California nonprofit fee table
| Item | Fee | How often | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Incorporation – nonprofit corporationSOS lists $30 for nonprofit (mutual benefit) Articles; public benefit and religious corporations are also $30 under Gov. Code § 12186 (statute page blocked this run). Optional $5 certified copy. | $30 | One time | verified source |
| State nonprofit reportDue: Every 2 years in the anniversary month (initial within 90 days) | $20 (biennial) | biennial | verified source |
| Charity registrationCalifornia Attorney General, Registry of Charitable Trusts | Required; fee tiered by revenue | annual | verified source |
| IRS Form 1023-EZ / Form 1023 | $275 / $600 | One time | verified source |
| IRS Form 990-N, 990-EZ or 990 | No IRS fee | Yearly | verified source |
| Registered agent | $0 if a director serves; typically $100–150/yr paid | Yearly | typical market range |
Charity registration fee tiers (total revenue)
- <50000$25
- 50000-100000$50
- 100001-250000$75
- 250001-1000000$100
- 1000001-5000000$200
- 5000001-20000000$400
- 20000001-100000000$800
- 100000001-500000000$1,000
- >500000000$1,200
California nonprofit cost calculator
2Your formation costs
California nonprofit cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start a nonprofit in California?
For a small charity (under $50,000 a year) that asks for donations, confirmed state and IRS fees in California come to about $355 in year one, including the IRS Form 1023-EZ fee of $275, and about $35 a year after that.
What is the filing fee for nonprofit articles of incorporation in California?
$30 (Articles of Incorporation – nonprofit corporation). SOS lists $30 for nonprofit (mutual benefit) Articles; public benefit and religious corporations are also $30 under Gov. Code § 12186 (statute page blocked this run). Optional $5 certified copy.
Does California require charity registration?
Required; fee tiered by revenue. Initial registration (Form CT-1) $50; annual RRF-1 renewal fee by total revenue (fees as of Jan 1, 2022; 11 CCR § 306).
Does a California nonprofit have to file a yearly report?
$20 (biennial). Statement of Information (SI-100) $20 for nonprofit corporations, due within 90 days of formation and every two years after.
Official sources
Checked October 28, 2026. Fees change; confirm on the official site before filing.
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