{"id":5397,"date":"2025-01-08T08:41:34","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T13:41:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-south-carolina.html"},"modified":"2025-06-02T12:42:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T17:42:00","slug":"how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-south-carolina","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-south-carolina.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Start a Nonprofit in South Carolina"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero\"  class=\"fl-simple-hero\">\n    <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-container fl-container fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"fl-simple-hero-image\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1746471655\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-states-maps-South_Carolina\/voting-states-maps-South_Carolina.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-image\">\n                <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-title\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-title\">How To Start a Nonprofit in South Carolina<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-container\">\n        <div class=\"updated-breadcrumb-list\">\n            <ol>\n                        <li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\">FindLaw <\/a>\n                <span class=\"breadcrumb-separator\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\/<\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                <li aria-current=\"page\">How To Start a Nonprofit in South Carolina<\/li>\n            <\/ol>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How To Start a Nonprofit in South Carolina<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/natalie-moritz\/\">Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 02, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p><i>To start a nonprofit in South Carolina you must complete several steps such as naming your organization, appointing a board of directors, filing articles of incorporation, getting an employer identification number, and applying for state and federal tax exempt status. Learn the legal steps required to create a South Carolina nonprofit organization.<\/i><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><b><i>Form your nonprofit with confidence.\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-sc-in-content\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Callout\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">Our trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $99 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tableOfContent\">\n    <div class=\"table-of-contents\">\n        <span role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" class=\"table-of-contents__title\">Eleven Steps To Start a South Carolina Nonprofit<\/span>\n                <ul class=\"table-of-contents__list\">\n                        <li><a href=\"#One\" title=\"1. Choose a Name for the Nonprofit\">1. Choose a Name for the Nonprofit<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Two\" title=\"2. Select a Board of Directors and Officers\">2. Select a Board of Directors and Officers<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Three\" title=\"3.  Select a Registered Agent\">3.  Select a Registered Agent<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Four\" title=\"4. File Articles of Incorporation\">4. File Articles of Incorporation<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Five\" title=\"5. Prepare Bylaws and Policies\">5. Prepare Bylaws and Policies<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Six\" title=\"6. Hold Initial Meeting\">6. Hold Initial Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Seven\" title=\"7. Get a Federal EIN\">7. Get a Federal EIN<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Eight\" title=\"8. Get a State Tax Identification Number\">8. Get a State Tax Identification Number<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Nine\" title=\"9. Apply for Federal Tax Exemption\">9. Apply for Federal Tax Exemption<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Ten\" title=\"10. Send Your Determination Letter to the State\">10. Send Your Determination Letter to the State<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Eleven\" title=\"11. Register as a Charitable Organization\">11. Register as a Charitable Organization<\/a><\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Starting a nonprofit in South Carolina involves many of the same steps as opening a for-profit business. But\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/overview-non-profit-benefits.html\">forming a nonprofit<\/a>\u00a0comes with unique legal considerations, like charitable organization registration,\u00a0incorporation, and applying for tax-exempt status.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re thinking about starting a small business with a religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purpose, your organization may be eligible for tax exemptions under state and federal law. But the process takes considerable time and effort, and you must meet specific requirements.<\/p>\n<p>This article outlines the various steps to start a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/checklist-starting-a-non-profit-corporation.html\">nonprofit corporation<\/a>\u00a0in South Carolina. Learn about the state-specific forms, processes, and laws you&#8217;ll interact with while launching your charitable organization.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icons fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745900043\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e.png?_i=AA\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icon-main\"\n        \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745857465\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a.png?_i=AA\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icon-bottom\"\n        \/>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-text\">\n        <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-subtitle\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/div>\n        <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-content fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n            <div>\n                <h2 class=\"fl-title-H2 fl-legal-zoom-cta-title\">Let&#8217;s start your nonprofit!<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-description\"><p>Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom. <b>Nonprofit registration starts at $99 + filing fees.