Starting a nonprofit in District of Columbia

Incorporation

Filing

Form DNP-1 — Articles of Incorporation of Domestic Nonprofit Corporation

Agency

DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Corporations Division

State fee

$80 — never marked up by us

Processing

Routine processing takes about 2–3 weeks; online via CorpOnline is fastest

Expedite

$50 (3-day) / $100 (same-day)

Watch out

• Form DNP-1 does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses — they must be added in the optional provisions section.
• DC layers more ongoing obligations than most states: biennial report, a charitable solicitation license on a 2-year cycle, and a tax exemption that expires every 5 years.
• Choose member/non-member structure in the articles — it affects governance requirements under the DC Nonprofit Corporation Act.

Ongoing compliance

Registered agent

Must have a physical DC street address; the corporation cannot serve as its own agent.

Charitable registration

Required — DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (Charitable Solicitation license). Initial: $412.50. Renewal: Every 2 years. DC treats fundraising as a licensed business activity — the charitable solicitation license rides on the basic business license system and must be kept current to solicit in the District.

Annual report

Biennial report (Form BRA-25) — first due April 1 of the year after formation, then every 2 years — $80

State tax exemption

Not automatic — apply to the Office of Tax and Revenue (Form FR-164) for franchise, sales, and personal property tax exemptions after the IRS letter arrives. DC exemptions expire and must be renewed every 5 years.