Starting a California 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
To start a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, you’ll first need to register a nonprofit corporation with California’s Secretary of State. Then apply for tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) with the IRS. Form a board of directors, file Articles of Incorporation and apply for tax exemptions.
Registration and Compliance Requirements
In California, nonprofits are called nonprofit public benefit corporations. The Secretary of State oversees all nonprofits. Most states require nonprofits to register charitable solicitations with the state attorney general or secretary of state.
Qualifying as a Nonprofit in California
To qualify as a nonprofit in California, research the issue you want to address to ensure your nonprofit aligns with your target audience. Understanding state and federal regulations is also key before starting the process.
How to Start a Nonprofit in California:
- Name your organization
- Select corporate structure
- File articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State
- Form a board of directors
- Apply for tax exemptions from IRS (501(c)(3) status) and state tax boards
The base fee to register your nonprofit with the State of California is $30. The IRS charges $275-$600 to submit a 501(c)(3) application. Hiring a lawyer costs hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Doing it yourself is cheaper but can be complicated.