Starting a nonprofit in Connecticut

Incorporation

Filing

Certificate of Incorporation — Nonstock Corporation

Agency

Connecticut Secretary of the State

State fee

$50 — never marked up by us

Processing

Online filings via business.ct.gov typically process in 2–5 business days

Expedite

Not offered

Watch out

• Connecticut calls nonprofits 'nonstock corporations' — searching for a 'nonprofit corporation' form leads people astray.
• The standard certificate does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses — they must be added to the certificate text.
• An Organization and First Report is due shortly after incorporation ($50) — a separate filing many founders miss.

Ongoing compliance

Registered agent

Must have a Connecticut street address and accept the appointment; the corporation cannot serve as its own agent.

Charitable registration

Required — Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Charities Unit. Initial: $50. Renewal: Annual — $50 renewal, due 11 months after fiscal year end. Required before soliciting. Exempt if you raise under $50,000 a year and use no paid fundraisers (file the exemption claim — it isn't automatic).

Annual report

Annually by the last day of the anniversary month, filed online at business.ct.gov — $50

State tax exemption

Income tax exemption follows the IRS determination. For sales tax exemption on purchases, present CERT-119 with your IRS determination letter — no separate state application, but you need the federal letter in hand first.