Form Your New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation
Launch your mission in the Garden State with same-day incorporation, a low $75 state fee, and a clear path to federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Filed in New Jersey
The Garden State · NJ
- State filing fee$75
- Processing timeOnline filing typically same day; expedite available
- Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
- Annual report$30 per year — due Annually, anniversary month of formation
- State tax rate6.5%-11.5% graduated corporate business tax
- Expedited optionSame business day (+$50)
Form your New Jersey Nonprofit — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your New Jersey Nonprofit
Free formation means you pay only the $75 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Certificate of Incorporation (Nonprofit, Title 15A) filing
We prepare and submit your Certificate of Incorporation (Nonprofit, Title 15A) to the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Registered agent
Required in New Jersey — 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 New Jersey
New Jersey pairs a low-cost, same-day nonprofit incorporation with prime access to the funders, universities, and corporate philanthropy of the New York-Philadelphia corridor. While the state's graduated corporate business tax runs 6.5% to 11.5%, qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations can secure both federal and New Jersey tax exemptions, making the Garden State an efficient and well-connected base for mission-driven work.
Federal 501(c)(3) status unlocks tax-deductible donations and grant eligibility
Strategic location between New York City and Philadelphia for funders and partners
No franchise tax and access to NJ state tax exemptions for qualifying nonprofits
Same-day online incorporation through the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
Highly educated workforce and top research universities to staff your mission
Limited liability protection for trustees, directors, officers, and members
Perpetual existence so your organization outlives its founders
Strong philanthropic ecosystem across pharma, healthcare, and financial services
Key features of a New Jersey Nonprofit
- Low $75 state incorporation fee with same-day online filing
- Minimum of three trustees required on the board
- $30 annual report keeps ongoing compliance affordable
- Location between NYC and Philadelphia for donors and grantmakers
- 501(c)(3) status enables tax-deductible donations and grant funding
Major industries in New Jersey
Form your New Jersey Nonprofit in 6 steps
We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes Online filing typically same day; expedite available.
- 01
Choose Your Nonprofit Name
Pick a distinguishable name and confirm availability through the New Jersey Division of Revenue business name search. The name must not conflict with an existing entity on file.
- 02
Appoint a Board of Trustees and Registered Agent
New Jersey requires a minimum of three trustees (directors), ideally unrelated, plus a registered agent with a physical New Jersey address to accept legal documents.
- 03
File the Certificate of Incorporation
Submit your nonprofit Certificate of Incorporation to the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. The state filing fee is $75 and online filing is typically processed the same day.
- 04
Adopt Bylaws and a Conflict-of-Interest Policy
Hold your organizational meeting to adopt corporate bylaws and an IRS-recommended conflict-of-interest policy. These govern your board and are required documentation for the 501(c)(3) application.
- 05
Obtain an EIN and Apply for 501(c)(3) Status
Get a free EIN from the IRS, then file Form 1023-EZ ($275, for orgs with gross receipts under $50,000/yr and assets under $250,000) or full Form 1023 ($600). IRS processing runs about 2-4 weeks for 1023-EZ and 3-6 months for the full 1023.
- 06
Register for NJ Charitable Solicitation and Tax Exemption
Separately register with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs to solicit donations and apply to the NJ Division of Taxation for state sales and use tax exemption. These state steps are distinct from your IRS approval.
New Jersey Nonprofit costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
New Jersey Nonprofit requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a New Jersey Nonprofit in 2026.
- File a nonprofit Certificate of Incorporation with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services ($75)
- Appoint a board of at least three trustees (directors)
- Maintain a registered agent with a physical New Jersey address
- Adopt corporate bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy
- Obtain an EIN and apply for IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (Form 1023-EZ or 1023)
- File the New Jersey annual report each year ($30) during the anniversary month
- Register for charitable solicitation and apply for NJ tax exemption separately from the IRS step
Filing information
- Formation document
- Certificate of Incorporation (Nonprofit, Title 15A)
- Filing agency
- New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
- Registered agent
- Required
- Bylaws
- Recommended
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $50 (120 days)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $75 New Jersey state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, bylaws, and compliance.
Starter
- Certificate of Incorporation (Nonprofit, Title 15A) filing
- Name availability check
- Digital document delivery
- Formation status tracking
Booster
- Everything in Starter
- Registered agent (required in New Jersey)
- 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.
New Jersey Nonprofit questions, answered
Common questions about forming an Nonprofit in New Jersey. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to form a nonprofit corporation in New Jersey?
The state filing fee for a nonprofit Certificate of Incorporation is $75, filed with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Budget separately for the IRS 501(c)(3) user fee: $275 for Form 1023-EZ or $600 for the full Form 1023.
How long does it take to incorporate a New Jersey nonprofit?
Online filings with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services are typically processed the same day, and expedited service is available. The separate IRS 501(c)(3) review takes roughly 2-4 weeks for Form 1023-EZ or about 3-6 months for the full Form 1023.
How many directors does a New Jersey nonprofit need?
New Jersey requires a minimum of three trustees (the state's term for nonprofit directors) under Title 15A. The IRS strongly prefers a majority of unrelated directors, so recruiting three independent board members supports your 501(c)(3) application.
What is the difference between incorporating and getting 501(c)(3) status?
Filing your Certificate of Incorporation with New Jersey creates the nonprofit corporation at the state level. Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is a separate step with the IRS, filed on Form 1023-EZ or Form 1023 after you have an EIN, bylaws, and a conflict-of-interest policy.
Does a New Jersey nonprofit have to file an annual report?
Yes. New Jersey nonprofits file an annual report each year during the anniversary month of formation, with a $30 fee. New Jersey does not impose a franchise tax on nonprofit corporations.
Is my New Jersey nonprofit automatically exempt from state taxes?
No. Even with IRS 501(c)(3) approval, you must separately apply to the NJ Division of Taxation for state sales and use tax exemption and register with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs before soliciting charitable donations. New Jersey's general sales tax rate is 6.625%.
Does my New Jersey nonprofit need 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 entities formed outside the U.S. and registered to do business in a U.S. state are still required to file.
What ongoing IRS filings does a 501(c)(3) require?
Tax-exempt nonprofits must file an annual IRS Form 990 (990-N, 990-EZ, or full 990 depending on size) to keep their exempt status active. Maintaining current bylaws, board minutes, and your conflict-of-interest policy is also expected.
New Jersey government filing resources
Filing fees for common Nonprofit services
Official New Jersey state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.
Fee is $50 for all entity types.
Certified copies of accepted/filed documents are $25.00 per filed entity (per document).
Standard apostille/certification: $25.00 statutory fee per document.
$25.00 statutory fee per filing (change of agent name, address, or both).
Learn more$150.00 reinstatement filing fee for a DOMESTIC non-profit corporation ($200.00 for a FOREIGN non-profit).
Learn moreEverything you need to run your New Jersey Nonprofit
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Ready to form your New Jersey Nonprofit?
Formation is free — you pay only the $75 New Jersey state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in Online filing typically same day; expedite available.
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