Start Your Tennessee Nonprofit

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How to Start a Nonprofit in Tennessee

Welcome to our Tennessee Nonprofit Startup Guide! If you’re passionate about helping others and have an idea to serve your community, starting a nonprofit is a great way to turn your vision into a reality. There are many different types of nonprofits - religious, educational, human service oriented, animal welfare, and more. What all nonprofits have in common is a focus on helping others and benefiting their community. You are genuinely committed to these goals so you are already well on your way!

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there were over 37,000 nonprofit organizations in Tennessee in 2012. Before you start a new nonprofit, make sure you have identified an unmet need in your community and know that there are not any existing organizations serving your cause. If another organization exists, consider working together, as that may be a better way to make an impact in your community and use existing resources.

When you are ready to start your nonprofit, plan to incorporate and apply for 501(c)(3) status, as these are important steps to fully achieve your goals. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you will be able to apply for grants and accept donations, be exempt from federal corporate income tax, and limit the liability of your organization’s officers and directors. Most importantly, you will gain credibility and legitimacy for your cause, instilling the public with confidence in your organization.

This guide will walk you through the basic steps to start your nonprofit in Tennessee. Let’s get started!

  1. Name Your Organization

    Your organization’s name establishes its brand and is also important for incorporating with the state. The legal name of your nonprofit corporation may not conflict with any other organization registered in the state. Make sure the name is available and meets state requirements.

    Name Search: Tennessee Secretary of State - Division of Business Services
    Name search
    Suffix:

    Not required. 
    Tenn. Code Ann. §48-54-101

  2. Recruit Incorporators and Initial Directors

    The incorporator is the person who signs the Articles of Incorporation for your nonprofit. You will need at least one, but can have more than one. Directors make up the governing body of your nonprofit corporation and are stakeholders in your organization’s purpose and success. You’ll want to identify three, unrelated individuals to meet IRS requirements. You will also want to be aware of any age or residency requirements.

    Tennessee director requirements:
    • Number: minimum 3
    • Qualifications: Natural persons. No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
    • Term: default is 1 year, 5 year maximum
    • Quorum: majority
    • Committee: minimum 1 natural person who need not be a director
    Tennessee officer requirements:
    • A president and a secretary are required.
    • One officer prepares minutes of the directors' and members' meetings and authenticates records of the corporation.
    • Two or more offices may be held by the same individual, except for president and secretary.
  3. Appoint a Registered Agent

    A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal notices on behalf of your organization. The appointed registered agent must be physically located in the state and maintain an office that is open during regular business hours. As a nationwide registered agent, our service is designed to receive your legal documents and provide secure access to those documents through your online account. Our local Tennessee registered agent office is located in Knoxville, TN. We offer registered agent service independently or as part of our nonprofit formation packages.

  4. Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation

    Your nonprofit’s articles of incorporation officially mark the creation of your organization. They document where and when the organization was formed and capture other information necessary to verify its existence. While requirements for language vary from state-to-state, there are some basic provisions that the IRS will look for when you apply for 501(c)(3) exemption. It is important to customize the articles for your organization and make sure you meet the state and IRS requirements. Meeting these requirements from the start will help avoid having to make amendments later or risk getting your 501(c)(3) application rejected. Some states will also require you to publish your articles of incorporation, so be mindful of any deadlines and publishing instructions.

    Agency:Tennessee Secretary of State - Division of Business Services
    Form:

    Charter (ss-4418)

    Filing Method:

    Mail, in-person or online.

    Agency Fee:

    $100

    Turnaround:

    ~4 business days by mail. ~2 days online. Immediately in-person.

    Law:

    Tennessee Code Title 48. Corporations and Associations § 48-52-102

    Notes:

    A certificate of incorporation is issued upon approval.

  5. File Initial Report

    After filing articles of incorporation, you must file an initial report.

    Not required



  6. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

    This unique, nine-digit number is assigned by the IRS to identify your nonprofit. All types of nonprofits will apply for an EIN, not only those that hire employees. You will use your EIN to open a bank account, apply for 501(c)(3) status, and submit 990 returns to the IRS.

