Starting a nonprofit in Colorado

Incorporation

Filing

Articles of Incorporation for a Nonprofit Corporation (online filing only)

Agency

Colorado Secretary of State

State fee

$50 — never marked up by us

Processing

Immediate — Colorado processes online filings in real time

Expedite

Not offered

Watch out

• Colorado accepts ONLY online filings — there is no paper form to mail.
• The online wizard's standard fields do NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses — you must attach them as 'additional provisions' or your IRS application will be rejected.
• You must state whether the corporation will have voting members.

Ongoing compliance

Registered agent

Must have a physical Colorado street address and consent to the appointment; the corporation cannot serve as its own agent.

Charitable registration

Required — Colorado Secretary of State (Charitable Solicitations program). Initial: $10. Renewal: Annual — renew by the 15th day of the 5th month after fiscal year end ($10). Required before soliciting Colorado residents. Exempt if you raise under $25,000 a year and don't use paid fundraisers.

Annual report

Periodic report due annually during the anniversary month (with a grace window), filed online — $25

State tax exemption

Income tax exemption follows the IRS determination automatically. For sales/use tax exemption on purchases, apply to the Colorado Department of Revenue (Form DR 0715).