Form Your Connecticut Nonprofit Corporation
Launch your mission in the Constitution State with a low $50 filing fee, a clear path to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and strategic access to Northeast donors and foundations
Filed in Connecticut
The Constitution State · CT
- State filing fee$50
- Processing time3-5 business days (online)
- Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
- Annual report$50/year — due Annually, by anniversary month
- State tax rate7.5% corporate income tax
- Expedited option24 hours (+$50)
Form your Connecticut Nonprofit — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your Connecticut Nonprofit
Free formation means you pay only the $50 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Certificate of Incorporation - Nonstock Corporation filing
We prepare and submit your Certificate of Incorporation - Nonstock Corporation to the Connecticut Secretary of State.
Registered agent
Required in Connecticut — we act as your agent for the first year.
EIN from the IRS
Your federal Tax ID — required to open a US business bank account and file taxes.
Bylaws
Professionally drafted bylaws — defines ownership, voting, and profit splits.
Benefits of forming an Nonprofit in Connecticut
Connecticut offers nonprofits a strategic Northeast location with access to major foundations, corporate philanthropy, and donor networks across the New York and Boston corridors. Its highly educated finance, insurance, and healthcare workforce supports a robust philanthropic ecosystem, though organizations should plan for state charitable-solicitation registration and ongoing annual reporting.
Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status unlocks tax-deductible donations for your supporters
Strategic Northeast location between New York City and Boston with access to major foundations and donors
Strong philanthropic infrastructure backed by a highly educated finance and insurance workforce
Liability protection for directors, officers, and volunteers of the corporation
Eligibility for federal, state, and private foundation grants restricted to 501(c)(3) organizations
Low $50 state filing fee to incorporate your nonprofit
Perpetual existence independent of any single founder or board member
Enhanced credibility with donors, grantmakers, and corporate sponsors across the region
Key features of a Connecticut Nonprofit
- Low $50 state filing fee for nonprofit incorporation
- Online filing available through the Connecticut Secretary of State
- Minimum of 3 directors required for a Connecticut nonstock corporation
- Pathway to federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and tax-deductible donations
- Strategic Northeast location with a deep philanthropic and grantmaking base
Major industries in Connecticut
Form your Connecticut Nonprofit in 6 steps
We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes 3-5 business days (online).
- 01
Choose Your Nonprofit Name
Your name must be distinguishable from existing entities and comply with Connecticut nonstock corporation rules. Search the Connecticut Secretary of State's database to verify availability before filing.
- 02
Appoint a Registered Agent and Board of Directors
Connecticut requires a registered agent with a physical in-state address and a board of directors. Connecticut nonstock corporations must have a minimum of 3 directors, and the IRS prefers at least 3 unrelated directors for 501(c)(3) approval.
- 03
File the Certificate of Incorporation
Submit your Certificate of Incorporation - Nonstock Corporation to the Connecticut Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $50, and online processing takes 3-5 business days. Include IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses.
- 04
Adopt Bylaws and a Conflict-of-Interest Policy
Hold your organizational meeting to adopt corporate bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy, elect directors and officers, and authorize the EIN application. The IRS requires these governance documents for 501(c)(3) review.
- 05
Obtain an EIN and Apply for 501(c)(3) Status
Get a free EIN from the IRS, then file Form 1023-EZ ($275 user fee, for organizations with gross receipts under $50,000/year and assets under $250,000) or the full Form 1023 ($600). IRS review takes roughly 2-4 weeks for 1023-EZ or 3-6 months for the full 1023.
- 06
Register for State Exemption and Charitable Solicitation
Apply for Connecticut state tax exemption and register for charitable solicitation with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection before fundraising. These state steps are separate from your federal IRS application.
Connecticut Nonprofit costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
Connecticut Nonprofit requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a Connecticut Nonprofit in 2026.
- File the Certificate of Incorporation - Nonstock Corporation with the Connecticut Secretary of State ($50)
- Appoint a registered agent with a physical Connecticut address
- Maintain a board of directors with at least 3 directors (Connecticut minimum)
- Adopt corporate bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy
- Obtain an EIN and apply for IRS 501(c)(3) status via Form 1023-EZ or Form 1023
- Register for Connecticut charitable solicitation and apply for state tax exemption
- File an annual report each year and the annual IRS Form 990
Filing information
- Formation document
- Certificate of Incorporation - Nonstock Corporation
- Filing agency
- Connecticut Secretary of State
- Registered agent
- Required
- Bylaws
- Recommended
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $60 (120 days)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $50 Connecticut state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, bylaws, and compliance.
