabama Department of Revenue Combined Registration/Application
  • Alabama Charitable Organizations Registration Statement or Alabama Charitable Organizations Registration Exemption
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Name reservation: $28
  • Incorporation: $100 state filing fee + min $50 county filing fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Alabama charitable registration: $25 ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Name reservation: 24 hours
  • Incorporation: 4 days to ~6 weeks
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Alaska

Our Resources:

Alaska Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 08-438: Articles of Incorporation Domestic Nonprofit Corporation
  • Initial Report
  • Form 08-4181: New Alaska Business License Application
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Alaska Charitable Organizations Annual Registration Form
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $50
  • Alaska business license: $50
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Alaska Charitable Registration: $40

Time

  • Incorporation: ~10-15 business days by mail. Immediately online.
  • Alaska business license: ~10-15 business days by mail. Immediately online.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Arizona

Our Resources:

Arizona Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form CFCVLR: Cover sheet
  • Form CF0041: Articles of Incorporation
  • Form C082: Director attachment, if applicable
  • Form C084: Incorporator attachment, if applicable
  • Form M002: Statutory Agent Acceptance
  • Form CF0001: Certificate of disclosure
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form JT-1: State Tax Registration, if applicable
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $40 + optional $35 expedite fee
  • Publishing of incorporation: ~$200
  • Arizona state taxes: $12 per license/location
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

Arkansas

Our Resources:

Arkansas Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form NPD-01: Articles of Incorporation - Domestic Nonprofit or Form NPD-01-501: Articles of Incorporation - Domestic Nonprofit (501(c)(3) Compliant Language)
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form AR-1R: Combined Business Tax Registration Form
  • Form AR1023CT: Application for Income Tax Exempt Status
  • Form F0003: Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement Certificate of Exemption
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Charitable Organization Application for Registration or the Verification of Exemption From Registration
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $45-50
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~2-4 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

California

Our Resources:

California Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Articles of Incorporation, either:
    • Form ARTS-MU - Mutual Benefit Corp
    • Form ARTS-PB - Public Benefit Corp
    • Form ARTS-RE - Religious Corp
    • Form ARTS-CID - CID Corp
  • Form SI-100: Statement of Information
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form FTB-3500: Exemption Application or Form FTB-3500a: Submission of Exemption Request
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $30 by mail or $45 in-person + optional $250-$500 preclearance service + optional $350-$500 expedited filing service
  • Statement of information: $20
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • California FTB exemption: $25 ($0 for exemption request)
  • California charitable registration: $25

Time

Colorado

Our Resources:

Colorado Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form ARTINC_NPC: Articles of Incorporation for a Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form CR-0100: Colorado Sales Tax Withholding Account Application
  • Form UITL-100: Application for Unemployment Insurance Account and Determination of Employer Liability, if applicable
  • Form DR-0715: Application for Sales Tax Exemption for Colorado Organizations
  • Form DR-0716: Statement of Non-Profit - Church, Synagogue, or Organization
  • Colorado Charitable Registration (online)
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $50
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Colorado charitable license: $8
  • Colorado charitable registration: $10

Time

  • Incorporation: Immediately
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Connecticut

Our Resources:

Connecticut Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form CIN-1-1.0: Certificate of Incorporation Nonstock Corporation
  • Form COS-1-1.0: Organization and First Report - Stock or Non-Stock Corporations
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form REG-1: Business Tax Registration Application
  • CERT-119: Purchases of Tangible Personal Property and Services by Qualifying Exempt Organizations
  • Connecticut Initial Charitable Organization Registration Application
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $50 + optional $50 expedite fee
  • First Report: $50
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Connecticut charitable registration: $50 ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~3-5 business days. ~24 hours for $50 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Delaware

Our Resources:

Delaware Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Certificate of Incorporation cover letter (recommended by Delaware Division of Corporations)
  • Form INCNSTK09: State of Delaware Certificate of Incorporation for Non-Stock Corporation or Form INC-Exempt: State of Delaware Certificate of Incorporation for Exempt Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form CRA: Combined Registration Application for State of Delaware Business License and/or Withholding Agent
  • Form UC-1: Report to Determine Liability, if applicable
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $89 + $9 for extra pages + optional $50-$1000 expedite fee
  • Delaware Form CRA: Varies based on applicable licenses/accounts
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~3 weeks. ~24 hours for $50 state expedite fee. Same-day for $100 state expedite fee. ~2 hours for $500 state expedite fee. 1 hour for $1000 state expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

District Of Columbia

Our Resources:

District Of Columbia Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form DNP-1: D.C. Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form FR 500: D.C. Tax Registration
  • Form FR 164: D.C. Tax Exemption
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Business license:
    • D.C. Basic Business License for the Charitable Solicitation Category, or
    • D.C. General Business License
  • D.C. Charitable Gaming License, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $80 + optional $50-100 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • D.C. Basic Business License for the Charitable Solicitation Category ($412.50) or D.C. General Business License ($324.50)
  • Charitable gaming license: $10-500, if applicable

Time

  • Incorporation: ~15 business days. ~3 business days for $50 expedite fee. Same-day for $100 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months
  • Licenses: Immediate to ~3 weeks

Florida

Our Resources:

Florida Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form CR2E006: Florida Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form DR-1: Florida Business Tax Application
  • Form DR-5: Florida Application for Consumer's Certificate of Exemption
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form FDACS-10100: Solicitation of Contributions Registration Application, or Form FDACS-10110: Exempt Charitable Organizations/Sponsors Application.
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $70
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Florida sales tax license: $5, if applicable
  • Florida Charitable registration: $10-$400 ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~1-3 days online. ~8-17 days by mail.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Georgia

Our Resources:

Georgia Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • GA Articles of Incorporation
  • GA Data Transmittal Form 227
  • GA Notice of Incorporation
  • GA Initial “Annual” Registration
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form 3605: Application for Recognition of Exemption (optional)
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form C-100: Charitable Organization Registration
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • GA Articles of Incorporation: $100
  • GA Notice of Incorporation: $40
  • GA Initial “Annual” Registration: $50
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Georgia Charitable registration: $35

Time

  • Incorporation: ~5-12 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Hawaii

Our Resources:

Hawaii Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form DNP-1: Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form BB-1: State of Hawaii Basic Business Application
  • Form G-6: Application for Exemption from General Excise Tax
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Hawaii Charitable Organization Registration or Exemption Application
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $26 + optional $25 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Form BB-1: $20

Time

  • Incorporation: ~7-14 business days by mail. ~3-5 business days by fax, in-person, or online. ~1-3 business days if you file online and pay the $25 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Idaho

Our Resources:

Idaho Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 201: Domestic Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Idaho State Tax Registration (online)
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $30 + optional $20 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~1 week. ~1 business day with $20 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Illinois

Our Resources:

Illinois Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form NFP 102.10: Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form REG-1: Illinois Business Registration Application
  • Illinois Sales Tax Exemption letter of request
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form CO-1: IL Charitable Registration Statement
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $50 by mail or $77.75 online + optional $100 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Form REG-1: varies based on state tax accounts
  • Illinois Charitable Registration: $15

Time

  • Incorporation: ~2 weeks by mail or fax. ~1-5 business days if you file online and pay the $100 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Indiana

Our Resources:

Indiana Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 4162: Articles of Incorporation for a Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form BT-1: Indiana Business Tax Application
  • Form NP-20A: Nonprofit Application for Sales Tax Exemption
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form CG-QA: Indiana Charitable Gaming Qualification Application, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $30
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Form BT-1: $25 for sales tax license, if required

Time

  • Incorporation: ~15 minutes online. ~24 hours in-person. ~5-7 business days by mail.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months
  • Indiana Gaming Qualification: 120 days

Iowa

Our Resources:

Iowa Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form 78-005a: Iowa Business Tax Registration
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $20
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Iowa Business Tax Registration: varies based on tax accounts/licenses