    Agency:Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    Form:

    IRS Form SS-4

    Instructions:

    Applying for an EIN without a SSN/TIN:

    • Online applications are not accepted if an individual does not have a SSN/TIN.
    • Form SS-4 must be completed, signed, and faxed to the IRS, leaving the SSN/TIN field blank or adding the terminology "foreign" to that line item.
    • To follow up on the application, call the IRS and ensure they received the application. 
      • Depending on the agent you speak with, you may be able to obtain the EIN over the phone. The IRS may then fax the EIN documentation back to you.
    Filing Method:

    Mail, phone, fax, or online.

    IRS fee:

    $0

    Turnaround:

    Immediately online or by phone. 4 business days by fax. 4-5 weeks by mail.

    Notes:

    The IRS website is only available during certain hours. Print your EIN before closing your session. For additional guidance, see IRS Pub 1635: Understanding Your EIN.

  7. Store Nonprofit Records

    As you launch your nonprofit, you will receive a number of official documents. Organizing these documents in one place will save you headaches down the road. You will soon have numerous items to keep in your records including your EIN letter, bylaws, meeting minutes, 501(c)(3) determination letter, and more.


    A preview of our Records Manager software

    A great way to maintain necessary documentation is Records Manager, our software for storing records securely, tracking directors and officers, and getting notified of meetings.

  8. Establish Initial Governing Documents and Policies

    Your bylaws are the governing document for your nonprofit. They serve as your organization’s operating manual and should be consistent with your articles of incorporation and the law. When your Board of Directors meets for the first time, you’ll review and ratify the bylaws and they will be a roadmap for governance from there.

    At the same time, you’ll also want to create and adopt a conflict of interest policy. A conflict of interest is when someone in a key position in your nonprofit has competing interests and is making choices that could benefit themselves to the harm of the organization. Personal interests should be set aside and organizational interests prioritized. If a conflict of interest does arise, it should be disclosed immediately.

    Your application to the IRS for 501(c)(3) exemption will require that both the bylaws and the conflict of interest policy are approved and adopted. Once they’ve been adopted, safely store them in your Nonprofit Records Kit.

  9. Hold Organizational Meeting of the Board of Directors

    The initial organizational meeting of your Board of Directors will be incredibly productive. At this meeting you will approve the bylaws, adopt the conflict of interest policy, elect directors, appoint officers, and approve resolutions such as opening the organization’s bank account. Important decisions are being made so be sure to record them in the meeting minutes.

  10. Get Tennessee State Tax Identification Numbers/Accounts

    Tennessee offers a consolidated registration application for new business state tax registration.

    Submit to: Tennessee Department of Revenue
    http://www.tn.gov/revenue/
    Guidance: Instructions on Opening a Business in Tennessee
    Form: Form RV-F1300501: Tennessee Department of Revenue Application for Registration
    Instructions: Form RV-F1300501 - Instructions
    Filing Method: Mail or online
    Fee: $0
  11. Apply for 501(c)

    Applying for 501(c) tax exemption can feel like the most daunting step in bringing your nonprofit dream into reality, but obtaining tax exemption comes with many benefits. You will be able to apply for grants and grow your fundraising success in addition to being exempt from IRS income tax. 501(c) is the chapter of the Internal Revenue Code that regulates nonprofit organizations. Like others, you may be most familiar with 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including charities and foundations. 501(c)(3) nonprofits apply using Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ. Review the criteria for each application and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements set out by the IRS. Other types of nonprofits, including 501(c)(4)s and 501(c)(6)s, apply using Form 1024. After reviewing and approving your application, the IRS will return a Determination Letter officially recognizing your exemption.

    Completing the federal application for tax exemption is significantly easier with the assistance and support of a professional. Find someone with the expertise to ensure the correct application is being used and is completed accurately. A well-prepared application takes time, over 100 hours by IRS estimates, so put yourself on the path to success by finding a specialist to walk alongside you in the journey - from start to tax-exempt finish!

