Starting a nonprofit in Ohio follows the same two milestones as anywhere else, forming a state corporation and getting federal 501(c)(3) status. Ohio has no annual report, but it does require a periodic statement of continued existence and charity registration before you fundraise. Here is the order Ohio founders should follow.
The Ohio-specific steps
- File Initial Articles of Incorporation (Form 532B) with the Ohio Secretary of State, including the IRS-required purpose and dissolution language. The filing fee is $99.
- Track your Statement of Continued Existence (Form 522). Ohio nonprofits file this with the Secretary of State every five years to stay active, for a $25 fee.
- 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 Ohio taxes. Federal 501(c)(3) status automatically exempts you from Ohio income tax and the Commercial Activity Tax. For sales tax, you give vendors a completed blanket exemption certificate (Form STEC-B); no separate application is required.
- Register with the Ohio Attorney General before soliciting donations, through the Charitable Law Section's online registration. Organizations under $25,000 in gross revenue that use no paid fundraising staff may request an exemption.
Ohio fees and timelines
Ohio's incorporation fee is $99, and the five-year statement of continued existence is $25. Your other main cost is 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 Ohio Secretary of State and Attorney General 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 Ohio'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 Ohio 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 Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, 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.