Time

  • Incorporation: ~1-2 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Kansas

Our Resources:

Kansas Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form CN: Not-For-Profit Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form CR-16: Kansas Business Tax Application
  • Kansas Sales Tax Exemption Certificate
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form SC: Kansas Registration Statement for Solicitations
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $20 + optional $20 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Kansas business tax registration: varies based on tax accounts/licenses
  • Kansas Charitable Registration: $35

Time

  • Incorporation: Immediately online. ~4 business days by paper. ~1 business day by paper with $20 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Kentucky

Our Resources:

Kentucky Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form NAI: Non-profit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form 10A100: Kentucky Tax Registration Application
  • Form 51A125: Application for Purchase Exemption - Sales and Use Tax
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Kentucky Charitable Registration
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $8
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~3-5 business days by mail or online. While you wait if you file in-person.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Louisiana

Our Resources:

Louisiana Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 395: Non-profit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Initial report with recorder of mortgages
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form R-16019: Application for Louisiana Revenue Account Number
  • Form R-1048: Application for Exemption from Collection of Louisiana Sales Tax at Certain Fund-Raising Activities
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Louisiana Charitable Registration, if required
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $75 + optional $30-$50 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Louisiana Charitable Registration: $25 (no filing if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~1 week. ~24 hours for $30 expedite fee. While-you-wait with in-person filing for $50 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Maine

Our Resources:

Maine Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form MNPCA-6: Maine Domestic Nonprofit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Maine Application for Tax Registration
  • Maine Sales Tax Exempt Organization Application
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Maine Charitable Organization Application
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $40 + optional $50-$100 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Maine Charitable Registration: $50

Time

  • Incorporation: ~14 business days. ~24 hours for $50 expedite fee. Immediately for $100 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Maryland

Our Resources:

Maryland Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Maryland Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form CRA: Maryland Combined Registration Application
  • Maryland Income Tax Exemption Application
  • Maryland Property Tax Exemption Application
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form COR-92: Charity Registration, or Maryland Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $100 filing fee + $20 organization & capitalization fee + $50 development center fee if applying for 501(c)(3),(4), or (6) + optional $5 return mail fee + optional $50 expedite fee. The expedite fee is required to file online, by fax, or in-person.
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Maryland Charitable Registration: $0 - $300

Time

  • Incorporation: ~10+ weeks. ~7 business days with expedite fee online or by fax. Same-day if filed in-person with expedite fee by 4:15pm.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Massachusetts

Our Resources:

Massachusetts Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Massachusetts Articles of Organization
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Massachusetts Form TA-1: Application for Registration (WebFile)
  • Massachusetts Corporate Excise Tax Exemption Application
  • Massachusetts Property Tax Exemption Application
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Massachusetts Form PC or Short Form PC: Charitable Registration
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $35
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Massachusetts Charitable Registration: usually $150

Time

  • Incorporation: ~2-3 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months
  • Massachusetts Charitable Registration: 6-8 weeks

Michigan

Our Resources:

Michigan Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form CSCL/CD-502: Articles of Incorporation for use by Domestic Nonprofit Corporations or Form CSCL/CD-503: Articles of Incorporation for use by Ecclesiastical Corporations
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form 518: Registration for Business Taxes
  • Form 3372: Michigan Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Michigan Initial Solicitation Registration Form
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $20 + optional $50-1,000 expedite service
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~5-7 business days with returned documents in ~4 weeks. ~24 hours for $50. Same day for $100. 2 hours for $500. 1 hour for $1,000.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Minnesota

Our Resources:

Minnesota Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form ABR: Minnesota Revenue Application for Business Registration
  • Form ST16: Minnesota Revenue Application for Sales and Use Tax Exempt Status
  • Minnesota Charitable Organization Initial Registration & Annual Report Form, if required
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $70 by mail. $90 online or expedited in-person.
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Minnesota charitable registration: $25

Time

  • Incorporation: ~5-7 business days by mail. ~24hrs online.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Mississippi

Our Resources:

