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We use the information you provide to prepare all required documents for your nonprofit and file them directly with the Secretary of State.
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Say goodbye to complex nonprofit filing forms. In as few as 10 minutes, you could be on your way to forming your nonprofit.
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Once the state has approved your documents, you’ll receive your completed nonprofit package by mail.
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- $299
Same Day Filing & Expedited Shipping
Includes Standard package, plus:
- ★ Fastest processing speed
- ★ 1-year domain subscription from Squarespace
- ★ Expedited FedEx Shipping & tracking number
- ✓ 24/7 online access dashboard
Standard
- $199
5 Day Express Filing & Expedited Shipping
Includes Basic package, plus:
- Custom Banking Resolution
- Instant electronic delivery of state documents upon formation
- ID required to file taxes
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- $0
10 Day Filing & Standard Shipping
- Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
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Advantages of Starting a Nonprofit Organization
Potential for Tax-Exempt Status
Nonprofits can receive state and federal exemptions from corporate income taxes (plus certain others) that other business structures must pay. A tax-exempt status isn’t immediately granted to nonprofits, but will require a specific 501c3 application to obtain it.
Protection from Personal Debts and Liabilities
Nonprofits are afforded the same limited liability protection as LLCs. This means that the personal assets of directors and officers are considered separate from the personal interest invested in the company. With this protection, debts and liabilities incurred are the responsibility of the business rather than its members.
Organizational
A nonprofit organization exists separately from those who manage and direct it. Because of this, the organization will continue to run even if the person who leads it leaves the business. The longevity of the business makes it much more attractive for donors who want their contributions to impact long-term goals.
Starting and Maintaining a Nonprofit in California
The initial corporate meeting is the essential first step in forming a nonprofit organization. It is at this meeting that the initial board of directors is installed and officer titles determined. The minutes (notes) of this meeting should include a resolution that shows unanimous affirmation by the initial board to establish the organization and pursue both incorporation and federal tax exemption. The purpose of the organization should be articulated in writing, as well.
Obtaining an FEIN is an important early step. An FEIN, or Federal Employer Identification Number, is a numeric identifier for businesses. Much like a Social Security Number, it is a 9-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service that becomes permanently associated with your organization. It is required of all organizations, both for-profit and nonprofit, and its acquisition should be among the first things accomplished by new startups.
Incorporating a nonprofit involves the filing of a formation document, usually referred to as Articles of Incorporation, unless otherwise indicated below. In California, this document is filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Bylaws are the rules used by the officers and directors to govern the organization. California does not require a copy of the bylaws to be filed with the state. Regardless of filing requirement, their creation is a part of the formation process and is required by state law. It is critical that the bylaws be drafted by someone with knowledge of both state and federal law governing the operation of a tax-exempt organization.
Most states require a nonprofit organization to register with its department of charitable solicitations, typically administered by the attorney general’s office. Some states administer the effort through the secretary of state, and others are a combination (bifurcated). A key point is that nonprofits may have a registration requirement beyond their state of incorporation if the organization solicits donations in those other states.
In addition to initial registration, most states require charities to renew their registration on an annual basis. Failure to maintain compliance with fundraising registration may result in punitive fines and loss of ability to operate in that state.
Many nonprofits can benefit from being exempt from sales tax on purchases of services, goods, and materials. Some of the states that allow for sales tax exemption require that you have already received your 501(c)(3) status from the IRS
Nonprofit Compliance
Your nonprofit corporation must file a corporate report biennially with the state in order to remain in good standing. This report keeps the state updated concerning the organization’s current officers, directors, and other relevant information
IRS Form 990 is an annual information return that must be filed by all 501(c) organizations. Form 990 is similar to a corporate tax return, but with several key distinctions. It is an annual report of income and expense activity, along with information specific to nonprofits: the prior year’s activities and accomplishments, significant detail about structure and operations and information about larger donors. No taxes are due on net income from tax-exempt activities.
There are 5 different versions of Form 990: Form 990, Form 990EZ, Form 990-N, Form 990PF, and Form 990-T. Which one is required of any particular organization depends upon a number of factors, the most significant of which is the amount of annual, gross revenue received by the organization. In tax year 2008, the IRS significantly increased the amount of information that is required to be reported by organizations. 2009 added even more to those changes. It is highly advisable that nonprofit organizations seek the assistance of a qualified professional to assist with the preparation of Form 990.
Most states recognize the IRS Form 990 as acceptable for state tax exemption reporting. Many states require no reporting at all, depending upon the type of organization.
Once an organization has registered with the state division of charities, it may have to renew that registration annually. If required, the threshold to report usually depends upon the type of organization and the amount of gross revenue.
There are 5 different versions of Form 990: Form 990, Form 990EZ, Form 990-N, Form 990PF, and Form 990-T. Which one is required of any particular organization depends upon a number of factors, the most significant of which is the amount of annual, gross revenue received by the organization. In tax year 2008, the IRS significantly increased the amount of information that is required to be reported by organizations. 2009 added even more to those changes. It is highly advisable that nonprofit organizations seek the assistance of a qualified professional to assist with the preparation of Form 990.
