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

South Carolina nonprofit fee table

Item	Fee	How often	Status
Articles of Incorporation – Nonprofit Corporation (Domestic)$25 (S.C. Code 33-31-202).	$25	One time	verified source
State nonprofit report	Check with the state	none	not confirmed
Charity registrationSouth Carolina Secretary of State, Division of Public CharitiesExemption: ≤ $20,000 with unpaid fundraising (free exemption filing)	Required; $50 to register, $50 to renew	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

South 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

South Carolina nonprofit cost FAQ

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

Confirmed fees for a small charity in South Carolina come to about $350 in year one, including the IRS Form 1023-EZ fee of $275. Some South 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 South Carolina?

$25 (Articles of Incorporation – Nonprofit Corporation (Domestic)). $25 (S.C. Code 33-31-202).

Does South Carolina require charity registration?

Required; $50 to register, $50 to renew. $50 registration statement, renewed annually; organizations not intending to raise > $20,000/yr (with no one paid > $500 for fundraising) file a free annual exemption application instead.

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

Not confirmed on an official page in our latest check. South Carolina nonprofit corporations do not file an annual report with the SOS (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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