Form Your North Dakota Nonprofit Corporation
Launch your mission in the Peace Garden State with a low $40 filing fee, a clear path to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and some of the lowest ongoing costs in the nation
Filed in North Dakota
The Peace Garden State · ND
- State filing fee$40
- Processing time~5-7 business days (FirstStop online faster)
- Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
- Annual report$10/year — due Annually by February 1st
- State tax rate1.41%-4.31% graduated corporate income tax
Form your North Dakota Nonprofit — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your North Dakota Nonprofit
Free formation means you pay only the $40 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation) filing
We prepare and submit your Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation) to the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Registered agent
Required in North Dakota — 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 North Dakota
North Dakota offers nonprofits a low-cost, business-friendly environment with one of the lowest filing fees and annual report costs in the nation, plus affordable real estate and operating expenses. Its strong, stable economy and tight-knit communities make the Peace Garden State an attractive base for charitable, religious, educational, and community-focused organizations.
Low $40 state filing fee to incorporate your nonprofit
Eligible for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS
Tax-deductible donations attract more donors and grant funding
Liability protection for directors, officers, and members
Inexpensive $10/year annual report keeps ongoing costs minimal
Access to nonprofit grants reserved for incorporated organizations
Strong, business-friendly Midwest economy with low operating costs
North Dakota Secretary of State FirstStop portal speeds up filing
Key features of a North Dakota Nonprofit
- Low $40 nonprofit incorporation fee
- Minimum of 3 directors required
- Inexpensive $10/year annual report
- Eligible for federal 501(c)(3) status
- FirstStop online filing available
Major industries in North Dakota
Form your North Dakota Nonprofit in 6 steps
We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes ~5-7 business days (FirstStop online faster).
- 01
Choose Your Nonprofit Name
Pick a distinguishable name and confirm availability through the North Dakota Secretary of State's FirstStop business search. The name must not conflict with an existing entity registered in the state.
- 02
Appoint Directors and a Registered Agent
North Dakota requires a minimum of 3 directors to govern the nonprofit. You must also appoint a registered agent with a physical North Dakota address to receive legal documents and service of process.
- 03
File Articles of Incorporation
Submit your Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation) to the North Dakota Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $40, and online filing is available through the FirstStop portal. Processing takes about 5-7 business days.
- 04
Adopt Bylaws and a Conflict-of-Interest Policy
Draft corporate bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy, then hold an organizational meeting to elect officers and approve them. These governance documents are required by the IRS when you apply for 501(c)(3) status.
- 05
Obtain an EIN and Apply for 501(c)(3)
Get a free EIN from the IRS, then file Form 1023-EZ ($275 user fee) or the full Form 1023 ($600) to request federal tax-exempt status. The IRS step is separate from your North Dakota incorporation.
- 06
Register for State Exemption and Charitable Solicitation
After receiving your IRS determination letter, register for North Dakota charitable solicitation licensing and apply for any applicable state tax exemptions, which are separate from the federal 501(c)(3) approval.
North Dakota Nonprofit costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
North Dakota Nonprofit requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a North Dakota Nonprofit in 2026.
- File Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation) with the ND Secretary of State ($40)
- Appoint a minimum of 3 directors to the board
- Maintain a registered agent with a physical North Dakota address
- Adopt corporate bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS
- File Form 1023-EZ or Form 1023 for 501(c)(3) status (separate IRS step)
- File the annual report by February 1st each year ($10)
Filing information
- Formation document
- Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation)
- Filing agency
- North Dakota Secretary of State
- Registered agent
- Required
- Bylaws
- Recommended
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $10 (12 months)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $40 North Dakota state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, bylaws, and compliance.
Starter
- Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation) filing
- Name availability check
- Digital document delivery
- Formation status tracking
Booster
- Everything in Starter
- Registered agent (required in North Dakota)
- 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.
North Dakota Nonprofit questions, answered
Common questions about forming an Nonprofit in North Dakota. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to form a nonprofit corporation in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Secretary of State charges a $40 fee to file your Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation). After that, the annual report fee is just $10 per year. The IRS 501(c)(3) application is separate and costs $275 (Form 1023-EZ) or $600 (full Form 1023).
How long does it take to incorporate a nonprofit in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Secretary of State typically processes nonprofit filings in about 5-7 business days, and online filing through the FirstStop portal is generally faster. The IRS then takes roughly 2-4 weeks to approve Form 1023-EZ or about 3-6 months for the full Form 1023.
How many directors does a North Dakota nonprofit need?
North Dakota requires a minimum of 3 directors to form a nonprofit corporation. A board of directors governs the organization, and the IRS strongly prefers unrelated directors for 501(c)(3) approval.
How do I get 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status?
First incorporate your nonprofit with the North Dakota Secretary of State, adopt bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy, and obtain an EIN. Then file IRS Form 1023-EZ ($275, for organizations with gross receipts of $50,000 or less and assets of $250,000 or less) or the full Form 1023 ($600). This federal step is separate from your state incorporation.
When is the North Dakota nonprofit annual report due?
North Dakota nonprofit corporations must file an annual report with the Secretary of State by February 1st each year, and the fee is $10. Filing on time keeps your nonprofit in good standing.
Do North Dakota nonprofits pay state taxes?
Once you secure 501(c)(3) status, your nonprofit is exempt from federal income tax, and you can apply for North Dakota state tax exemptions separately. North Dakota's general corporate income tax is graduated from 1.41% to 4.31% and the state sales tax is 5%, but exempt nonprofits avoid most of these on qualifying activities.
Does my North Dakota nonprofit have to file a BOI report?
No. Under FinCEN's March 2025 interim final rule, U.S. domestic entities and U.S. persons are exempt from Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting. Only foreign-formed entities registered to do business in a U.S. state must still file.
What ongoing filings does a North Dakota nonprofit need?
You must file a $10 North Dakota annual report by February 1st each year and file IRS Form 990 annually to maintain federal tax-exempt status. You should also keep your charitable solicitation registration current if your nonprofit fundraises in the state.
North Dakota government filing resources
Filing fees for common Nonprofit services
Official North Dakota state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.
$10 to reserve an available entity name for up to 1 year (365 days) via the Reserved Name Application in the FirstStop Portal.
Flat $20 for a Certificate of Good Standing, ordered via the Request Certificate form in the FirstStop Portal.
Learn moreNorth Dakota does not publish a distinct 'certified copy' fee on its official fee pages.
$10 per authentication/apostille PLUS a $5 record search fee per unique notary signature (e.g., 2 docs by the same notary = $10 + $5.
Out-of-state (foreign) nonprofit corporation registration via Certificate of Authority is $50.
Learn moreBusiness-level, not entity-specific: LLC, C-corp, S-corp, nonprofit use the same ND TAP application at the same $0 cost.
Learn more$10 to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office (noncommercial agent/address change.
Learn moreCORRECTION: North Dakota does NOT charge a separate flat reinstatement fee.
Learn moreEverything you need to run your North Dakota Nonprofit
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Formation is free — you pay only the $40 North Dakota state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in ~5-7 business days (FirstStop online faster).
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