Registering as a Non-Profit Organization

To obtain 501(c)(3) non-profit status in the United States, you'll typically need to follow these steps:

1. Incorporate Your Non-Profit

First, form a non-profit corporation under your state's laws. You'll need to:

• File Articles of Incorporation with your Secretary of State's office. The filing fee varies by state ($50 - $125 estimate).

• Adopt bylaws that detail how your organization will be run.

• Appoint an initial board of directors.

2. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

You can apply for an EIN for free through the IRS website. This number is used to identify your organization for tax purposes.

3. File Form 1023 or 1023-EZ with the IRS

To be recognized as a tax-exempt organization, you must file Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• Form 1023 is a comprehensive form that can take many hours to complete. The filing fee for Form 1023 is $600.

• Form 1023-EZ, also known as the Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is a shorter, simplified version of Form 1023. To use Form 1023-EZ, your organization must meet certain requirements, such as not having projected annual gross receipts over $50,000. The filing fee for Form 1023-EZ is $275.

Both forms are submitted online through pay.gov.

4. Apply for State Tax Exemption

After you receive your federal tax exemption, you may need to apply for a state tax exemption, depending on your state’s rules.

5. Ongoing Compliance

Maintain ongoing compliance with federal and state regulations, including filing an annual information return (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N) with the IRS.

Remember, costs will vary depending on your specific circumstances and requirements. It's also highly recommended to consult with a legal professional to ensure you're meeting all necessary legal obligations.

Task	Cost Estimate
State Incorporation Fees	$50 - $125
Employer Identification Number (EIN) Application	Free
IRS Form 1023 Application Fee	$600
IRS Form 1023-EZ Application Fee	$275
State Tax Exemption Application	Varies by state
Annual IRS Form 990/990-EZ/990-N Return	Cost of preparation