Give your good cause a great start
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.
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.
Pick the package that fits your needs
Economy
Documents that officially establish your nonprofit with the state.
Preliminary name clearance
Our partner, 1-800Accountant, will provide a tax consult to explain the types of services your nonprofit could benefit from.
Standard
Mark the launch of your business with a handsome binder to store key documents, printed on archival paper.
Corporate minutes forms to record formal meetings and actions
Express Platinum
We prioritize your paperwork for the fastest submission to the state.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used to identify your nonprofit for IRS filings. Express Platinum customers get expedited processing at a discounted fee. EIN is purchased separately.
Includes expedited delivery of your filed documents once received from the state.
Unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations about new and unique legal topics or issues.
Each consultation is only available for the discussion of a new legal issue, topic, or question. Must be scheduled individually.
Pick a name for your nonprofit corporation, answer a few questions, and then we’ll help make it official.
Let us file your Form 1023-EZ with the IRS to see if you can be tax exempt.
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
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
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