Cost to Start a Nonprofit in Maryland (2026): Formation Costs & Yearly Fees

Q: Does a Maryland nonprofit have to file a yearly report?

$0 (annual). 2026 Form 1 annual report: domestic or foreign non-stock corporation fee -0-.

Maryland nonprofit fee table

Item	Fee	How often	Status
Articles of Incorporation – Nonstock Corporation$100 + $20 organization/capitalization fee = $120; +$50 Not-For-Profit Development Center fee if seeking 501(c)(3)/(4)/(6) status = $170. Expedited +$50; rush +$325 (Business Express).	$170	One time	verified source
State nonprofit reportDue: April 15 each year	$0 (annual)	annual	verified source
Charity registrationMaryland Secretary of State, Charitable Organizations Division	Required; fee tiered by revenue	annual	verified source
IRS Form 1023-EZ / Form 1023	$275 / $600	One time	verified source
IRS Form 990-N, 990-EZ or 990	No IRS fee	Yearly	verified source
Registered agent	$0 if a director serves; typically $100–150/yr paid	Yearly	typical market range

Charity registration fee tiers (charitable contributions)

<25000$0
25000-50000$50
50001-75000$75
75001-100000$100
100001-500000$200
>500000$300

Maryland nonprofit cost calculator

1About your nonprofit

State you'll incorporate in Expected yearly revenue Donations, grants and other income. This decides Form 1023-EZ vs 1023, which Form 990 you file, and tiered charity fees. We'll ask the public for donations (most states then require charity registration)

More options

Use a paid registered agent (typical $100–150/yr; a director with an in-state address can usually serve for free)

2Your formation costs

Maryland nonprofit cost FAQ

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit in Maryland?

For a small charity (under $50,000 a year) that asks for donations, confirmed state and IRS fees in Maryland come to about $495 in year one, including the IRS Form 1023-EZ fee of $275, and about $50 a year after that.

What is the filing fee for nonprofit articles of incorporation in Maryland?

$170 (Articles of Incorporation – Nonstock Corporation). $100 + $20 organization/capitalization fee = $120; +$50 Not-For-Profit Development Center fee if seeking 501(c)(3)/(4)/(6) status = $170. Expedited +$50; rush +$325 (Business Express).

Does Maryland require charity registration?

Required; fee tiered by revenue. Annual fee by charitable contributions; < $25,000 is $0 (note on page: fee applies if a professional solicitor is used). Financial review required at $400k–$1M, audit at $1M+.

Does a Maryland nonprofit have to file a yearly report?

$0 (annual). 2026 Form 1 annual report: domestic or foreign non-stock corporation fee -0-.

Official sources

Checked October 28, 2026. Fees change; confirm on the official site before filing.

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