Starter
- Certificate of Incorporation - Nonstock Corporation filing
- Name availability check
- Digital document delivery
- Formation status tracking
Booster
- Everything in Starter
- Registered agent (required in Connecticut)
- EIN / Federal Tax ID
- Expedited processing (1–2 days)
- Bylaws
- Priority support
- Kicker Voice — 3-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 15 days
Founder
- Everything in Booster
- Business mailing address
- Bookkeeping — 3 months free
- Dedicated account manager
- Rush processing
- Kicker Voice — 6-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 30 days
Kicker
- Everything in Founder
- ITIN filing & preparation
- Same-day priority processing
- 2nd year annual filing $0
- Kicker Voice 12-day + Kicker Pay 60 days free
Compare all plans on our pricing page.
Connecticut Nonprofit questions, answered
Common questions about forming an Nonprofit in Connecticut. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to form a nonprofit corporation in Connecticut?
The Connecticut state filing fee for the Certificate of Incorporation - Nonstock Corporation is $50. A $50 annual report fee applies each year. Separately, the IRS charges a $275 user fee for Form 1023-EZ or $600 for the full Form 1023 to obtain 501(c)(3) status.
How long does it take to form a Connecticut nonprofit?
Standard online processing with the Connecticut Secretary of State takes about 3-5 business days. After incorporation, IRS 501(c)(3) review typically takes 2-4 weeks for Form 1023-EZ or 3-6 months for the full Form 1023.
How many directors does a Connecticut nonprofit need?
A Connecticut nonstock corporation must have a minimum of 3 directors. The IRS also prefers at least 3 unrelated directors when reviewing a 501(c)(3) application, so meeting the state minimum aligns with federal expectations.
Is incorporating the same as getting 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status?
No. Filing your Certificate of Incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of State creates the nonprofit at the state level. Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is a separate step requiring IRS Form 1023-EZ or Form 1023, and Connecticut state tax exemption and charitable registration are separate again.
Does a Connecticut nonprofit pay corporate income tax?
Connecticut has a 7.5% corporate income tax, but once your organization receives IRS 501(c)(3) status and Connecticut state tax exemption, it is generally exempt from these income taxes. The state sales tax is 6.35%, and exempt nonprofits may also qualify for a sales tax exemption.
What ongoing filings does a Connecticut nonprofit have?
Connecticut nonprofits must file an annual report with the Secretary of State ($50 per year) and the annual IRS Form 990 series. Nonprofits that solicit donations must also keep their Connecticut charitable solicitation registration current with the Department of Consumer Protection.
Does my Connecticut nonprofit have to file a BOI report with FinCEN?
No. Under FinCEN's March 2025 interim final rule, domestic U.S. entities and U.S. persons are exempt from Beneficial Ownership Information reporting. Only foreign-formed entities registered to do business in a U.S. state are still required to file, so a Connecticut-formed nonprofit does not file a BOI report.
Are donations to my Connecticut nonprofit tax-deductible?
Donations become tax-deductible for donors once your organization receives IRS 501(c)(3) status. Until the IRS approves your Form 1023-EZ or Form 1023, you cannot promise donors a tax deduction, so securing exempt status is a key early priority.
Connecticut government filing resources
Filing fees for common Nonprofit services
Official Connecticut state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.
Fee $60, same across all entity types (stock corp, nonstock corp, LLC, LP, LLP, statutory trust).
$55.00 per document for a certified copy, charged per document regardless of number of pages (statute: $40 for the copy + $15 for the certification/seal).
$40.00 per document for a regular apostille/authentication.
$100 non-refundable registration fee confirmed on the CT DRS Sales and Use Tax Information page.
Learn moreFee $20 to amend the Certificate of Incorporation for a nonstock (nonprofit) corporation.
Learn more$20 filing fee for non-stock (nonprofit) corporations — the exception noted on Form BUS-009 ('Exception: $20 for nonstock (nonprofit) corporations').
Learn moreNon-stock (nonprofit) corporation: $110 reinstatement fee PLUS $50 annual report filing fee = $160 total due on the Combined Certificate of Reinstatement and Annual Re…
Learn moreNo filing fee ($0) to voluntarily dissolve a domestic nonstock (nonprofit) corporation.
Learn moreEverything you need to run your Connecticut Nonprofit
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Formation is free — you pay only the $50 Connecticut state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in 3-5 business days (online).
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