State guide · rules version 2026.08
Starting a nonprofit in California
Everything below is generated from the same California rules dataset that powers your guided journey in the platform — filing forms, real fees, and the traps DIY templates fall into.
Incorporation
- Filing
- Form ARTS-PB-501(c)(3) — Articles of Incorporation, Nonprofit Public Benefit
- Agency
- California Secretary of State
- State fee
- $30 — never marked up by us
- Processing
- ~1–2 weeks online
- Expedite
- 24-hour and same-day classes available at the Sacramento office
- Watch out
- The ARTS-PB-501(c)(3) form includes the IRS-required clauses — use it, not the generic form.
- File the Statement of Information (Form SI-100, $20) within 90 days of incorporating.
- California also requires FTB Form 3500A (with federal determination letter) for state income tax exemption.
Ongoing compliance
- Registered agent
- Individual with a California street address or a registered corporate agent.
- Charitable registration
- Required — CA Attorney General — Registry of Charities (CT-1 initial registration). Initial: $50 initial. Renewal: Annual RRF-1 renewal, fee scaled to revenue ($25–$1,200). Register within 30 days of first receiving charitable assets. Required before soliciting Californians.
- Annual report
- Statement of Information every 2 years (initial within 90 days) — $20
- State tax exemption
- FTB 3500A with the IRS determination letter (or long-form FTB 3500 without one).
Or let the checklist do this for you
Your guided journey sequences every California step — with the federal track (EIN, bylaws, Form 1023) woven in at the right moments. From $499 flat.