Form Your Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation
Launch your mission in the Keystone State with a $125 state filing, no franchise tax, and a clear path to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and a deep foundation-funding ecosystem
Filed in Pennsylvania
The Keystone State · PA
- State filing fee$125
- Processing time7-10 business days online; longer by mail
- Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
- Annual report$0/year (PA nonprofit annual report) — due Due June 30 annually
- State tax rate7.99% corporate net income tax
- Expedited optionsame day (request received before 10:00 a.m.) (+$100)
Form your Pennsylvania Nonprofit — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your Pennsylvania Nonprofit
Free formation means you pay only the $125 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Articles of Incorporation - Nonprofit Corporation (DSCB:15-5306) filing
We prepare and submit your Articles of Incorporation - Nonprofit Corporation (DSCB:15-5306) to the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Registered agent
Required in Pennsylvania — 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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania pairs a strategic Northeast location between New York and Washington D.C. with a deep philanthropic ecosystem, anchored by major foundations and human-services funders across Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Nonprofits benefit from no state franchise tax and a $0-fee annual report, and qualifying 501(c)(3) charities can secure exemption from the state's 7.99% corporate net income tax and, where eligible, the 6% sales tax.
Pennsylvania's nonprofit annual report carries no state fee ($0/year), keeping ongoing compliance affordable
Federal 501(c)(3) status unlocks exemption from federal income tax and lets donors deduct contributions
No state franchise tax (eliminated in 2016) on Pennsylvania nonprofit corporations
Strategic Northeast location between New York and Washington D.C., with two major metros in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Strong foundation, healthcare, education, and human-services funding ecosystem across the Keystone State
Corporate structure shields directors, officers, and members from personal liability for the organization's debts
Tax-exempt status opens the door to grants, public and private foundation funding, and reduced nonprofit mailing rates
Pennsylvania exempts qualifying 501(c)(3) charities from state corporate net income tax and, where eligible, sales tax
Key features of a Pennsylvania Nonprofit
- $125 state filing fee with the Pennsylvania Department of State
- No-fee nonprofit annual report ($0/year), due June 30
- No state franchise tax (eliminated 2016)
- 501(c)(3) status is a separate federal IRS step, not part of state incorporation
- Two major metros and a deep foundation and grant-funding ecosystem
Major industries in Pennsylvania
Form your Pennsylvania Nonprofit in 6 steps
We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes 7-10 business days online; longer by mail.
- 01
Choose Your Nonprofit Name
Your name must be distinguishable from other Pennsylvania entities and may include a corporate designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' or 'Limited.' Check availability through the Pennsylvania Department of State's business entity search before filing.
- 02
Appoint Your Board of Directors
Pennsylvania law requires a minimum of one director, but the IRS expects at least three unrelated directors to approve 501(c)(3) status. Recruit a board to govern the nonprofit and adopt bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy.
- 03
File Articles of Incorporation
Submit the Articles of Incorporation - Nonprofit Corporation to the Pennsylvania Department of State with the $125 filing fee. Your articles must include IRS-required tax-exemption language (purpose and dissolution clauses) for 501(c)(3) eligibility. Online filing typically processes in 7-10 business days.
- 04
Obtain an EIN
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS. You'll need the EIN to open a bank account, hire staff, and file your federal 501(c)(3) application.
- 05
Apply for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status
File IRS Form 1023-EZ ($275 user fee, for organizations with gross receipts up to $50,000/year and assets up to $250,000) or the full Form 1023 ($600). The IRS typically issues a determination in about 2-4 weeks for 1023-EZ and 3-6 months for the full 1023.
- 06
Register for State Charitable Solicitation & Exemptions
Register with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations before soliciting donations, and separately apply for state corporate net income tax and sales tax exemptions through the PA Department of Revenue.
Pennsylvania Nonprofit costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
Pennsylvania Nonprofit requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a Pennsylvania Nonprofit in 2026.
