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What does it cost to start a nonprofit?

The formation costs of a 501(c)(3) charity in any state: the state filing fee, the IRS exemption application, charity registration and the yearly reports that follow. Only figures confirmed on an official page are added up; anything else says check with the state.

Fees last checked October 28, 2026 · all 50 states + DC · 33 states fully confirmed

1About your nonprofit

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2Your formation costs

All states compared

A small charity with $25,000–$49,999 a year in revenue that asks for donations, files Form 1023-EZ and acts as its own registered agent.

StateFiling feeYear onePer year afterStatus
Alabama$200$500$25confirmed
Alaska$50$365$52.50confirmed
Arizona$40$315*$10*1 to check
Arkansas$45$320$0confirmed
California$30$355$35confirmed
Colorado$50$335$35confirmed
Connecticut$50$325–$375$50–$100confirmed
Delaware$109$384*$25*1 to check
District of Columbia$80$454$89.50confirmed
Florida$70$345–$420$61.25–$136.25confirmed
Georgia$100$415*$30*2 to check
Hawaii$25$300$30confirmed
Idaho$30$305*$0*2 to check
Illinois$50$340$25confirmed
IndianaCheck with the state$275*$21*2 to check
Iowa$20$295*$0*1 to check
Kansas$20$320$65confirmed
Kentucky$8$283$15confirmed
Louisiana$95$370$10confirmed
Maine$40$335$55confirmed
Maryland$170$495$50confirmed
Massachusetts$35$410$50confirmed
Michigan$20$295$20confirmed
Minnesota$70$370$25confirmed
Mississippi$50$375*$50*1 to check
Missouri$25$315$25confirmed
MontanaCheck with the state$275*$0*3 to check
Nebraska$25$300*$0*2 to check
Nevada$50$325*$50*2 to check
New Hampshire$25$325$80confirmed
New Jersey$50$355–$385$60–$90confirmed
New MexicoCheck with the state$275*$10*1 to check
New York$75$375*$35*1 to check
North Carolina$60$335–$385*$0–$50*1 to check
North Dakota$40$340$20confirmed
Ohio$99$474$105confirmed
Oklahoma$25$365*$65*1 to check
Oregon$50$325$100confirmed
Pennsylvania$125$415–$500$15–$100confirmed
Rhode Island$35$400$110confirmed
South Carolina$25$350*$50*1 to check
South Dakota$30$305*$10*1 to check
Tennessee$100$375–$425$20confirmed
Texas$25$300*$0*1 to check
Utah$59$334$18confirmed
Vermont$155$430*$17.50*1 to check
Virginia$75$450$55–$75confirmed
Washington$80$315–$375$20–$60confirmed
West Virginia$25$315$40confirmed
Wisconsin$35$325$79confirmed
Wyoming$50$325$25confirmed

* Confirmed fees only; at least one item still needs checking with the state, so the real total may be higher.

Nonprofit formation cost FAQ

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit?

In most states the confirmed formation costs for a small charity come to a few hundred dollars: the state filing fee for articles of incorporation (for example $30 in California and $70 in Florida), the IRS application for 501(c)(3) status ($275 for Form 1023-EZ or $600 for Form 1023) and, in most states, charity registration before you ask for donations. Legal help, insurance and accounting are extra.

What is the difference between Form 1023-EZ and Form 1023?

Form 1023-EZ is the short online application, with a $275 IRS user fee. You can generally use it if you expect gross receipts of $50,000 or less a year for the next three years and have assets of $250,000 or less (other exclusions apply). Everyone else files the full Form 1023, with a $600 fee.

Do nonprofits pay a yearly fee?

Usually yes, but small amounts. Most states charge for an annual or biennial report (some charge nothing), and states that require charity registration charge a renewal fee, often tiered by revenue. Filing the IRS Form 990, 990-EZ or 990-N has no IRS fee.

Is the EIN free?

Yes. The IRS does not charge for an employer identification number. Apply directly on IRS.gov.

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