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"fl-button fl-link-button primary fl-legal-zoom-cta-button diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws Banner\" aria-disabled=\"false\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-sc-mcta\" target=\"_blank\">\n                <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Get Started<\/span>\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Eleven Steps To Start a South Carolina Nonprofit<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"general-step-component\">\n    <div class=\"steps-container\">\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            1\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"One\">Choose a Name for the Nonprofit<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/choosing-a-business-name.html\">Naming your nonprofit<\/a>\u00a0is a significant part of your\u00a0business formation. Your business name is an essential part of your brand. The name you choose should clearly convey your organization&#8217;s mission and goals. A confusing or misleading\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/business-names-do-s-and-don-ts.html\">business name<\/a>\u00a0can hinder your ability to communicate your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-write-a-mission-statement-for-a-nonprofit.html\">organization&#8217;s purpose<\/a>\u00a0to your audience.<\/p>\n<p>South Carolina has guidelines regarding business names. Your organization&#8217;s name must be distinguishable from other business names on record in the state. Your name also can&#8217;t violate\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scstatehouse.gov\/code\/t33c004.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Carolina law<\/a>\u00a0or your organization&#8217;s\u00a0articles of incorporation.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/businessfilings.sc.gov\/BusinessFiling\/Entity\/Search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search state business records<\/a>\u00a0to determine if the name you want is distinguishable from other business names in South Carolina. If another business entity already uses the name you&#8217;d like for your organization, choose a different name and make sure it&#8217;s available.<\/p>\n<p>You will also want to do a national United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-trademark-a-business-name.html\">search for your business name<\/a>. If anyone else has that name federally trademarked, then you shouldn&#8217;t use it. If you do, and they learn of it, then they can sue you and force you to stop.<\/p>\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve selected a business name, you can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/how-to-register-a-domain-name.html\">secure the domain for your website<\/a>\u00a0and social media user names on Facebook and Instagram.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            2\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Two\">Select a Board of Directors and Officers<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>There is a corporate structure you must abide by to meet the requirements of a\u00a0nonprofit\u00a0corporation.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/corporate-structure-directors-to-shareholders.html\">Directors\u00a0<\/a>have the power and authority to govern the organization.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/corporate-structure-directors-to-shareholders.html\">Officers<\/a>\u00a0have specific responsibilities in day-to-day operations.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll need to appoint the following roles in your organization:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>At least three directors<\/li>\n<li>President<\/li>\n<li>Treasurer<\/li>\n<li>Secretary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are a few things to consider as you select your board members:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The three or more directors you choose must be unrelated by marriage or blood<\/li>\n<li>There is no requirement that the directors you choose all reside in South Carolina<\/li>\n<li>Your officers (president, treasurer, and secretary) can hold more than one office within your organization. You might want to combine the treasurer\/secretary position. But often it is best to keep the treasurer and secretary roles held by separate people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            3\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Three\">Select a Registered Agent<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>You&#8217;ll need to appoint a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/what-is-a-registered-agent-.html\">registered agent<\/a>\u00a0to receive legal papers. Think of your registered agent as your organization&#8217;s official legal point of contact. For example, if someone sues your business, the registered agent would be the person or company responsible for accepting legal documents.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-become-a-registered-agent.html#:~:text=How%20Do%20You%20Become%20a,with%20the%20secretary%20of%20state.\">registered agent<\/a>\u00a0you choose must have a physical street address in South Carolina. They should be available to sign for documents during regular business hours. You can&#8217;t use a post office box.<\/p>\n<p>If you can&#8217;t find a qualified person to serve as your registered agent, you can use a registered agent service. The nonprofit&#8217;s lawyer is a typical agent choice. But be sure to ask them before designating them as agent.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            4\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Four\">File Articles of Incorporation<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>You will need to file\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/writing-and-filing-the-articles-of-incorporation.html\">articles of incorporation<\/a>\u00a0to form your\u00a0nonprofit\u00a0corporation. The information you submit to the South Carolina Secretary of State must satisfy state requirements in addition to federal requirements for tax-exempt status.<\/p>\n<p>Under\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-26-internal-revenue-code\/26-usc-sect-501.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code<\/a>, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will consider a corporation for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/becoming-a-tax-exempt-organization.html\">exemption from federal income tax<\/a>\u00a0if it&#8217;s organized and operated for one of the following purposes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Religious<\/li>\n<li>Charitable<\/li>\n<li>Scientific<\/li>\n<li>Literary<\/li>\n<li>Educational<\/li>\n<li>Testing for public safety<\/li>\n<li>Amateur sports competitions<\/li>\n<li>Prevention of cruelty to animals or children<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you plan to apply for tax-exempt status, consider the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/charitable-organizations\/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IRS requirements<\/a>\u00a0as you prepare your articles of incorporation. Your articles of incorporation must clearly state that your nonprofit operates for an exempt purpose. If not, the IRS will likely deny your tax-exempt status application.<\/p>\n<p>Also, your articles of incorporation should include a statement addressing how your organization will distribute its assets in the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business\/settlement-and-distribution-of-assets-checklist.html\">\u00a0event of dissolution<\/a>, or closing down. This statement is vital because you must allocate the assets of your 501(c)(3) organization to another exempt purpose.