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Start a nonprofit

Start your nonprofit.Focus on the mission, not forms.

Our office incorporates your nonprofit in any state, gets the EIN, prepares the IRS 501(c)(3) application, and handles bookkeeping, payroll and Form 990, while our agency quotes liability and board coverage.

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Reviewed by Orkun Ozkaymak, CPA, MBAClients in all 50 states and abroad

$500company setup, EIN included
50 + DCstates we form companies in
1 officeformation, taxes and insurance
2011preparing taxes since
Step by step

How to start a nonprofit

  1. 1

    Incorporate and get an EIN

    Our office files nonprofit Articles of Incorporation in your state, with the purpose and dissolution language the IRS looks for, and gets your EIN.

  2. 2

    Adopt bylaws and seat a board

    Your board adopts bylaws and a conflict of interest policy and approves the plan. These documents become part of the 501(c)(3) application.

  3. 3

    Apply for 501(c)(3) status

    Our office prepares Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ, filed online with the IRS. Filing within 27 months of formation lets the exemption apply back to the start date.

  4. 4

    Register for charitable solicitation

    Many states require charities to register with the attorney general or secretary of state before asking for donations, and to file annual reports. Check the rules in each state where you raise money.

  5. 5

    Set up bookkeeping, payroll and insurance

    Our office sets up QuickBooks Online for restricted and unrestricted funds and runs payroll. Our agency quotes general liability and directors and officers coverage.

Filings and prices

What our office files for you.Prices shown before you send.

Pick what you need on the request form. Ozfield's fees are shown here; government fees are passed through at cost.

  • 501(c)(3) application (Form 1023)Tax-exempt status from the IRS.
    Quoted by our office
  • Illinois charitable organization registration IllinoisRegistration with the Illinois Attorney General.
    Quoted by our office
  • City of Chicago business license IllinoisThe city fee is $500 or $1,000 for 2 years depending on the license type, paid to the city.
    $179
  • Payroll and state unemployment setupPayroll accounts, state unemployment registration and your first payroll.
    Quoted by our office
Company setup is $500 plus the state fee, EIN included.
The request form adds your filings and shows the full estimate as you go.
Build my estimate
Insurance from the same office

Coverage in place on day one.Quoted by our agency.

Check the coverage you want on the request form and our insurance team sends quotes from multiple carriers. Nothing is bound without your OK.

Start my nonprofitGet a quote only
  • General liability
  • Directors and officers
  • Abuse and molestation
  • Property
After you open

The filings that come every year.

Our office keeps these on your calendar so nothing is missed. How we work with nonprofits →

Form 990 series

May 15. Due the 15th day of the fifth month after year end.

Illinois AG annual report

Within 6 months of year end. Form AG990-IL with your 990.

W-2 and 1099-NEC

January 31. For staff and contractors.

Form 941 and state payroll

Quarterly. For organizations with employees.

Questions

What new owners ask us.

Something else on your mind? Call 773-536-9272 and our office will help, in English or Turkish.

How long does it take to get 501(c)(3) status?
Form 1023-EZ applications are often approved within a few weeks, while the full Form 1023 can take several months. If you file within 27 months of incorporating, the exemption is usually retroactive to your formation date, so early donations qualify. Our office prepares the application and answers IRS follow-up questions with you.
Do churches need to file Form 1023?
Churches that meet IRS requirements are treated as tax-exempt without filing Form 1023. Many still apply because a determination letter makes it easier to receive grants, open accounts and confirm donor deductions. Our office forms the religious corporation, gets the EIN and prepares Form 1023 when you choose to apply.
Does my nonprofit need to register with the state to raise money?
In many states, yes. Most states with charitable solicitation laws require registration before you ask the public for donations, and annual reports after that, often with your Form 990 attached. Some also require state sales tax or property tax exemption applications. Check each state where you solicit. Our office prepares the Form 990 those reports rely on.
Can a nonprofit pay its founder a salary?
Yes. A nonprofit can pay reasonable compensation for real work, approved by an independent board. Pay well above market can trigger IRS penalties. Salaries run through payroll like any employer. Our office sets up payroll, files the quarterly reports, and prepares Form 990 each year.

Ready to start your nonprofit?

Answer a few questions, see your estimate and send it to our office.

Start my nonprofit773-536-9272