How much does it cost to start a nonprofit?

It costs anywhere between $275 and $10,248 to start a non-profit. This depends on several factors and on certain decisions you make associated with your non-profit organization.

Here are some factors to consider in terms of costs for a non-profit:

• The state your non-profit is formed in. Each state has different average costs for starting a non-profit organization.

  Some states that have high average costs include:

  • California - $1,065

  • Delaware - $1,781

  • District of Columbia - $1,480

  Some states that have low average costs include:

  • Arkansas - $487.50

  • Iowa - $457.50

  • Kansas - $502.50

  Do some research into your state to find out the average cost of starting a non-profit there.

• Articles of Incorporation. This is a process that is very similar to a corporation.

  Incorporation processing fees range between $8 to $1,980, depending on your state and how fast you want to expedite the process.

• Charitable Registration. In certain states, you must register your non-profit as a charity, and this can accrue an additional fee.

  The registration fee for a charity is between $0 and $425, with an average fee of $85.91.

• Business Registration. To start a non-profit you must obtain a business license or register as a business in certain states.

  Certain types of non-profits can get this fee waived, however, this also depends on what state you operate in.

  The average business registration fee is $170.38 in the United States.

• Miscellaneous State Fees. These are state-based fees required in specific situations.

  Miscellaneous state fees include sales tax permits, sales tax exemptions, annual registration, gambling license, name registration, and others.