- File Articles of Incorporation - Nonprofit Corporation with the PA Department of State ($125)
- Maintain a registered office address in Pennsylvania
- Appoint a board of directors (PA requires at least 1; the IRS expects 3+ unrelated directors for 501(c)(3))
- Adopt corporate bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS
- Apply for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status via IRS Form 1023-EZ or Form 1023
- Register for charitable solicitation and file an annual report (due June 30) plus IRS Form 990
Filing information
- Formation document
- Articles of Incorporation - Nonprofit Corporation (DSCB:15-5306)
- Filing agency
- Pennsylvania Department of State
- Registered agent
- Required
- Bylaws
- Recommended
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $70 (120 days)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $125 Pennsylvania 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 (DSCB:15-5306) filing
- Name availability check
- Digital document delivery
- Formation status tracking
Booster
- Everything in Starter
- Registered agent (required in Pennsylvania)
- 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.
Pennsylvania Nonprofit questions, answered
Common questions about forming an Nonprofit in Pennsylvania. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to form a nonprofit corporation in Pennsylvania?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Incorporation - Nonprofit Corporation is $125, paid to the Pennsylvania Department of State. Separately, the IRS charges $275 for Form 1023-EZ or $600 for the full Form 1023 to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Our service fee starts at $100 plus these government fees.
How long does Pennsylvania take to process a nonprofit incorporation?
The Pennsylvania Department of State typically processes online nonprofit filings in about 7-10 business days; mail filings take longer. After the state incorporates your nonprofit, the IRS 501(c)(3) determination is a separate step that usually takes about 2-4 weeks for Form 1023-EZ or 3-6 months for the full Form 1023.
Does forming the nonprofit in Pennsylvania make it tax-exempt?
No. Filing your Articles of Incorporation with the Pennsylvania Department of State creates the nonprofit corporation, but federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is a separate application to the IRS (Form 1023-EZ or Form 1023). You must also apply separately for Pennsylvania corporate net income tax and sales tax exemptions through the PA Department of Revenue.
How many directors does a Pennsylvania nonprofit need?
Pennsylvania law requires a minimum of one director. However, the IRS expects at least three unrelated directors to approve 501(c)(3) status, so most nonprofits seeking tax exemption recruit a board of three or more. You should also adopt bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy.
Does Pennsylvania require an annual report for nonprofits?
Yes, but there is no fee. Pennsylvania nonprofit corporations file an annual report with the Department of State for $0, due each year by June 30. Federally, your nonprofit must also file IRS Form 990 annually to keep its tax-exempt status.
What taxes apply to a Pennsylvania nonprofit?
Pennsylvania has a 7.99% corporate net income tax and a 6% sales tax, but qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for exemption from both. The state franchise tax was eliminated in 2016, so there is no franchise tax to pay.
Are donations to my Pennsylvania nonprofit tax-deductible?
Donations become tax-deductible for donors only after the IRS grants your organization 501(c)(3) status. Once approved, contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law, which makes grant and donor fundraising far more effective.
Do I have to file a BOI report for my Pennsylvania nonprofit?
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 entities formed outside the U.S. and registered to do business in a U.S. state still file.
Pennsylvania government filing resources
Filing fees for common Nonprofit services
Official Pennsylvania state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.
Reservation lasts 120 days (bank name reservations last 6 months).
PA does NOT issue 'Certificate of Good Standing.' Domestic filing associations get a Subsistence Certificate.
Learn moreCertified copies: $55 base plus $3 per page.
$15 per document (NOT per page).
No fee: PA's official Business One-Stop hub help guide states 'There is no fee to submit your application.' Registration is via the Pennsylvania Online Business Tax Re…
Learn moreApplication for Reinstatement: $35 delivered electronically / $40 not delivered electronically, plus $15 for each Annual Report not previously paid.
Learn moreEverything you need to run your Pennsylvania Nonprofit
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Formation is free — you pay only the $125 Pennsylvania state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in 7-10 business days online; longer by mail.
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