<\/p>\n<p>You can submit your articles of incorporation by mail\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/businessfilings.sc.gov\/BusinessFiling\/Entity\/Search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">or online<\/a>. To submit by mail,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/businessfilings.sc.gov\/BusinessFiling\/Home\/DownloadForms?pdfCategoryId=1&amp;category=Starting%20a%20Business%20in%20South%20Carolina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">complete the Articles of Incorporation Section 33-31-202 form and attach the 501(c)(3) attachment<\/a>. This attachment is necessary for filers who want to be eligible for federal and state tax exemptions. Add in the filing fee of $25 and mail to:<\/p>\n<p>Secretary of State, Attn: Corporate Filings, 1205 Pendleton Street Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            5\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Five\">Prepare Bylaws and Policies<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Your nonprofit corporation must have bylaws and a conflict of interest policy. The bylaws are the rules and procedures that govern the organization. They&#8217;re an essential foundation for your organization, even though you don&#8217;t file them with the state.<\/p>\n<p>Be prepared to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/writing-corporate-bylaws.html\">refer to your bylaws<\/a>\u00a0as your organization grows. They will help you with various business events, like electing officers.<\/p>\n<p>The policies you should adopt for your organization depend on the nature of your nonprofit and how you conduct business. But you must include a conflict of interest policy. This policy ensures your organization&#8217;s members make decisions based on the organization&#8217;s interests, not on their self-interest or personal gain.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            6\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Six\">Hold Initial Meeting<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>You&#8217;ll need to hold the first meeting of your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/what-is-corporate-governance-.html\">board of directors<\/a>\u00a0to accomplish essential business matters. Typical matters for discussion at the initial meeting include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Adoption of bylaws<\/li>\n<li>Adoption of policies (such as the conflict of interest policy)<\/li>\n<li>Selection of officers<\/li>\n<li>Opening of corporate\u00a0bank account<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to take detailed minutes (notes) of the initial organizational meeting. You&#8217;ll need to reference these minutes to see what your board members accomplished.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            7\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Seven\">Get a Federal EIN<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>An\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/employer-identification-number-ein-faq.html\">EIN (Employer Identification Number)<\/a>\u00a0or Tax ID number is like a social security number for your business. It identifies your corporation for tax purposes, and you&#8217;ll need it to open a business bank account and hire employees. Getting an EIN is easy and free.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/businesses\/small-businesses-self-employed\/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply online through the IRS website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Watch out for commercial sites charging a fee for an EIN. Many of them look similar to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official IRS website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            8\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Eight\">Get a State Tax Identification Number<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>You&#8217;ll also need a state tax identification number from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dor.sc.gov\/mydorway\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Carolina Department of Revenue<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Complete the Business Tax Application (Form SCTC-111) to get a South Carolina tax ID number for your organization. You can submit this form\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dor.sc.gov\/tax\/registration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online\u00a0<\/a>or submit by mail to:<\/p>\n<p>South Carolina Department of Revenue, Registration PO Box 125, Columbia, SC 29214-0850.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            9\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Nine\">Apply for Federal Tax Exemption<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>There are different\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/other-tax-exempt-organizations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">types of nonprofits referenced under Internal Revenue Code Section 501<\/a>. The most common type of nonprofit is the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/exempt-organization-types\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">501(c)(3) organization<\/a>. Because these charitable organizations focus on the public interest, the IRS allows benefits like exemption from federal income taxes. But you must apply for and be approved for this exemption.<\/p>\n<p>Before starting the application process, make sure you&#8217;ve satisfied the following IRS requirements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Registered nonprofit corporation<\/li>\n<li>Selected at least three directors for the nonprofit corporation<\/li>\n<li>Issued an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/what-is-an-ein-.html\">EIN\u00a0<\/a>from the IRS<\/li>\n<li>Adopted bylaws and conflict of interest policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When you&#8217;re ready to apply for federal tax exemption, go to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-1023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IRS website and select the appropriate form<\/a>\u00a0for your organization. You&#8217;ll need either\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-1023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IRS Form 1023<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-1023-ez\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IRS Form 1023-EZ<\/a>\u00a0to apply for exemption as a 501(c)(3) organization, depending on the expected donation amount and size of your organization. Smaller organizations can use the IRS Form 1023-EZ, which is shorter.<\/p>\n<p>The cost of your application for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/becoming-a-tax-exempt-organization.html\">federal tax exemption<\/a>\u00a0depends on the form you use. The IRS Form 1023 application costs $600, and the IRS Form 1023-EZ application costs $275.