    Agency:Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    Form:

    IRS Form 1023IRS Form 1023-EZ, or IRS Form 1024

    Instructions:

    IRS Instructions for Form 1023IRS Instructions for Form 1023-EZ, or IRS Instructions for Form 1024.  Also see guidance IRS Pub 557: Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization.

    Filing Method:

    Mail

    Agency Fee:

    $275 for organizations filing Form 1023-EZ and $600 for organizations filing Form 1023.

    Turnaround:

    1023-EZ average: <1 month. 1023 average: 3-6 months.

    Tax-Exempt in 2 Weeks!

    Download the case study of how our client, Reform It Now, obtained 501(c)(3) tax exemption in only two weeks using the new IRS Form 1023-EZ!

    From filing the 1023EZ on August 1st to receipt of the determination letter on August 14th is, in my humble opinion, simply breathtaking and I dare say, ONLY Harbor Compliance could have achieved that.
    Dr. Bob A.Reform It Now, Inc.
  12. Report Beneficial Ownership Information to FinCEN

    As of January 1, 2024, millions of entities in the US need to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as part of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Nonprofits without 501(c) tax exemption formed before that date must submit BOI by December 31, 2024, while those formed after must submit it within 30 days of formation. Once 501(c) tax exemption is granted, the organization may claim an exemption from BOI reporting requirements via an update filing to FinCEN. Our BOI Reporting Service includes up to four initial, updated, and corrected reports per year, ensuring the data you report to FinCEN is updated.

  13. Apply for State Tax Exemption(s)

    With your IRS Determination Letter in hand, make sure you familiarize yourself with your state’s requirements for recognizing your nonprofit’s tax-exempt status. This is an area where requirements vary state-by-state. Many states issue their own tax-exempt certificate that can be used for sales and use tax purposes, but it may require application and periodic renewal.

    To file to obtain exemption from state income tax:

    Not required



    Franchise and excise taxes are not applicable to nonprofit corporations as defined by law. The Application for Exemption - Franchise and Excise Taxes form is for other exemptions.

    More information: Tennessee Department of Revenue

    To file to obtain Sales Tax Exemption:

    Agency:Tennessee Department of Revenue
    Form:

    Form RV-F1306901: Application for Registration - Sales and Use Tax Exempt Entities

    Agency Fee:

    $0

    Notes:

    Exemption certificates are only issued to Tennessee nonprofits. Out-of-state nonprofits should instead present their IRS determination letter to vendors.

  14. Register for Charitable Solicitation (Fundraising)

    This is another area where laws differ from state to state, but most states require any nonprofit soliciting donations to register to do so on an annual basis. This means registering in the state prior to soliciting any resident of that state. Registering in your home state is essential, but you may also need to register other states depending on the scope of your organization.

    Tennessee Charitable Organization Registration

    Agency:Tennessee Secretary of State - Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming
    Law:

    Tennessee Code Annotated §48-101-501 et seq.

    Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
    Exam Required?Not Set
    Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

    Automatic Exemption

    Exemption Eligible Organizations:
    • Bona fide religious institutions
    • An organization organized and operated exclusively for educational purposes and which normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on, and which is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Included in such definition are organizations composed of parents of students and other persons connected with the institution, which are organized and operated for the purpose of conducting activities in support of the operations or extracurricular activities of such institutions. “Educational institution” also includes private foundations soliciting contributions exclusively for such organizations.
    • Cooperative scholarship corporations regulated by title 49, chapter 4, part 1
    • Volunteer fire departments, rescue squads or local civil defense organizations
    • Community fairs, county fairs, district fairs and division fairs, as defined in § 43-21-104, that have been qualified by the commissioner of agriculture to receive state aid grants, pursuant to title 43, chapter 21, part 1
    • Political parties, candidates for federal or state office, and political action committees required to file financial information with federal or state election commissions
    • Hospitals and nursing homes that are subject to regulation by the Tennessee Department of Health
    • Any corporation established by an act of congress of the United States that is required by federal law to submit annual reports of its activities to congress containing itemized accounts of all receipts and expenditures after being fully audited by the department of defense
    Law:

    Tenn. Code Ann. § 48-101-502

    Registration to Obtain Exemption

    Exemption Eligible Organizations:

    Charities with less than $50,000 in gross contributions during the preceding fiscal year

    Filing Method:

    Online

    Agency Fee:

    $0

    Notes:

    Charities must register within 30 days if they exceed $50,000 in contributions.

