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Nonprofit
Serve the public good as a nonprofit
Starting off right is the first step in getting donor support.
Reasons to incorporate as a nonprofit
Get tax breaks
You're eligible for state, federal and certain other income tax exemptions.
Lets you apply for 501c3 status
Contributions to certain types of nonprofits are tax deductible.
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 nonprofitsEligibility 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 nonprofitGet Started Today
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.
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.>
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.
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.
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.
A specialist is here to help
(866) 679-2319
We're available Mon-Fri 5am to 8pm PT and Weekends 7am to 4pm PT
Our agents are based in the United States.
Speak with an attorney
Get legal advice from an independent attorney at a price you can afford.
Pricing starts at $23.99/month
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.
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
*Available in most states. 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) continue automatically for $29.99 per month. For states where Business Advantage Pro is not available, benefits to Business Advantage Standard continue automatically for $7.99. You can cancel by calling (877) 818-8787. For full details, see the Legal Plan Contract and Advantage Terms of Service.
