Maryland State Registration Documents
MARYLAND STATE REQUIREMENTS
Maryland nonprofit registration is one of the first steps toward pursuing your nonprofit goals in the state, but the process can be understandably confusing. When you work with BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions, we can walk you through how to start a nonprofit organization in Maryland so you can get it set up quickly and correctly. Give us a call to see how we can help you help others today.
Incorporation
Form
Articles of Incorporation
Business Entity Search
Fee
$220.00
Average Processing Time
7-10 business days
Electronic Filing?
Yes
Charity Registration
State Requirement?
Yes
Charity Registration Search
Fee
$0-300, depending on revenue
Renewal Requirement?
Yes
990 EZ Requirement?
No
Annual Report
State Requirement?
Yes
Due:
Annually, April 15th (2-month extension available
Fee:
None
Other Exemptions
State Income Tax
Must file – $0
Sales Tax Exemption
Must file – $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 lose tax-exempt status.
Maryland Nonprofit Registration Corporation Structure
When drafting your Maryland nonprofit articles of incorporation, you’ll have to choose from one of the state’s three types of nonprofit corporations:
- Religious corporation
- Tax-exempt nonstock corporation
- Nonstock corporation
A religious corporation is only for religious congregations that will be filing for tax-exempt status.
A nonstock corporation, which appears in some other states as well, like Virginia, is a business that cannot be split into stocks or shares, and cannot earn dividends for the founder or investors. It’s the Maryland nonprofit registration of choice for one or more people working for the common good who will not be filing for tax exempt status.
If you intend to file for tax exemption and you’re not a religious corporation, then you’ll select a tax-exempt nonstock corporation. It’s the same as a regular nonstock corporation, except it allows you to become a tax-exempt 501c3.
Filing Maryland Nonprofit Articles Of Incorporation
If you’ve done charitable work in other states and now you’re learning how to start a nonprofit organization in Maryland, you’ll notice that the cost of a Maryland nonprofit registration is not cheap. It’s a minimum of $120, not including extra fees if you’re applying as a 501c3, 501c4, or 501c6, and an expediting fee if you want to file online, by fax, in person, or if you just want the process to happen in under 10 weeks. All in all, the cost can go up to $225.
However, Maryland is among the wealthiest states in the country, based on data on median income from 2018. While it may seem intimidating to start, run, and grow your nonprofit in this state, you’d be in an opportunistic position to reach the right donors with funds to support your cause.
Starting a nonprofit in Maryland can feel overwhelming. That’s why BryteBridge Nonprofit is here. Our experts have helped 30k+ people start and scale up their organizations. With an affordable service and easy payment options, we can help you, too. We don’t just tell you what to do, we help you do it as well. Schedule a consultation with us and get started on your nonprofit now.