Mississippi Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form F0001: Mississippi Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Mississippi Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) Registration
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Mississippi Charitable Organization Registration or Mississippi Charitable Notice of Exemption
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $50
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Mississippi Charitable Registration or Exemption: $50

Time

  • Incorporation: ~2-3 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Missouri

Our Resources:

Missouri Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form Corp-52: Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Missouri Online Business Registration or Form 2643: Missouri Tax Registration Application
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Missouri Charitable Organization - Initial Registration Statement
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $25
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Missouri Charitable Registration: $15

Time

  • Incorporation: ~1-7 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Montana

Our Resources:

Montana Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 54: Articles of Incorporation for Domestic Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Montana Tax Registration, if applicable
  • Montana Tax-Exempt Status Request Form
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $20
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~10 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Nebraska

Our Resources:

Nebraska Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Nebraska Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form 20: Nebraska Tax Application, if required
  • Form 4: Nebraska Exemption Application for Sales and Use Tax
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $10 + $5/page
  • Nebraska tax application: usually $0
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~1-2 business days online
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Nevada

Our Resources:

Nevada Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Nonprofit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Certificate of Acceptance of Appointment by Registered Agent
  • Initial/Annual List of Officers and Directors
  • Nevada State Business License Application (or Exemption)
  • Nevada Charitable Solicitation Registration, if required
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form APP-01.00: Nevada Common Business Registration
  • Form APP-02.01: Application for Sales/Use Tax Exemption for Charitable/Religious/Educational Organizations
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Nevada Nonprofit Corporation Registration Information (Campaigns), if required
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $50 + optional $125-$1,000 expedite fee
  • Initial list: $50
  • Nevada business license: $200 ($0 if exempt)
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: Immediately online
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

New Hampshire

Our Resources:

New Hampshire Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form NP-1: Articles of Agreement of a New Hampshire Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form NHCT-1: Application for Registration
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $30
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • New Hampshire charitable registration: $25

Time

  • Incorporation: ~10-14 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

New Jersey

Our Resources:

New Jersey Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Public Records Filing for New Business Entity
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form NJ-REG: Business Registration Form
  • Form REG-1E: Sales Tax Exemption Application
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • New Jersey Charitable Registration (Form CRI-200 or Form CRI-300R, depending on gross contributions)
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $75
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • New Jersey charitable registration: $30 - $250

Time

  • Incorporation: ~4 weeks. Expedited processing available for a fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

New Mexico

Our Resources:

New Mexico Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form DNP: Nonprofit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Domestic Nonprofit Corporation Initial Report
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form ACD-31015: Application for Business Tax Identification Number
  • Form ACD-31050: Application for Nontaxable Transaction Certificates
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • NM-COROS Charitable Registration
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $25 + optional $100-150 expedite fee
  • Initial Report: $10
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • New Mexico charitable registration: $0

Time

  • Incorporation: ~3 months. ~2 business days for $100 expedite fee. ~1 business day for $150 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

New York

Our Resources:

New York Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • New York Agency Approval of Purpose, if required
  • Form DOS1511-f-l: New York Not-for-Profit Certificate of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • NYS Tax Registration, if required
  • NYC Tax Registration, if required
  • Form CT-247: Application for Exemption from Corporation Franchise Taxes by a Not-for-Profit Organization
  • Form ST-119.2: Application for an Exempt Organization Certificate
  • NYS Property tax exemption form(s)
  • NYC Property tax exemption, if required
  • Form CHAR 410: Registration Statement for Charitable Organizations
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $75 + optional $25-150 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • NYS charitable registration: $25 to solicit contributions ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~14 business days. Within 24 hours for $25 expedite fee. On the same day for $75 expedite fee. Within 2 hours of receipt for $150 expedite fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

North Carolina

Our Resources:

