Cost to Start a Nonprofit in District of Columbia (2026): Formation Costs & Yearly Fees

District of Columbia nonprofit fee table

Item	Fee	How often	Status
Articles of incorporation (domestic nonprofit)$80.	$80	One time	verified source
State nonprofit reportDue: April 1 of the year after formation, then every 2 years	$80 (biennial)	biennial	verified source
Charity registrationDC Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Protection (Basic Business License – Charitable Solicitation)Exemption: ≤ $25,000 contributions with volunteer fundraisers	Required; $99 to register, $99 to renew	every 2 years	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

District of Columbia nonprofit cost calculator

1About your nonprofit

State you'll incorporate in Expected yearly revenue Donations, grants and other income. This decides Form 1023-EZ vs 1023, which Form 990 you file, and tiered charity fees. We'll ask the public for donations (most states then require charity registration)

More options

Use a paid registered agent (typical $100–150/yr; a director with an in-state address can usually serve for free)

2Your formation costs

District of Columbia nonprofit cost FAQ

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit in District of Columbia?

For a small charity (under $50,000 a year) that asks for donations, confirmed state and IRS fees in District of Columbia come to about $454 in year one, including the IRS Form 1023-EZ fee of $275, and about $89.50 a year after that.

What is the filing fee for nonprofit articles of incorporation in District of Columbia?

$80 (Articles of incorporation (domestic nonprofit)). $80.

Does District of Columbia require charity registration?

Required; $99 to register, $99 to renew. Charitable Solicitation license $99 for 2 years or $198 for 4 years; "Charitable Exempt" $0. Exemption for orgs raising ≤ $25,000/yr (CPI-adjusted) with unpaid fundraisers (D.C. Code § 44-1703). DLCP fee pages may add technology/endorsement fees (not confirmed).

Does a District of Columbia nonprofit have to file a yearly report?

$80 (biennial). Biennial report $80; $50 late fee.

Official sources

Checked October 28, 2026. Fees change; confirm on the official site before filing.

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