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Reasons to incorporate as a nonprofit

Start a Nonprofit to Receive Income Tax Exemptions

Get tax breaks

You're eligible for state, federal and certain other income tax exemptions.

Form a Nonprofit and Apply for 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status

Lets you apply for 501c3 status

Contributions to certain types of nonprofits are tax deductible.

Protect Your Assets by Forming a Nonprofit Organization

Protect your assets

Members and directors are shielded from personal liability for the nonprofit’s actions.

What is a 501c3 organization?

The term 501(c)(3) refers to a specific IRS tax code. To qualify, the nonprofit must meet IRS requirements. If your organization qualifies, we’ll help complete and file your application.

Learn more about nonprofits

Eligibility for grants and donations

Only qualified nonprofits can receive grants from other nonprofits and government agencies. Also, contributions to qualified nonprofits are deductible on the donor’s income tax returns.

Ways to raise money for your nonprofit

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Economy

$99

+ state fee

Preliminary name clearance

We'll check your state's database to make sure your name is available.

Articles of incorporation filing

We’ll create your corporate formation documents and file them with your state.

Peace of Mind Review™

A document specialist makes sure your work is consistent and complete.

20 membership certificates

Custom-printed with your organization's name and state information.

FREE nonprofit how-to book from Nolo

How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation is a useful guide to help you get underway.>

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Standard

$239

+ state fee

Everything from Economy plus:

Deluxe nonprofit kit

Includes customized membership certificates, binder and official seal.

Corporate minutes forms

Maintain official records of your formal meetings and actions taken.

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Express Gold

$359

+ state fee

Everything from Standard plus:

3-month trial of QuickBooks Online

Track expenses and more with the easy-to-use accounting software (a $119 value).

Rush processing

Have your nonprofit set up in 7–10 business days or less.

Expedited federal tax ID (EIN)

We'll do the work to get your required tax identification number.

2-day delivery of your final package

We'll ship your final package to you for arrival on the second business day.

30-day trial of attorney advice*

Speak with an independent attorney on an unlimited number of new legal matters.

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Ask away. We have answers.

Common questions

Who qualifies for 501c3 status?
In order to qualify for tax-exempt status, the organization must operate for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes, among others.
What's the difference between a public charity and private foundation?
They’re both 501(c)(3) organizations, but the difference is their source of funding. Public charities generally get their funding from the general public. Private foundations are usually supported by a few individuals, a family or corporation.
What nonprofits don’t qualify for 501c3 status?
Civic leagues, homeowner's associations and groups endorsing a political candidate are common types of nonprofits that don't qualify for 501(c)(3) status.
How do I obtain 501c3 status?
After filing your nonprofit's articles of incorporation with the state, you'll need to file an application with the IRS. If it’s approved, your nonprofit will be a qualified 501(c)(3)organization.
Is the formality of incorporation necessary?
Incorporating your nonprofit provides liability protection for the directors and officers of the organization. If your group is concerned about credibility, having an official nonprofit corporate structure can improve your organization's status in the eyes of potential donors and the public.

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Questions and answers

This public forum is not intended to provide legal advice and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Unless specifically indicated, the content is not drafted, supported, or vetted by LegalZoom. It is simply a place for customers to help customers. If you need legal advice, LegalZoom can connect you to a licensed and independent attorney. If you are providing answers, please do not provide legal advice if you are not qualified or licensed to do so.

Create your nonprofit starting at $99+fees

Filing is fast and easy – get started today.

Learn more about nonprofits

Get Help with Your 501(c)(3) Application

Obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exemptstatus is an important step in forming a nonprofit corporation. However, the process of applying for tax-exemptstatus can be complicated. The IRS estimates it takes the average person more than five hours to learn about federal tax-exempt Form 1023 for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and another nine hours to fill it out and return it.** We take the complexity out of the paperwork. The process starts by answering a series of questions online. We then create the 501(c)(3) application and ship the documents to you. Depending on how complex your nonprofit organization is and how soon you need the application done, we can process your application in as few as seven business days. One of the most notable benefits of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization is that income earned is exempt from federal income tax. In addition, 501(c)(3) organizations are qualified to receive private and public grants. Get started on your 501(c)(3) application today. We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the things that matter most to you. 

**Source: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1023/ar02.html 

*Telephone consultations with a participating firm, during normal business hours, of up to one half (1/2) hour each, limited to one consultation for each new legal matter. After the 30-day trial period, benefits to the Business Legal Plan (also Business Advantage Pro or Business Advisory Plan) continue automatically at the plan rate (currently $39.99 per month). Cancel by calling (877) 818-8787. For full details, see the Legal Plan Contract and Subscription Terms.