North Carolina Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form N-01: Articles of Incorporation for Nonprofit
  • Form N-14: Tax Exempt Status Information
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form NC-BR: Business Registration Application for Income Tax Withholding, Sales and Use Tax, and Machinery and Equipment Tax, if applicable
  • Form CD-345: Corporate Franchise and Income Tax Questionnaire for Nonprofits
  • NC Solicitation License Application - Charitable or Sponsor Organization, if required
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $60 + optional $100-200 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • North Carolina charitable registration: $0-$200 depending on gross contributions ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~5-7 business days. 24 hours for $100 expedite fee. Same day for $200 expedite fee (submit by noon).
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

North Dakota

Our Resources:

North Dakota Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form SFN-13003: North Dakota Nonprofit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form ACD-31015: Application for Business Tax Identification Number
  • Form ACD-31050: Application for Nontaxable Transaction Certificates
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form SFN-11300: Charitable Organization Registration Statement
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $40
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • North Dakota charitable registration: $25

Time

  • Incorporation: ~30 days. No expedite options available.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Ohio

Our Resources:

Ohio Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 532B: Initial Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Ohio Business Gateway Tax Registration
  • Form STEC-B: Sales and Use Tax Blanket Exemption Certificate
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Ohio Charitable Organization Registration (online)
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $99
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Ohio Charitable Registration: $50 - $200

Time

  • Incorporation: ~3-7 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Oklahoma

Our Resources:

Oklahoma Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form SOS 0009-07/12: Certificate of Incorporation (Oklahoma Not for Profit Corporation)
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form 40001: Oklahoma Business Registration Application
  • Form 13-16-A: Application for Sales Tax Exemption
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form SOS 101A-01/13: Registration Statement of Charitable Organization
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $25
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Oklahoma Business Registration: fees for needed licenses
  • Oklahoma Charitable Registration: $15 - $65

Time

  • Incorporation: ~7-10 business days by mail. ~1 business day online.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Oregon

Our Resources:

Oregon Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 30: Articles of Incorporation - Nonprofit
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form RF-C: Registration for Charitable Organizations
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $50
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~7-10 business days by mail. ~1-2 business days by fax. Instantly online.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Pennsylvania

Our Resources:

Pennsylvania Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form DSCB:15-5306/7102B-2: Articles of Incorporation - Nonprofit
  • Pennsylvania docketing statement
  • Pennsylvania incorporation publishing
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form PA-100: Enterprise Registration Form
  • Form REV-72: Sales Tax Exemption Application
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form BCO-10: Charitable Organization Registration Statement, if not exempt
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $125
  • Incorporation publishing: ~$200
  • EIN: $0
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • PA-100: $0 + fees for needed licenses
  • Pennsylvania Charitable Registration: usually $0 due to exemption

Time

  • Incorporation: ~14 business days
  • EIN: Immediately online
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months
  • PA-100: varies based on needed tax accounts/licenses

Rhode Island

Our Resources:

Rhode Island Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 200: Non-Profit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form BAR: Business Application and Registration, if required
  • Application for Certificate of Exemption for an Exempt Organization from the Rhode Island Sales and Use Tax
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Charitable Trust Registration Statement, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $35
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Rhode Island Form BAR: varies based on taxes/licenses/permits required
  • Rhode Island sales tax exemption: $25
  • Rhode Island charitable trust registration: $50, if applicable

Time

  • Incorporation: ~7 business days by mail or online. Same day for in-person filings.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

South Carolina

Our Resources:

South Carolina Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form NP: Non-Profit Corporation Domestic Articles of Incorporation
  • Articles of Incorporation 501(c)(3) Attachment
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form SCDOR-111: South Carolina Department of Revenue Tax Registration Application
  • Form ST-387: Application for Sales Tax Exemption for Exempt Organizations
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • South Carolina Registration Statement for a Charitable Organization or Application for Registration Exemption
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $25
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • South Carolina Form SCDOR-111: varies based on taxes/licenses/permits required
  • South Carolina charitable registration: $50 (or $0 if filing exemption)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~7-10 business days by mail. ~1-2 business days online.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

South Dakota

Our Resources:

South Dakota Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Articles of Incorporation Domestic Non-Profit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • South Dakota Tax License Application (online), if required
  • Form SD EForm-1932-V10: South Dakota Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement Certificate of Exemption
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $30 + optional $50 expedite fee
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • South Dakota Tax License Application: varies based on taxes/licenses/permits required

Time

  • Incorporation: ~3-5 business days. Expedited service is available for a $50 fee and is defined as completion sooner than the normal course of business upon request.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Tennessee

Our Resources:

Tennessee Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form SS-4418: Charter Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form RV-F1300501: Tennessee Department of Revenue Application for Registration
  • Form RV-F1306901: Application for Registration - Sales and Use Tax Exempt Entities
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Charitable Registration: Form SS-6001: Application for Registration of a Charitable Organization and Form SS-6002: Summary of Financial Activities of a Charitable Organization OR Form SS-6042: Exemption Request
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $100
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Tennessee charitable registration: $50 ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~4 business days by mail. ~2 days online. Immediately in-person.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Texas

Our Resources:

Texas Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 202: Certificate of Formation - Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Texas Tax Forms, if required
  • Texas Application for Exemption - Charitable Organizations (or similar form)
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $25
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~3-5 business days by mail or fax.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Utah

Our Resources:

Utah Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form SS-4418: Charter Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form TC-69: Utah State Business and Tax Registration
  • Utah Business License Registration
  • Form TC-160: Application for Sales Tax Exemption Number for Religious or Charitable Institutions
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Utah Charitable Organization Permit Application Form or Request for Exemption pursuant to Charitable Solicitations Act
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $30
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Utah charitable registration: $100 ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~14 business days by mail or fax. ~1 business day online.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Vermont

Our Resources:

Vermont Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Articles of Incorporation Form - Nonprofits and Cooperatives
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form S-1: Vermont Application for Business Tax Account
  • Form S-3: Vermont Sales Tax Exemption Certificate for Resale and Exempt Organizations
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $125
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~5-7 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Virginia

Our Resources:

Virginia Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form SCC819: Articles of Incorporation of a Virginia Nonstock Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form R-1: Virginia Department of Taxation Business Registration Form
  • Form NPO: Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Application
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form 102: Charitable Organization Registration or Form 100: Virginia Exemption Application for a Charitable or Civic Organization
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $75
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Virginia charitable registration: $100 + $30-$325 depending on contributions ($10 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~7 business days by mail. ~3-7 business day online. Expedited options available for a fee.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Washington

Our Resources:

Washington Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Washington Nonprofit Corporation - Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form BLS-700-028: Washington Business License Application, if applicable
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Washington Charitable Organization Registration
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $30 by mail. $80 expedited by mail. $50 online.
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Washington Business License Application: $19, if applicable
  • Washington Charitable Organization Registration: $60 ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~2 months by mail. ~2-3 business days expedited by mail or online.
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

West Virginia

Our Resources:

West Virginia Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form CD-1NP: West Virginia Articles of Incorporation with Non-Profit IRS Attachment
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form WV/BUS-APP: West Virginia Office of Business Registration
  • Form F0003: Certificate of Exemption
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form CHR-1: West Virginia Registration Statement of Charitable Organizations, if not exempt
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $25
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • West Virginia charitable registration: $15-50 ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~1-2 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Wisconsin

Our Resources:

Wisconsin Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form 102: Articles of Incorporation - Nonstock Corporations
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form BTR-101: Application for Business Tax Registration
  • Form S-103: Application for Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exempt Status (CES)
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Form 296: Charitable Organization Registration Statement
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $35
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Wisconsin business tax registration: $20
  • Wisconsin charitable registration: $15 ($0 if exempt)

Time

  • Incorporation: ~4-7 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Wyoming

Our Resources:

Wyoming Startup Guide

Paperwork

  • Form NP-ArticlesIncorporation: Nonprofit Corporation Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Wyoming SSUTA Certificate of Exemption Application
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report

Cost

  • Incorporation: $25
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Time

  • Incorporation: ~3-5 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months
Continue reading “Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation”
Revised November 08, 2017. Complete data last reviewed November 08, 2017.