<\/p>\n<p>If the IRS approves your application, you will receive a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/charitable-organizations\/exempt-organizations-rulings-and-determinations-letters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">determination letter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            10\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Ten\">Send Your Determination Letter to the State<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Once the IRS approves your organization for federal tax exemption, you&#8217;re automatically exempt from state income tax in South Carolina.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/eo-operational-requirements-obtaining-copies-of-exemption-determination-letter-from-irs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Send a copy of your IRS determination letter<\/a>\u00a0to the South Carolina Department of Revenue.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            11\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Eleven\">Register as a Charitable Organization<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>You&#8217;ll also need to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sos.sc.gov\/online-filings\/charities-pfrs-and-raffles\/charities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">register as a charitable organization<\/a>\u00a0if you plan to engage in charitable solicitation or hold fundraisers for your organization. You can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sos.sc.gov\/before-you-file-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">apply online<\/a>\u00a0with the South Carolina Secretary of State Division of Public Charities. You must renew this registration annually.<\/p>\n<p>Donors and philanthropists can search for registered charitable organizations on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/search.scsos.com\/charities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Secretary of State website<\/a>. Potential patrons often use this tool to ensure a nonprofit or charity is in good standing before donating money. The Secretary of State website also publishes a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/search.scsos.com\/files\/WebSearch_SuspendedCharities.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">list of suspended charitable organizations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Do I Need To Do After Forming a South Carolina Nonprofit?<\/h2>\n<p>If you haven&#8217;t already formed a plan for hiring, you should work on this once you&#8217;ve established your nonprofit corporation. As your organization grows, you may need to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/what-to-do-when-you-hire-an-employee-for-the-first-time.html\">hire staff<\/a>\u00a0to keep up with daily operations and fulfill your nonprofit&#8217;s mission. You&#8217;ll likely need unemployment\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/liability-and-insurance\/small-business-insurance-plans.html\">insurance\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-laws-by-state.html\">worker&#8217;s compensation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to look into\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/liability-and-insurance\/do-s-and-don-ts-business-insurance.html\">business insurance<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/licenses-and-permits-overview.html\">local licensing and permit guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Check\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/commercial-zoning.html\">zoning requirements<\/a> if your nonprofit operates Check zoning requirements if your nonprofit operates out of a physical location, such as an office or storefront.<\/p>\n<p>You have annual obligations to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/run-a-non-profit-keeping-your-tax-exempt-status.html\">maintain your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status<\/a>\u00a0and remain in good standing with the state:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>File\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-990\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IRS Form 990<\/a>\u00a0annually<\/li>\n<li>File SC corporate income tax returns annually (<a href=\"https:\/\/dor.sc.gov\/forms\/find-a-form?name=990&amp;category=&amp;year=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form SC 990-T<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Renew charitable solicitation registration annually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>South Carolina doesn&#8217;t require nonprofits to file an annual report.<\/p>\n<h2>Resources for SC Nonprofit Business Owners<\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/scbos.sc.gov\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Carolina Business One Stop<\/a> website provides information and resources to South Carolina business owners. Find help with your startup, operating your business, business license requirements, and more.<\/p>\n<p>There are 18 Small Business Development Center (SBDC) regional offices throughout South Carolina.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scsbdc.com\/locations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit a location near you<\/a>\u00a0for free help from expert business consultants.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.togethersc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Together SC<\/a>\u00a0(an affiliate of the National Council of Nonprofits) aims to strengthen, unite, and advance SC nonprofits. Entrepreneurs with a community-focused, charitable mindset can find resources and support for starting and maintaining a nonprofit.<\/p>\n<p>Also, see FindLaw&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/non-profit-organizations.html\">Nonprofit Organizations<\/a>\u00a0section for additional information and resources.<\/p>\n<h2>Need More Help With Your Nonprofit? Talk to an Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>You will have to make several critical decisions when starting your nonprofit. You&#8217;ll want to take the time, effort, and research to ensure you&#8217;re making the right moves. You may benefit from getting legal help. An attorney familiar with both federal and South Carolina laws can help ease this process by tackling the legal aspects for you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/south-carolina\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact a business attorney in your area<\/a>\u00a0today to discuss how a lawyer can help with your nonprofit formation.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Or you can let <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-sc-custom\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Txt\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">our\u00a0trusted partner LegalZoom<\/a>\u00a0handle your nonprofit creation starting at $99 plus filing fees.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><i><b>Disclaimer:\u00a0<\/b>The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        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3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div 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     class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        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class=\"generalCard\">\n            <div class=\"disclaimer--newLegalZoom general-card--newLegalZoom__disclaimer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>FindLaw will earn a commission if you purchase business formation products through these affiliate links.