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ServiceA 501(c)(3) is the most common federal tax-exempt status for charitable, educational, and religious organizations. We form your nonprofit corporation, prepare the IRS Form 1023 application, and handle state charitable-solicitation registration so donations are deductible from day one.
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Form a Nonprofit
501(c)(3) support included

Form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, filed properly.

A 501(c)(3) is the most common federal tax-exempt status for charitable, educational, and religious organizations. We form your nonprofit corporation, prepare the IRS Form 1023 application, and handle state charitable-solicitation registration so donations are deductible from day one.

$0
+ state fee + $275 or $600 IRS user fee for tax exemption
Start filing
Pay only the state fee 60-day money-back State fee at cost
State filing in 24 hours . IRS 1023-EZ in 2–4 weeks . Full 1023 in 3–6 months

What it costs to form a nonprofit in your state

Our service fee is $0. The only thing you pay is the state filing fee, passed through at cost. Pick your state to see exact pricing and processing time.

State filing fee$ ...Paid to the state, at cost
File.Business service fee$0No upcharge, no hidden costs
Total upfront$ ...Processing in ... business days

Start your nonprofit → 5 minutes to file. Pay only the state fee.
What it is

A 501(c)(3), explained without the federal-rules headache.

A 501(c)(3) is a federal tax classification, not a type of entity. You first form a nonprofit corporation under your state's law. Then you apply to the IRS for recognition as a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). The combination gives you (a) federal income tax exemption, (b) eligibility to receive tax-deductible donations under §170, (c) eligibility for most foundation grants, and (d) reduced postal rates.

To qualify for 501(c)(3), the organization must be organized and operated for one of these exempt purposes: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, public-safety testing, fostering amateur sports competition, or preventing cruelty to children or animals. Net earnings cannot benefit any private individual, and political activity is restricted.

There are two paths to recognition. Form 1023-EZ is a simplified application available to organizations expecting under $50,000 in annual gross receipts and under $250,000 in assets. The user fee is $275 and processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Form 1023 (the long form) applies to everyone else, including most operating charities. The user fee is $600, the application is 11 pages plus schedules, and processing typically takes 3–6 months.

Who it is for

Is this the right service for you?

01 . Charity

Charitable organizations

Organizations relieving poverty, advancing education, providing relief, supporting religion, or advancing science. Donations are tax-deductible for donors.

02 . Education

Schools and educational nonprofits

Private schools, after-school programs, scholarships, and educational research. Federal exemption plus state property-tax exemption in most states.

03 . Religion

Religious organizations

Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and similar. Churches automatically qualify but Form 1023 recognition simplifies grant eligibility and donor confidence.

04 . Arts

Arts & culture nonprofits

Theaters, museums, performing arts groups, galleries. Donations and ticket revenue are typically tax-exempt.

05 . Health

Health and human services

Free clinics, food banks, shelters, mental-health support, and similar. Major foundations and corporate giving programs require 501(c)(3) status.

06 . Advocacy

Public-interest organizations

Environmental groups, civil-liberties organizations, community improvement. Note: substantial lobbying is restricted; political-campaign activity is prohibited.

What we'll set up for you

A clean handoff, in four steps.

You give us the basics. We handle the state, the IRS, and the compliance clock so you can focus on the business.

01 · Name + Brand

A name that's actually available.

Real-time check against the state register, USPTO trademark database, and matching domains.

02 · State filing

Filed with the Secretary of State.

We submit your Articles, pay the state fee on your behalf, and return the stamped certificate.

03 · Federal IDs

EIN + the right tax setup.

Federal Employer ID with the IRS, plus state tax accounts when your business needs them.

04 · Stay compliant

Registered Agent + deadline tracking.

Your agent on file in every state, with every renewal and annual report tracked in one calendar.

How it works

Four steps. We do most of them.

Step 1

Form the nonprofit corporation

We file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State using 501(c)(3)-required language (charitable purpose, no private inurement, dissolution clause). Most states approve within 24–72 hours.

Step 2

Organize the board and adopt governance

We prepare bylaws customized to your structure, the conflict-of-interest policy, initial board minutes, and the resolution adopting them. You hold your first board meeting (we provide an agenda).

Step 3

Apply for IRS tax exemption

We assess whether Form 1023-EZ or the full Form 1023 applies based on your projected receipts and structure. We prepare the application, all schedules, and the user fee payment. You review and approve before submission.