    Renewal to Maintain Exemption

    Exemption Eligible Organizations:

    Charities with less than $50,000 in gross contributions during the preceding fiscal year

    Filing Method:

    Online

    Agency Fee:

    $0

    Due:

    Annually within 6 months of the organization's fiscal year end.

    Initial Registration

    Filing Method:

    Online

    Agency Fee:

    $10

    Turnaround:

    1 month

    Notes:
    • The CFO and another officer must sign. Signatures need not be notarized.
    • Remember to attach the Summary of Financial Activities form. If your nonprofit registers during its first year, it must file a quarterly financial report.
    • Some Tennessee counties and municipalities may require charities that solicit in-person to register prior to fundraising.
    Before you Apply:

    Domestic Applicants:

    • Check the available exemptions to see if your charity is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement.
    • If your charity meets the audit threshold, obtain an audited financial report to submit with your registration application.
    • Look through the list of required attachments and make sure that you have each required document in hand before starting the registration application.

    Foreign Applicants:

    • Check the available exemptions to see if your charity is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement.
    • If your charity meets the audit threshold, obtain an audited financial report to submit with your registration application.
    • Look through the list of required attachments and make sure that you have each required document in hand before starting the registration application.
    • If you will foreign qualify in Tennessee, obtain a certificate of good standing from your home state to submit during the foreign qualification process. The certificate cannot be more than 2 months old when filing foreign qualification documents.
    How to Apply:

    Domestic Applicants:

    1. File entity formation documents with the Tennessee Secretary of State - Division of Business Services.
    2. Submit an Application for Registration of a Charitable Organization, a quarterly or annual summary of financial activites form, and all required attachments to the Tennessee Secretary of State - Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming.

    Foreign Applicants:

    1. Determine whether or not your charity will need to foreign qualify based on your activity in Tennessee. If not required, skip to number 3.
    2. File foreign qualification documents with the Tennessee Secretary of State - Division of Business Services.
    3. Submit an Application for Registration of a Charitable Organization, a quarterly or annual summary of financial activites form, and all required attachments to the Tennessee Secretary of State - Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming.
    Required Attachments:

    • IRS form 990
    • Audited financials (if applicable)
    • Articles of incorporation
    • Bylaws
    • IRS determination letter
    • List of officers and directors
    • Professional fundraising contracts

    Registration Renewal

    Filing Method:

    Online

    Agency Fee:

    Annual Registration Filing Fees are based on gross revenue. See the fee schedule below to determine your fee.

    • $0 - $50,000.00 = $80
    • $50,000.01 - $99,999.99 = $120
    • $100,000.00 - $249,999.99 = $160
    • $250,000.00 - $499,999.99 = $200
    • $500,000.00 and above = $240
    Due:
    • Annually within 6 months after the close of your fiscal year. So if your fiscal year ends December 31, then file by June 30.
    • There is no official start to the renewal period, so renewals may be submitted as soon as financials become available for the most recently completed fiscal year.
    Due Date Extension:

    Due dates can be extended for 150 days beyond the original due date by submitting a request for extension through the online portal. A copy of IRS form 8868 must be included when requesting an extension.

    Penalties:

    There is a late fee of $10 for each month that passes after the due date.

    Notes:
    • The CFO and another officer must sign. Signatures need not be notarized.
    • Remember to attach the Summary of Financial Activities form
    Required Attachments:

    • IRS form 990
    • Audited financials (if applicable)
    • List of officers and directors
    • Professional fundraising contracts

    Contract Filing

    Agency Fee:

    $0

    Due:

    Charities must submit copies of every contract they have with professional fundraisers, fundraising counsels, and commercial co-venturers during initial charitable registration and during charitable registration renewal.

