Starting a nonprofit in Arizona follows the same two milestones as anywhere else, forming a state corporation and getting federal 501(c)(3) status. Arizona adds a newspaper publication step, but, unlike most states, no longer requires charity registration to fundraise. Here is the order Arizona founders should follow.
The Arizona-specific steps
- File Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit (Form C011) with the Arizona Corporation Commission, including the IRS-required purpose and dissolution language. The filing fee is $40.
- Publish your Articles in a newspaper within 60 days of approval, running three consecutive times in the county of your known place of business. Corporations based in Maricopa or Pima County are exempt, since the Commission files electronically for them.
- Get your federal EIN from the IRS. It is free, and you need it before you can apply for tax-exempt status.
- Adopt bylaws and a conflict of interest policy that carry the same charitable purpose and dissolution language as your incorporation documents.
- Apply for federal 501(c)(3) status using Form 1023-EZ or the full Form 1023.
- Handle Arizona taxes. Organizations exempt under federal 501(c)(3) are exempt from Arizona income tax; submit your IRS determination letter to the Department of Revenue. There is no blanket exemption from Arizona's Transaction Privilege (sales) Tax, though specific activities may qualify using Form 5000.
- Skip charity registration in most cases. Arizona repealed its charitable solicitation registration requirement in 2013, so most 501(c)(3)s can fundraise without registering. Paid fundraisers and veterans' organizations are the exceptions.
Arizona fees and timelines
Arizona's incorporation fee is $40, and the annual report is $10. Factor in the county newspaper publication cost if you are outside Maricopa or Pima County, plus the federal IRS user fee ($275 for the 1023-EZ or $600 for the full Form 1023). Because state fees change, confirm current amounts with the Arizona Corporation Commission before filing.
A note on accuracy
State requirements and fees change over time. Use this as a roadmap, then verify current forms and amounts with Arizona's official agencies, or let us confirm them with you on a free call.
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Explore 501(c)(3) Filing →The federal step is the same everywhere
Once your Arizona corporation exists and you have an EIN, the federal 501(c)(3) application is identical to any other state. Most small nonprofits file the 1023-EZ; see our 1023 vs 1023-EZ guide to confirm which fits. For the complete national process, read our step-by-step guide to starting a nonprofit, and our cost breakdown for every fee.
Starting a nonprofit in another state?
The federal steps are the same in all 50 states; only the state incorporation, tax exemption, and charitable registration details differ. See our guides for California, Texas, Florida, or browse all our guides. Not sure where to start? Book a free call and we will map the exact steps and current fees for your state.