Starting a nonprofit in New Jersey

Incorporation

Filing

Certificate of Incorporation, Domestic Nonprofit Corporation (Title 15A / Public Records Filing)

Agency

New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services

State fee

$75 — never marked up by us

Processing

Same day to a few business days online; 1–2 weeks by mail

Expedite

Expedited over-the-counter/same-day service available for an added fee (starts around $25)

Watch out

• New Jersey's online business formation flow captures only the statutory minimum — it does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses, which must be added as attached provisions.
• Requires at least three trustees (directors) age 18 or older.
• After formation, register the entity for tax purposes (Form NJ-REG) — required even for nonprofits.
• Religious organizations incorporating under Title 16 pay a reduced $5 fee through a different county-based process.

Ongoing compliance

Registered agent

Must have a New Jersey street address; an individual resident or authorized company may serve.

Charitable registration

Required — New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Charities Registration Section. Initial: $30–$250 initial (scales with gross contributions; CRI-150I/CRI-200). Renewal: Annually, within 6 months of fiscal year end. Organizations raising under $10,000 with no paid fundraisers are exempt but may register voluntarily.

Annual report

Annually, by the end of the anniversary month — $30

State tax exemption

Apply for the ST-5 exempt organization certificate (sales tax) with Form REG-1E and the IRS determination letter — no fee. Corporation business tax exemption follows 501(c)(3) status.