Everything you need to incorporate a nonprofit in New Jersey — filing requirements, fees, board minimums, and direct links to state agencies.
$75
State Filing Fee
3+
Minimum Board Members
$350
Minimum Total Cost
New Jersey requires a minimum of 3 board members. Write a clear mission statement and recruit directors who are passionate about your cause. See How to Write a Mission Statement and Board Requirements.
Draft bylaws covering board structure, officer roles, meeting requirements, conflict of interest policy, and dissolution clause. The IRS requires a copy with your Form 1023. See How to Write Bylaws.
File with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Fee: $75. Processing: 5-10 business days. Online filing available.
File with New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise ServicesYour articles must include IRS-required purpose and dissolution clauses. See What to Include.
Apply online at IRS.gov — free and instant during business hours (Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm ET).
Apply for EIN at IRS.govFile Form 1023-EZ ($275, 2-4 week approval) if your gross receipts are under $50K/year, or the full Form 1023 ($600, 3-6 months) for larger organizations.
Open a bank account, set up fund accounting, and start tracking donations from day one. Alignmint is free for nonprofits under $100K in annual donations — includes fund accounting, donor CRM, volunteer management, and AI features.
| Expense | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey incorporation fee | $75 | Yes |
| IRS Form 1023-EZ | $275 | Yes* |
| IRS Form 1023 (full) | $600 | If needed |
| EIN | Free | Yes |
| Charitable solicitation registration | $250 | Yes |
| Registered agent (optional) | $100-300/yr | Optional |
| Accounting software (Alignmint Starter) | Free | Effectively yes |
| Total (minimum) | $350 |
*Most small nonprofits qualify for Form 1023-EZ ($275). Use the full Form 1023 ($600) if gross receipts exceed $50K/year.
Fiscal sponsorship lets you start fundraising in weeks instead of months. InFocus Ministries handles the legal structure and compliance.
Looking for local resources? The Center for Non-Profits provides networking, training, and advocacy for nonprofits in New Jersey.
Interactive tools tailored to New Jersey's requirements.