Starting a nonprofit in California follows the same two milestones as anywhere else, forming a state corporation and getting federal 501(c)(3) status, but California adds a few state-specific filings. Here is the order California founders should follow.
The California-specific steps
- File Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State, using the nonprofit public benefit corporation form and including the IRS-required purpose and dissolution language.
- File the Statement of Information (Form SI-100) with the Secretary of State shortly after incorporating, and every two years after that.
- Get your federal EIN from the IRS.
- Adopt bylaws and a conflict of interest policy.
- Apply for federal 501(c)(3) status using Form 1023-EZ or the full Form 1023.
- Apply for California state tax exemption with the Franchise Tax Board (Form 3500A is available once you have your federal determination letter).
- Register with the California Attorney General's Registry of Charities (Form CT-1) before soliciting donations, and renew annually.
California fees and timelines
California's state incorporation fee for nonprofits is modest, and the Statement of Information carries a small fee. State exemption and charity registration have their own forms and, in some cases, fees. Because state fees and forms change, always confirm the current amounts on the official California Secretary of State, Franchise Tax Board, and Attorney General websites 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 California'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 California corporation exists and you have an EIN, the federal 501(c)(3) application is identical to any other state. Most small California 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.
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. Book a free call and we will map the exact steps and current fees for your state.