Pennsylvania State Registration Documents
Are You Ready to Create a Pennsylvania Nonprofit?
Everywhere you look in the United States, nonprofits have been delivering valuable skills and services to improve communities in need. For over 150 years, Pennsylvania’s nonprofit organizations have helped create opportunities and increased the quality of life for those living in the “Keystone State.” From the major urban areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to the agricultural heartland surrounding State College and the seat of state government in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, might be the ideal state for your entrepreneurial dreams!
Areas of Growth for a Pennsylvania Nonprofit
Pennsylvania nonprofits provide a wide variety of essential services throughout every county in the state. Pennsylvania’s 501c3 nonprofits offer in-demand programs and assistance to municipal government departments, healthcare, and social service agencies, education for all ages, arts and culture opportunities, programs for the elderly, disabled, and veterans, and many more. Currently, there are more than 63,000 Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations that employ nearly 800,000 individuals. Over 15 percent of the state’s workforce is employed by a Pennsylvania nonprofit.
How to Start a Pennsylvania 501c3 Organization
Pennsylvania could be an excellent place to create a 501c3 nonprofit start-up. Review our resources, links, and documents we’ve listed below, you’ll get the information you need to start you on your way.
Incorporation
Form
Articles of Incorporation
Business Entity Search
Fee
$125.00
Average Processing Time
7 Business Days
Electronic Filing?
YES – PDF to be submitted online
Charity Registration
State Requirement?
Yes
Charity Registration Search
Fee
$15-250, depending on revenue
Renewal Requirement?
Yes
990 EZ Requirement?
No
Annual Report
State Requirement?
Yes
Due:
Annually, by April 30. Annual reports are only required in years where there has been a change in the organization’s officers.
Fee:
None
Other Exemptions
State Income Tax
Automatic
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.
Applications and Requirements for Nonprofit Organizations in Pennsylvania
All tax-exempt organizations doing business with the state must follow Pennsylvania’s 501c3 filing requirements. Specific regulations may vary, but typically a Pennsylvania nonprofit must disclose contact information, the names of Board members, and the information of the entity responsible for registering the organization. State compliance regulations request employee data and annual corporate reports.
The social impact that Pennsylvania’s nonprofit sector is responsible for is significant. If you’re eager to harness your entrepreneurial ideas to change people’s lives, then please stop by our Nonprofit Education Center. The information is carefully designed to help you understand what you’ll need to be successful. Be sure to also read our testimonials page to hear the experiences of other nonprofit entrepreneurs. Contact us with any questions you may have.
We’re looking forward to working with you to make your ideas a reality!