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card general-card--newLegalZoom\">\n        <div class=\"general-card__header\">\n            <div class=\"general-card__header-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoomText\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom_text.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoom\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <span class=\"general-card__header-title fl-text\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__body\">\n            <div class=\"text section\">\n                <div class=\"cmp-text\">\n                    <h2 class=\"general-card__h2--newLegalZoom fl-h3-landing\">Kickstart your nonprofit in minutes!<\/h2>\n                    <div>\n                        <p>LegalZoom\u2019s simplified registration process helps you get your nonprofit off to the right start.<\/p>\n<p><b>Nonprofit plans start at $99 + state fees.<\/b><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__footer\">\n            <a class=\"general-card__footer-link fl-text-lg diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL ESum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" 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href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business.html\">\n                        Starting a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes.html\">\n                        Business Tax Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business.html\">\n                        Closing a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        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                               <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/franchising\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Franchising Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business &#038; Commercial Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section\n    class=\"fl-next-steps\"\n    data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-legal-zoom\"\n>\n    <div class=\"fl-next-steps-content\" data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-next-steps-column fl-next-steps-column-legal-zoom\" data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-column-left\">\n            <div\n                class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help fl-legal-zoom-help-with-icons\"\n                data-testid=\"fl-legal-zoom-help\"\n            >\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icons fl-flex fl-flex-column fl-items-center fl-justify-center\"\n                >\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745900043\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e.png?_i=AA\"\n                        alt=\"\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                        class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icon-main fl-desktop\"\n                    \/>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745857465\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a.png?_i=AA\"\n                        alt=\"\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                        class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icon-bottom\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-text\">\n                    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-subtitle\">\n                        <p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s\u00a0<b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                    <h2 class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-title fl-callout-md\">\n                        Need Help Forming a Nonprofit?\n                    <\/h2>\n                    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-description fl-text-lg-medium\">\n                        <p>FindLaw&#8217;s trusted partner, LegalZoom, provides a straightforward process to help you set up your nonprofit. Join the millions who launched their organizations with\u00a0LegalZoom<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">. Nonprofit plans start at $99 + state fees.<\/b><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-sc-footer\" class=\"fl-button fl-link-button primary fl-legal-zoom-help-button diy-biz-affiliate\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws Ft Banner\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" aria-disabled=\"false\" target=\"_blank\">\n                        <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start My Nonprofit<\/span>\n                        <i\n                            class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                            aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                        ><\/i>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fl-next-steps-column\">\n            <div\n                class=\"fl-help-links\"\n                data-testid=\"fl-help-links\"\n            >\n                <h2 class=\"fl-help-links-title fl-callout-sm\">\n                    Related Resources\n                <\/h2>\n                <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin fl-text-lg\">\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"Filing LLC Taxes\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/filing-llc-taxes.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">Filing LLC Taxes<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"LLC Member Tax FAQs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llc-member-tax-faqs.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">LLC Member Tax FAQs<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"Starting a Limited Liability Company Checklist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/starting-a-limited-liability-company-llc-checklist.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">Starting a Limited Liability Company Checklist<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains how to start a nonprofit in South Carolina, covering incorporation, tax-exempt status, and legal requirements. Learn how to launch your organization.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":5123,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleDIYConversionController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-5397","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-smallbusiness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5397","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5397"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5397\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":400887,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5397\/revisions\/400887"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5397"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5397"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=5397"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=5397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}