Nonprofit Start-Up Resources
Nonprofit Organization 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Process
Step 1
Step 1
Determine if you are ready to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Review the Nonprofit Start-up Checklist
Step 2
Step 2
Incorporate your nonprofit organization in the State of Colorado.
- Develop Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation for your organization.
- Register your nonprofit in the State of Colorado at the Secretary of State website.
Step 3
Step 3
Apply for your Organization’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service.
You can obtain an EIN online through the IRS website for free after completing a series of prompted questions.
Step 4
Step 4
Determine whether you must file IRS Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) OR if you are eligible to file IRS Form 1023-EZ (the streamlined application).
To determine your eligibility to submit the streamlined application, complete the Form 1023-EZ Eligibility Worksheet in the Instructions for Form 1023-EZ.
Step 5
Step 5
Obtain and complete a paper version of IRS Form 1023 OR complete IRS Form 1023 online (using the interactive guide) OR, if eligible, complete IRS Form 1023-EZ online. Complete your Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and all necessary attachments.
Step 6
Step 6
File the Form 1023, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and necessary attachments with the Internal Revenue Service.
- The application fee is either $400 or $850 depending on your estimated annual organizational budget size.
- The review and IRS approval process can take anywhere between 6 months and 18 months.
Form 1023 Assistance
CRC is pleased to provide information about area providers who help groups complete IRS Form 1023. This list has been provided to assist you in filling out paperwork required to start a nonprofit organization. Community Resource Center (CRC) does not assume responsibility for referrals. We also do not provide consulting services for any paperwork. Some organizations in the area that do offer this kind of consulting service include:
- Legal Zoom
- Community Economic Development Clinic
- Ryan, Gunsauls & O’Donnell, P.C.
- Internal Revenue Service: FAQ – Form 1023
Additional Resources
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- “Blue Avocado” Nonprofit Articles: Blue Avocado – Nonprofits Helping Nonprofits Succeed
- Board Source: Starting a Nonprofit Organization
- Colorado Nonprofit Association: Colorado Nonprofit Association (coloradononprofits.org)
- Internal Revenue Service: Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status
- Internal Revenue Service: Stay Exempt: Internal Revenue Service Tax Basics for Exempt Organizations
- National Council of Nonprofits: Good Governance Policies for Nonprofits | National Council of Nonprofits
- Nonprofit Learning Lab: www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/resources
- NonprofitReady.org: Free Nonprofit Training | NonprofitReady.org
- Nonprofit Resource Hub: Articles – Nonprofit Resource Hub
- State of Colorado: Articles of Incorporation for Nonprofits
- State of Colorado: Attorney General Charitable Giving Oversight
- State of Colorado: Secretary of State Charity Registration
Legal Resources
- Nonprofit Law Blog: Leaffer Law – Leaders in Nonprofit Law
- Nonprofit FAQs: NOLO – Law for All
- Colorado Attorneys for the Arts: Colorado Attorneys for the Arts – Focus on arts orientated nonprofits or community groups
