New York State Nonprofit Requirements

Get Help Starting, Running & Growing Your New York Nonprofit 

Throughout the U.S., the nonprofit sector is responsible for improving communities and supporting the economy. New York nonprofit organizations offer a vibrant and diverse landscape that reaches from the hustle and bustle of New York City to the mountain wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains, to the agricultural and industrial heartland of western New York.

Facts and Figures for New York Nonprofits

New York nonprofits exist in all sectors and sizes, providing a wide variety of essential services throughout the state. New York nonprofit organizations work in government, health and wellness, social services, education, the arts, disability and veterans’ services, and much more.  The New York State Nonprofit Board lists over 92,000 registered nonprofit organizations, giving it the #2 spot for states with the most nonprofits in the nation.

Additionally, the State of New York is one of the country’s top states for the number of people employed by charitable organizations, responsible for generating over 1.4 million jobs. 

New York State can be a great place to launch and grow your 501c3 nonprofit start-up. The following documents will help you get started:

New York State Registration Documents

Incorporation

Form

Articles of Incorporation

Business Entity Search

Fee

$78.75

Average Processing Time

2-4 Business days

Electronic Filing?

No

Charity Registration

State Requirement?

Yes

Charity Registration Search

Fee

$10.00-400.00, Depending on Revenue

Renewal Requirement?

Yes – Within a year of initial registration

990 EZ Requirement?

No

Annual Report

State Requirement?

Yes

Due:

Annually, by May 1

Fee:

$61.25

Other Exemptions

State Income Tax

Automatic

Sales Tax Exemption

Must file once every 5 years – $0

Tax Returns

All organizations (except those classified as churches) are required to file an annual 990 form (990N, 990EZ, 990, or 990PF) to be exempt from Income Tax.

The 990 return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization’s fiscal year.

Failure to file for 3 consecutive years could cause your organization to lose tax-exempt status.

Filing Requirements for New York Nonprofits

It’s important to remember that a New York nonprofit will be required to file annual reports as part of their tax exemption through the New York State Nonprofit Board. Requirements may vary, but most states require nonprofits to verify contact information, Board membership, and the information of the person to whom the organization is registered. Employee information may also need to be filed with the state’s Department of Labor. State compliance may also require your nonprofit to file an annual corporate report with the agency responsible for maintaining records for registered nonprofits.

The economic importance of New York nonprofit organizations cannot be denied. If you’re passionate about creating lasting social change, then launching your social entrepreneurship business in New York may be a path worth considering. Visit our Nonprofit Education Center to learn more about getting started, and our testimonials page to read what other nonprofit entrepreneurs had to say about making their dreams a reality. Contact us if you have questions. We’re here to help you at every step of the journey.