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North Carolina Nonprofit Document Requirements

North Carolina State Registration Documents

Creating and Growing Your North Carolina Nonprofit

In cities and towns throughout the U.S., charitable organizations improve people’s lives and enhance their communities. North Carolina’s nonprofits have been responsible for helping individuals and increasing opportunities throughout the “Tar Heel State.” From the Research Triangle area of Raleigh-Durham to Charlotte’s booming metropolis, to the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in North Carolina, you can find a home for your entrepreneurial ideas!

Opportunities for North Carolina Nonprofit Growth

North Carolina nonprofits are responsible for delivering an array of services throughout the state. North Carolina’s 501c3 nonprofits are providing assistance to local and state government agencies, social and healthcare services, youth programs, adult education, cultural programs, services for the disabled, elderly and veterans, and many more.  Throughout North Carolina, there are nearly 40,000 nonprofit organizations that employ 400,000 individuals. That number translates roughly into 10 percent of the state’s workforce.

How to Start Nonprofits in North Carolina

North Carolina may be your ideal place to launch a 501c3 nonprofit start-up. The links below provide details about everything you’ll need to know and will help you start on your way.

Incorporation

Form

Articles of Incorporation

Business Entity Search

Fee

$62 + optional $100-200 expedite fee

Average Processing Time

5-9 Business Days

Electronic Filing?

No

Charity Registration

State Requirement?

Yes

Charity Registration Search

Fee

$0-200, depending on revenue

Renewal Requirement?

Yes

990 EZ Requirement?

No

Annual Report

State Requirement?

No

Due:

N/A

Fee:

N/A

Other Exemptions

State Income Tax

Must file – $0

Sales Tax Exemption

Can apply for refund on sales tax paid once every six months

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 a North Carolina Nonprofit

All charitable organizations operating with the state must follow North Carolina’s nonprofit filing requirements. Specific requirements may differ, but typically a North Carolina 501c3 needs to disclose contact details, Board members’ names and contact information, and the information of the entity to which the nonprofit is registered. State compliance regulations may also require employee information and annual corporate reports.

The social change that North Carolina’s charitable organizations have created is transformative. If you’re interested in using your entrepreneurial ideas to change the world, then learn more about starting your nonprofit on BryteBridge. Explore our Nonprofit Education Center to understand what you’ll need to be successful, then take a moment to read our testimonials to see how we’ve helped nonprofit entrepreneurs thrive. Contact us when you have questions or are ready to move forward. We look forward to working with you to transform your nonprofit dreams into a reality!