    Financial Reporting
    Quarterly Financial Report

    Filing Method:

    Online

    Agency Fee:

    $0

    Due:

    Within 30 days after the end of each quarter of the organization's current fiscal year.

    Notes:
    • During their first year of operation, newly registered charitable organizations must provide quarterly financial reports to the Secretary of State.
    • Any charitable organization, other than a bona fide religious institution, that solicits and receives contributions exceeding $25,000 for a charitable purpose related to a disaster in this state shall file quarterly financial reports with the secretary of state, on forms prescribed by the secretary of state, detailing the money raised and expended by the organization as a result of the solicitation, until the funds are expended. The first quarterly report shall be filed on the last day of the third month following the commencement of solicitations.

    Financial Reporting

    Filing Method:

    Online

    Agency Fee:

    $0

    Due:

    Due by the last day of the 24th month following the commencement of solicitations

    Notes:

    Any charitable organization, other than a bona fide religious institution, that solicits and receives contributions exceeding $25,000 for a charitable purpose related to a disaster in this state and that does not expend all contributions received within 2 years of the commencement of solicitations shall file a report with both the secretary of state and the attorney general and reporter detailing both the timing and anticipated placement for the expenditures of the remaining funds. This report must be filed by the last day of the twenty-fourth month following the commencement of solicitations. A charitable organization may request an exemption from the requirements of this subsection (c) from the secretary of state and the attorney general and reporter; however, both the secretary of state and the attorney general and reporter must first approve the request.

    Change of Fiscal Year

    Agency Fee:

    $0

    Turnaround:

    1-2 business days

    Notes:

    Send the state a copy of the short IRS 990 once it is available.

    Cancelation

    Filing Method:

    Online

    Agency Fee:

    $0

    Notes:

    To close out your registration, submit a Notice of Intent to Cease Solicitations, the most recently filed IRS form 990, and a brief letter of explanation.

    Required Attachments:
    • Most recent IRS Form 990 or financial documentation

    To fundraise nationally or online, please see our Fundraising Compliance Guide. Our services manage your initial, renewal, and exemption filings in every state.

  15. Obtain Other Business Licenses & Permits

    Running your nonprofit corporation legally also means securing all applicable licenses and permits. The range of local, state, and federal requirements is wide. Access resources like the Small Business Administration Business License & Permit look-up tool and search by your business type and locality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of our clients incorporate on their own and seek our professional assistance with the next steps. In such cases, we review the existing documentation and make any necessary changes. We’re happy to help at any point. Keep in mind, the earlier you enlist our expertise, the more time you’ll save and the greater success you'll experience in the end!

If you have an existing for-profit entity and are looking to transition to a nonprofit, we are very familiar with this situation and can help! Simply sign up for our professional formation services, and your specialist will review your existing entity and assist with the appropriate next steps.

You are not required to use an attorney. You can set up your nonprofit yourself but doing so requires a great deal of expertise and time. The IRS estimates the 501(c)(3) application takes over 100 hours in research and preparation. Enlisting the help of a professional greatly increases your likelihood of success and saves you time. With our professional formation services, your specialist prepares and files your applications for you with guaranteed approval. Take advantage of our track record of 100% IRS approval and get your nonprofit approved, guaranteed!


You’ve made it! You turned your passion into a legitimate nonprofit corporation exempt under IRS 501(c) and are benefiting your community. That solid foundation on which you built your organization requires ongoing maintenance. Investing in maintaining compliance with all of the government agencies is an ongoing responsibility and commitment needed to ensure your vision continues long into the future. Check out our compliance guide to learn more!

Once you have registered your nonprofit per the steps listed above, you will need to maintain compliance with all of the government agencies. Staying current with the IRS and state requirements is an ongoing responsibility. Continue reading our Tennessee nonprofit compliance guide to learn more!

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Fast Facts

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to start an Tennessee nonprofit.


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