Give your good cause a great start

Learn how to start a nonprofit so you can get 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, be eligible for grants, and much more.
Starts at $99 + filing fees.
Kickstart your nonprofit in minutes.
Start my nonprofit

Pick the package that fits your needs

Economy

$99
+ state filing fees
LegalZoom 10-14 days standard processing time

Get started

Includes:
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Preliminary name clearance
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Articles of incorporation filing with your state
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1-800Accountant consult to discuss tax savings services.

Standard

$239
+ state filing fees
LegalZoom 5-day priority processing*

Get started

Includes Economy package, plus:
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Deluxe founder's kit with your formation documents printed on archival paper, plus a personalized binder and notebook
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Corporate minutes forms to record formal meetings and actions

Fastest Service

Express Platinum

$359
+ state filing fees
LegalZoom 1-2 days expedited processing* and express shipping

Get started

Includes Standard package, plus:
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Faster filing of your articles of incorporation with the state
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Expedited federal tax ID (EIN) discounted

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Delivery of your package 2-3 business days after everything is finalized
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14-day trial of legal plan subscription with unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations about new legal topics

Launch your mission confidently.

Nonprofit setup backed by 25 years of experience.

Nonprofit Advisor, Daniel Morgan is great

When I spoke with my nonprofit advisor Daniel, he was very thorough with explaining everything to me. I am new to this process and he made this experience a pleasant one.

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Brenda Jordan
March 2, 2026

I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of…

I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of experience. I'm a DIY around the house handyman, and I DIM in law, but was short on time to establish a New York non-profit corporation in advance of actually moving to New York. Legal Zoom and Ms. Angeles were amazing. This project was accomplished with their professional zeal, and saved me a pile of time and money. Respect!

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Mary Thorpe
December 29, 2025

Legal Zoom takes the guesswork out

I’ve used Legal Zoom to start my nonprofit, having them assist me with the 501(c)3 paperwork was the best thing I could’ve done. They took the guesswork out, they really made the process as simple and streamlined as possible. I have already referred several people to use this service!

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Leah Arteaga
December 26, 2025

Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly…

Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly! I was able to start my non-profit, Widows Walk Project Incorporated, within days. I had to call for support on one question. The representative was super helpful and had me off the phone within minutes. Legal Zoom mailed the established non-profit paperwork to me within three days. Thank you Legal Zoom for your expedience and support!

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Charlene Carroll
July 11, 2025

Gail Vyeda Deserves Recognition — Outstanding Support!

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Gail Vyeda through LegalZoom’s Concierge service, and I cannot say enough good things about her. Gail is knowledgeable, patient, professional, and genuinely caring. From the very beginning, she made me feel supported, heard, and confident in the process of forming my nonprofit. She explained everything in clear terms, walked me through each step, and made sure I understood what was being filed and why. Even when I had questions outside the typical scope, she went the extra mile to help — always with kindness, clarity, and grace. She made what could’ve been a stressful experience feel seamless and empowering. Gail is exactly the kind of person who deserves to be recognized and promoted. Her dedication and warmth represent LegalZoom at its best. Thank you, Gail — you made a big difference in helping me bring my nonprofit vision to life! — LaTonya White, The Legacy Impact Fund (DBA Big Gló Foundation)

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LaTonya White
June 25, 2025

The couple of representatives I spoke…

The couple of representatives I spoke with while in the process of registering my nonprofit and applying for the 501(c)3 status were professional, friendly, knowledgeable.

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Charles McGee
June 4, 2025

LegalZoom has been a great source to…

LegalZoom has been a great source to work with. I would recommend anyone to utilize Legal Zoom who is starting a nonprofit. Very seamless and courteous! The customer service they have been providing has been excellent!

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Gabrielle Johnson
April 20, 2025

Willie is the man!!

Willie did a great job answering all my questions and helping me understand different aspects of what what happens when starting my nonprofit with Legalzoom. Great customer service experience!

