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

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

$20 (annual). Corporation annual report fee $20 (+$20 if registered agent/office changes). Applies to nonprofit corporations (T.C.A. 48-51-303).

Tennessee nonprofit fee table

Item	Fee	How often	Status
Charter – Nonprofit Corporation (SS-4418)$100.	$100	One time	verified source
State nonprofit reportDue: First day of the 4th month after fiscal year end (April 1 for calendar-year)	$20 (annual)	annual	verified source
Charity registrationTennessee Secretary of State, Division of Charitable SolicitationsExemption: < $50,000 gross contributions	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 (gross revenue (renewal dates on/after 7/1/2025))

0-50000$0
50000.01-99999.99$120
100000-249999.99$160
250000-499999.99$200
>=500000$240

Tennessee 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

Tennessee nonprofit cost FAQ

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

For a small charity (under $50,000 a year) that asks for donations, confirmed state and IRS fees in Tennessee come to about $375–$425 in year one, including the IRS Form 1023-EZ fee of $275, and about $20 a year after that.

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

$100 (Charter – Nonprofit Corporation (SS-4418)). $100.

Does Tennessee require charity registration?

Required; fee tiered by revenue. $50 initial; organizations receiving < $50,000 in gross public contributions may qualify for exemption (no fee). Late fee $25/month.

Does a Tennessee nonprofit have to file a yearly report?

$20 (annual). Corporation annual report fee $20 (+$20 if registered agent/office changes). Applies to nonprofit corporations (T.C.A. 48-51-303).

Official sources

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

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