State guide · rules version 2026.08
Starting a nonprofit in South Dakota
Everything below is generated from the same South Dakota rules dataset that powers your guided journey in the platform — filing forms, real fees, and the traps DIY templates fall into.
Incorporation
- Filing
- Articles of Incorporation — Domestic Nonprofit Corporation
- Agency
- South Dakota Secretary of State
- State fee
- $30 — never marked up by us
- Processing
- 1–3 business days online; 1–2 weeks by mail
- Expedite
- Not offered
- Watch out
- The state's standard articles form does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses — they must be added as additional provisions.
- Requires at least three directors and one or more incorporators.
- South Dakota is one of the lightest-compliance states: no charitable solicitation registration and a $10 annual report.
Ongoing compliance
- Registered agent
- Must have a South Dakota street address; commercial registered agents are accepted.
- Charitable registration
- South Dakota has no charitable solicitation registration requirement (rules exist only for paid telephone solicitors).
- Annual report
- Annually, due in the anniversary month — $10
- State tax exemption
- No state corporate income tax. Sales tax exemption is limited mostly to 'relief agencies' and specific categories — most 501(c)(3)s still pay sales tax on purchases; check with the Department of Revenue.
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