The Process of Nonprofit Incorporation

LegalZoom makes it fast and easy to incorporate your Nonprofit. The following is a detailed description of the LegalZoom Nonprofit Incorporation process.

  1. Complete our easy online questionnaire.
  2. Create your formation documents.
    Through the LegalZip® software you will complete your Articles of Incorporation.
  3. We file your documents with the appropriate government agency.
    In some states, we may not be able to sign the Articles of Incorporation (known in some states as "Certificate of Incorporation" or "Certificate of Formation") on your behalf. Instead, we will deliver them to you for signature. Once your materials are submitted, the document review period will vary depending on the state where you file. Non-expedited orders typically take about 20 to 35 business days to complete. Express Gold orders are completed in 7-10 business days (although, due to government delays, the process may be longer in some states).
  4. We complete the optional Tax ID Number.
    For your convenience, we can complete your Tax Identification Number application for self-filing. Or, to make it even easier for you, we will obtain your Federal Tax Identification Number on your behalf, for an additional fee.
  5. Your Articles are accepted and your Nonprofit Corporation becomes active.
    Your Nonprofit corporation becomes active when the Secretary of State accepts your Articles of Incorporation for filing. When we receive the filed Articles, we will deliver them to you, along with your complete LegalZoom Nonprofit package. Your package includes organizational minutes, membership certificates, and a corporate seal and deluxe customized corporate binder (for standard and gold packages).
  6. An officer signs the Application for Tax Identification Number.
    If you requested LegalZoom to complete an Application for Tax ID that you will file, an officer of your Nonprofit must sign the application before submitting it to the IRS.
  7. We complete your 501(c)(3) application.
    For an additional fee, LegalZoom can complete your tax exempt application with the IRS.