{"id":5527,"date":"2022-08-01T14:27:41","date_gmt":"2022-08-01T19:27:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/starting-a-nonprofit-laws-by-state.html"},"modified":"2026-05-12T01:27:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T06:27:00","slug":"starting-a-nonprofit-laws-by-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/starting-a-nonprofit-laws-by-state.html","title":{"rendered":"Starting a Nonprofit: State Directory"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Starting a Nonprofit: State Directory<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n

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

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

The steps to create a nonprofit<\/span> organization<\/span> with tax-exempt status<\/span> include naming the nonprofit<\/span>, filing articles of incorporation<\/span>, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), applying for federal and state tax<\/span> exemptions, and registering your charitable organization<\/span> with the state.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Form your nonprofit with confidence.\u202fOur trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $99 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Starting a nonprofit<\/span> takes more than just a desire to make a positive impact.\u00a0Nonprofits<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are small businesses needing as much planning as for-profit businesses. Nonprofits<\/span> also have specific legal structures and differences in ownership and control.<\/p>\n

There are a few basic steps to forming your nonprofit<\/span> startup<\/span>:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Choose the name for your nonprofit<\/span> organization<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Appoint a board of directors<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    File articles of incorporation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Create bylaws<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Hold initial board of directors<\/span> meeting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  6. \n

    Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  7. \n

    Apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS<\/span>) for tax-exempt status<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  8. \n

    Apply to the state for tax-exempt status<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  9. \n

    Register your nonprofit<\/span> with the state (if applicable)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You will also need to know the specific laws and regulations of the state you plan to form and operate in. While some laws apply uniformly nationwide, other procedures differ by state.<\/p>\n

    The state-specific articles below will guide you through what you need to know to form a nonprofit<\/span><\/a> in your jurisdiction. Learn more about:<\/p>\n