Cost to Start a Nonprofit in Pennsylvania (2026): Formation Costs & Yearly Fees

Pennsylvania nonprofit fee table

Item	Fee	How often	Status
Articles of Incorporation (nonprofit)$125 (profit and non-profit).	$125	One time	verified source
State nonprofit reportDue: January 1 – June 30	$0 (annual)	annual	verified source
Charity registrationPennsylvania Dept. of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations	Required; fee tiered by revenue	annual	verified source
Newspaper publicationAdvertise intent to file or the filing of Articles in two newspapers of general circulation (one a legal journal if possible); keep proofs with minutes. Cost varies by county (often a few hundred dollars).	Set by newspapers	One time	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 (gross national contributions in prior fiscal year)

<=25000$15
25001-99999$100
100000-499999$150
>500000$250

Pennsylvania 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

Pennsylvania nonprofit cost FAQ

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit in Pennsylvania?

For a small charity (under $50,000 a year) that asks for donations, confirmed state and IRS fees in Pennsylvania come to about $415–$500 in year one, including the IRS Form 1023-EZ fee of $275, and about $15–$100 a year after that.

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

$125 (Articles of Incorporation (nonprofit)). $125 (profit and non-profit).

Does Pennsylvania require charity registration?

Required; fee tiered by revenue. BCO-10 fee tiers; $25/month late fee. Financial-statement tiers: compiled at $100k, reviewed at $250k, audited at $750k.

Does a Pennsylvania nonprofit have to file a yearly report?

$0 (annual). Annual report required from 2025; no fee for nonprofit corporations.

Official sources

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

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