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

North Carolina nonprofit fee table

Item	Fee	How often	Status
Articles of Incorporation (nonprofit)$60.	$60	One time	verified source
State nonprofit report	Check with the state	none	not confirmed
Charity registrationNorth Carolina Secretary of State, Charitable Solicitation LicensingExemption: < $50,000 with no compensated officers/fundraisers	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 (contributions in immediately preceding fiscal year)

<50000 and no paid staff/fundraisersexempt
<5000 (compensated)$0
5000-49999 (compensated)$50
50000-99999$50
100000-199999$100
>=200000$200

North Carolina 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

North Carolina nonprofit cost FAQ

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit in North Carolina?

Confirmed fees for a small charity in North Carolina come to about $335–$385 in year one, including the IRS Form 1023-EZ fee of $275. Some North Carolina items are not yet confirmed on an official page, so check them with the state before you budget.

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

$60 (Articles of Incorporation (nonprofit)). $60.

Does North Carolina require charity registration?

Required; fee tiered by revenue. Exempt below $50,000 if no officer/fundraiser was compensated; otherwise license required with fee by contributions.

Does a North Carolina nonprofit have to file a yearly report?

Not confirmed on an official page in our latest check. North Carolina does not require annual reports from nonprofit corporations (widely reported); not confirmed on an official page this run.

Official sources

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

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