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How much does it cost to start a nonprofit?
Starting a nonprofit usually costs $283 to $825 in government fees: $8 to $225 to incorporate with your state, $275 or $600 to the IRS, and often $0 to $100 to register before you fundraise. Your EIN is free. Pick your state and how you will apply for tax-exempt status. This adds up the real fees, from the state and the IRS, so you can budget before you start. None of it goes to Ember.
Estimate your startup cost
Every figure below is a government fee, read from each state's own site in August and September 2026. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with your state and the IRS before you file.
Not sure? Check the fee schedule on your state or territory's own site. Look up your state
What goes into the cost of starting a nonprofit
Starting a nonprofit is cheaper than most people expect, and the money is almost all government fees paid once at the start. There are four pieces.
Your state incorporation fee. You legally create the nonprofit by filing Articles of Incorporation (or a Certificate of Incorporation or Formation) with your state. This fee ranges from $8 to $225 depending on the state; see every state's fees side by side.
The IRS user fee. To become a 501(c)(3), you file Form 1023-EZ, which costs $275, or the full Form 1023, which costs $600. Most small, simple nonprofits that meet the eligibility test file the 1023-EZ. Some groups can be tax-exempt without applying, such as churches, some very small charities, and local chapters covered by their national group's IRS group exemption.
Charitable registration. Most states require you to register before you ask the public for money. For a new small nonprofit it runs from $0 to $100, and it is usually tiered by how much you raise. A few states are free, and a few exempt the smallest all-volunteer groups.
Your EIN, which is free. You need a federal Employer Identification Number, and the IRS never charges for one. If a site offers to get your EIN for a fee, you are paying for something the IRS does for free in minutes.
What this tool does not include
The estimate is the required government fees only. It does not include optional spending like an attorney or a formation service, expedited processing, or ongoing costs like annual reports and insurance. It also does not include tools: Ember has a free tier for small nonprofits, so your tools do not have to be a startup cost.
Ember Spark
Ember Spark is a free, step-by-step checklist for starting a nonprofit, and each step explains why it matters. In Ember it drafts your bylaws, conflict-of-interest policy and Form 1023 narrative for you to finish, and puts your Form 990 and state annual report on Ember's compliance calendar. Turn on Ember Compliance and it emails you a reminder 30 days and 7 days before each filing that has a set date. Unlimited users on every tier.
This tool gives general cost information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Fees change; confirm the current amount with your state and the IRS before you file.
Sources: irs.gov (Form 1023 user fees) · irs.gov (Publication 557) · each state’s Secretary of State and charity regulator. State fees read August and September 2026.