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Cody Daniels
March 4, 2025

In the avalanche of many questions, Ana was there to guide me

Ana provided detailed information to my questions about a nonprofit. She was helpful and patient with me. She extended herself to keep in touch and work with me when I am ready. Thank you!

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Ms. Maria
February 18, 2025

Incredibly helpful!

I called with some questions and received such helpful information! My nonprofit partner and I feel confident in moving forward with Legal Zoom services for our women centered nonprofit.

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Andrea
February 16, 2025

Being a business owner of two businesses...

Being a business owner of two business. A for profit and now a nonprofit LegalZoom has made the business registration process effortless and seamless all while keeping my submitted documents legal with the state. I highly recommend any entrepreneur who's filing your business on your own to let LegalZoom do the handwork for you. They are fast, accurate, and efficient.

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Eujon S. Hughes, M.Ed.
February 3, 2025

Gerald was extremely helpful to me in…

Gerald was extremely helpful to me in getting my order processed. He made it easy for me to just answer a question and continue with the process of setting up my nonprofit.

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Allison Melendez
January 20, 2025

Outstanding Work

The professionalism of the team coupled with the speed of getting the nonprofit paperwork accomplished and through the system was excellent. I am very grateful. This is my second time working with Legal Zoom. Thank you very much.

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Mary G
January 2, 2025
a woman holds a clay pot and another woman's hands hold the bottom.
How to start a nonprofit
one
File your nonprofit's articles of incorporation

Pick a name for your nonprofit corporation, answer a few questions, and then we’ll help make it official.

two
Apply for 501(c)(3)

Let us file your Form 1023-EZ with the IRS to see if you can be tax exempt.

three
Register with the state

If your nonprofit has a charitable purpose, register it with the attorney general or another agency (if needed).

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect 

due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.

We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

What does 501(c)(3) actually refer to?

It's a section of the Internal Revenue Code—26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)—that makes qualifying organizations exempt from federal income tax and allows them to accept tax-deductible donations.

Which groups qualify for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status?

Ones that benefit the general public, such as charitable, educational, literary, religious, and scientific organizations.

Which groups don't qualify for 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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 get 501(c)(3) status?

After filing your nonprofit paperwork, we can help you file a 1023-EZ with the IRS to see if you qualify for tax-exempt status. (Most of our customers file this streamlined version of the longer Form 1023 application.) Just remember it needs to be filed within 27 months—starting from the last day of the month in which you formed. (So if you formed October 1, 2023, you have until January 31, 2026 to submit your application.)

What's the difference between a public charity and a private foundation?

Both have 501(c)(3) status, but how they get funding differs. Public charities typically get funding through the general public and government. Private foundations typically get funding from a few individuals, a family, or a corporation.

Do I need to incorporate my nonprofit?

No, but there are many advantages. Incorporating helps protect your personal assets, build credibility with potential donors, and unlock funding reserved for nonprofits with an official corporate structure.

Why start a nonprofit?

Get tax breaks

You're eligible to apply for state, federal, and other tax exemptions.

Apply for 501(c)(3) status

Contributions to certain types of qualifying nonprofits are tax deductible.

Protect your assets

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

Ready to start your nonprofit?

Start my nonprofit

What our customers are saying

I am absolutely impressed with LegalZoom's ability to complete my nonprofit business and 501(c)(3) in such a short period of time.


Johnnie S., nonprofit customer

Professional support throughout every step ... Superior quality of providing important documents in an attractive binder ... Best way to start a nonprofit!


Dan N., nonprofit customer

Can't praise this process enough ... LegalZoom took a lot of the guesswork away and gave me clear direction and instructions.


Heath J., nonprofit customer

Questions?
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with an attorney by your side.

Call an agent at 

(866) 738-1730

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Sat.–Sun. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. PT
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* We’ll process your paperwork and then send it to the Secretary of State, who’ll form your business. LegalZoom processing time is based on business days and doesn’t include Secretary of State processing times, which can vary. State filing fees may include expedited service, if applicable.
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