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Nonprofit Startup Cost Calculator

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit? Most startups spend about $275 to $1,200+ in one-time fees. Select your state below for an itemized estimate. This is educational, not legal or tax advice.

Your State

IRS Application Form

Form 1023-EZ also requires assets generally at or under $250,000 and a clear IRS eligibility worksheet. Receipts under $50,000 are not enough by themselves.

Optional Services (check all that apply)

Commercial registered agent ($200/year in this estimate)
Privacy + reliability. A board member can serve for free instead.Accountant / CPA for Form 990 (~$1,500/year)
AlignMint generates 990-ready reports, reducing CPA costs significantly.Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance (~$800/year)
Protects board members from personal liability. Recommended but not required.Website (domain + hosting) (~$150 first year)
Many free options available (Google Sites, WordPress.com, etc.).

Your Estimated Costs

One-Time Startup Costs

Expense	Cost	Type
State incorporation fee Select a state. Fees in this calculator range from $0 to $125.	Free	Required
IRS Form 1023-EZ User fee when the IRS eligibility worksheet allows it, including gross receipts generally $50,000 or less and assets $250,000 or less	$275	Required
EIN (Employer Identification Number) Free from IRS.gov during the online assistant's posted hours	Free	Free
Subtotal (one-time)	$275

Annual Recurring Costs

Expense	Cost/Year	Type
Accounting software (AlignMint Free) Free plan includes dashboard, Minty, donation management, CRM, and fundraising	Free	Free
Subtotal (annual)	$0/yr

Want to start for $0 upfront?

Fiscal sponsorship lets you raise tax-deductible donations immediately with no incorporation or IRS filing costs. You pay a small percentage of revenue (typically 5-10%) instead of upfront fees.

Take the Eligibility Quiz

Cost Context: What Others Charge

Option	Typical Cost	What You Get
DIY (this guide)	$275-$725	Just the filing fees; you do the paperwork
Online incorporation service	$500-$1,500	Files paperwork for you; no legal advice
Nonprofit attorney	$2,000-$5,000+	Full legal service; articles, bylaws, Form 1023
Fiscal sponsorship	$0 upfront	5-10% of revenue; no filing needed

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Startup Checklist Eligibility Quiz Form 1023 Prep Checklist

Startup cost calculator FAQ

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit?

Does the cost to start a nonprofit change by state?

Is Form 1023-EZ cheaper than the full Form 1023?

Can this calculator replace legal or tax advice?

Quick Answer: Nonprofit startup costs

Most startups spend about $275 to $1,200+ in one-time fees: state incorporation, IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, and optional registered agent or legal review. Select your state below for an itemized estimate. Confirm current fees with your state and the IRS; this is not legal or tax advice.