Step 4

Register to fundraise and operate

Most states require charitable-solicitation registration before you solicit donations. We register in every state where you plan to fundraise. Once the IRS Determination Letter arrives, donations are tax-deductible retroactive to formation.

Compare

What you save by filing through us.

Compared to the alternatives most founders consider.

Do It Yourself
$275–600 IRS fee
Plus state fee and many evenings.
  • Save the service fee
  • High chance of 1023 follow-up
  • No CIP or governance docs
  • No state registration
  • No 990 tracking
  • No grant readiness check
Specialty Lawyer
$2,500–5,000
Done by an attorney who knows 501(c)(3).
  • Done correctly
  • Attorney-client privilege
  • Slow turnaround
  • Hourly billing creeps
  • No ongoing compliance
  • No software
File.Business
$0
Service fee. IRS user fee and state fee passed through.
  • Articles + bylaws + CIP
  • Form 1023 or 1023-EZ prepared
  • Conflict policy & minutes
  • Charitable registration in each state
  • 990 deadline tracking
  • Donor record management
FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Do I need to incorporate before applying to the IRS?
Yes. The IRS requires the applying entity to already exist under state law before granting tax exemption. We always form the nonprofit corporation first, then prepare the IRS application.
What is the difference between Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ?
Form 1023-EZ is a simplified 3-page online application available to small organizations: under $50,000 in projected annual gross receipts, under $250,000 in assets, and not in certain categories (churches, schools, hospitals, supporting organizations). User fee: $275. The full Form 1023 is 11 pages plus extensive schedules and applies to everyone else. User fee: $600. Processing for 1023-EZ is typically 2–4 weeks; full 1023 is 3–6 months.
How long do donations remain deductible if my exemption is pending?
If you apply within 27 months of formation and the IRS grants exemption, exemption is retroactive to the formation date. Donations made during the application period are deductible once exemption is granted. After 27 months, retroactive exemption is no longer automatic.
Do I need state-level tax exemption too?
In most states, yes. Federal 501(c)(3) status exempts you from federal income tax but not automatically from state income tax, sales tax, or property tax. Some states grant automatic state exemption upon federal recognition; others require a separate state application. We handle state exemption applications where needed.
What is charitable solicitation registration?
About 40 states require nonprofits to register before soliciting donations from residents of that state. The Unified Registration Statement covers many states; some require their own forms. We register you in every state where you plan to fundraise, including online fundraising that reaches residents of those states.
Can a nonprofit pay salaries to its founders?
Yes, but salaries must be reasonable for the work performed (comparable to similar nonprofits) and approved by an independent board majority. Excessive compensation triggers IRS scrutiny under the private-inurement rules and can jeopardize exemption.
What is Form 990?
Form 990 is the annual information return required of most 501(c)(3) organizations. Small organizations file Form 990-N (e-postcard, under $50k gross receipts), medium file Form 990-EZ ($50k–$200k), and large file the full Form 990. Failure to file for 3 consecutive years results in automatic revocation of exemption. The Compliance Suite tracks the deadline for you.
Can a nonprofit engage in political activity?
Lobbying is allowed in moderation: total lobbying expenditures must be an 'insubstantial' part of activities, or the organization can elect §501(h) which provides specific spending limits. Direct or indirect campaign intervention for or against candidates for public office is strictly prohibited and will trigger revocation.
What if my nonprofit is rejected by the IRS?
If the IRS issues a proposed adverse determination, you have 30 days to respond. We respond with you, providing additional documentation and clarification. If exemption is ultimately denied, you can re-apply with corrected information or appeal in court. Our 1023 preparation includes follow-up correspondence with the IRS at no additional fee.
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Real outcomes from real founders

Composite stories from 220,000+ businesses we have helped form and operate since 2017. Names changed; outcomes are typical.

Bundle & save

Recommended add-ons

Most customers add these to keep their business compliant year-round.

Registered Agent - Year 1

Recommended

Required in every state. We act as your legal point of contact and forward filings same-day.

$99 /year Add →

EIN / Federal Tax ID

Most ordered

Your business identifier for taxes, bank accounts, hiring, and 1099s. Filed same business day.

$79 one-time Add →

Operating Agreement (LLC) / Bylaws (Corp)

State-compliant internal governance doc. Required by most banks at account opening.

$49 one-time Add →

Compliance Monitoring

Best value

Track every annual report, registered agent renewal, and license deadline across all your entities.

$19 /month Add →

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