Knowledge Center
Compliance Resources
Clear answers for nonprofits and businesses — from forming your organization to fundraising and operating legally in every state.
Nonprofit Resource Center
Plain-English guides to starting a nonprofit, earning and keeping 501(c) status, and fundraising legally in every state.
Fundraising ComplianceMost important
What Is Charitable Solicitation Registration?Charitable solicitation registration is the state license to ask for donations. What it is, why states require it, and what the filing involves.5 min readDoes My Nonprofit Need to Register Before Fundraising?In most registration states, yes — before the first ask. What counts as solicitation, common exemptions, and what to do while your 501(c)(3) is pending.4 min readCan My Nonprofit Fundraise in All 50 States?Yes, but each state sets its own rules. How to plan national fundraising: registration states, non-registration states, exemptions, and costs.4 min readDoes Online Fundraising Trigger Registration Requirements?Donate buttons, email campaigns, and crowdfunding can all require state registration. How the Charleston Principles guide online solicitation.5 min readWhat Happens if a Nonprofit Fundraises Without Registering?Fines, cease-and-desist orders, public delinquency lists, and lost grants. The risks of unregistered fundraising and how to fix it.4 min readCharitable Registration vs. 501(c)(3): Not the Same Thing501(c)(3) is federal tax status from the IRS. Charitable registration is state permission to fundraise. Why you usually need both.3 min readMulti-State Charitable Registration ExplainedHow to register a nonprofit to fundraise in several states: deciding where, gathering documents, filing, fees, financial review thresholds, and renewals.6 min readMulti-Chapter Nonprofit Compliance: Chapters, Group Exemptions, and State RegistrationHow nonprofits with chapters or affiliates stay compliant: chapter structures, EINs and IRS group exemptions, Form 990 filing, state charitable registration, and renewal tracking.7 min readCharitable Registration Renewal GuideHow charitable solicitation renewals work: deadlines, required financials, extensions, CPA review and audit thresholds, and what happens if you miss one.5 min readHow to Reinstate a Lapsed Charitable RegistrationMissed a renewal? How to reinstate a delinquent, expired, or revoked charitable registration: find the gaps, file back reports, pay late fees, petition if needed.6 min read
Starting a Nonprofit
How to Start a NonprofitThe steps to start a nonprofit in the U.S.: mission, board, incorporation, bylaws, EIN, 501(c)(3) application, and state registrations.6 min readHow to Apply for 501(c)(3) Status: Form 1023 and 1023-EZ Step by StepStep-by-step guide to the 501(c)(3) application: Form 1023 vs. 1023-EZ, filing on Pay.gov, IRS fees ($600 / $275), documents, timelines, and status checks.10 min readHow Much Does It Cost to Get 501(c)(3) Status?The real cost of 501(c)(3) status: the IRS user fee ($275 or $600), state incorporation fees, optional professional help, and the ongoing costs after approval.5 min read501(c)(3) vs. 501(c)(4): What's the Difference?Charitable organizations vs. social welfare organizations: donor deductions, lobbying, political activity, and how each gets recognized by the IRS.5 min read501(c)(3) vs. 501(c)(6): Charities vs. Trade AssociationsAre trade associations nonprofits? Yes, usually 501(c)(6) business leagues, but not charities. How they differ from 501(c)(3)s on purpose, deductibility, lobbying and filings.5 min readUnderstanding the Different 501(c) CategoriesA plain-English guide to the most common 501(c) categories — (c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(5), (c)(6), (c)(7), (c)(8), and (c)(19) — and which IRS form each uses.5 min readWhat Happens After You Receive Your 501(c)(3)?Your determination letter is the beginning, not the end. Annual Form 990 filings, state registrations, donor receipts, and the rules that keep your exemption.6 min readDoes a 501(c)(3) Have to Register With the State?Yes — usually in more than one way. Corporate filings, state tax exemption, and charitable solicitation registration are all separate from IRS recognition.4 min readAnnual Compliance Checklist for NonprofitsA year-round checklist: Form 990, state annual reports, charitable registration renewals, board governance, donor acknowledgments, and record-keeping.5 min read
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Business Resource Center
Guides for founders and owners: forming your company, what comes next, and staying compliant as you grow into new states.
Start hereI Formed My LLC. Now What?What happens after you form an LLC: operating agreement, EIN, bank account, licenses, state tax accounts, annual reports, and keeping your liability protection.Starting a Business
LLC vs. Corporation: Which Should You Choose?Compare LLCs and corporations on liability protection, taxes, ownership, investors, paperwork, and cost — and when each one makes sense.6 min readHow to Start an LLCHow to start an LLC step by step: choose a state and name, appoint a registered agent, file articles of organization, pay the state fee ($70–$200 in big states), then get an EIN and operating agreement.8 min readDo I Need an EIN?When your business needs an Employer Identification Number, when a single-member LLC can skip it, and how to get one.4 min read
Running a Business
What Is a Registered Agent?A registered agent receives lawsuits and official state mail for your business. What they do, who can serve, and why it matters.4 min readCan I Be My Own Registered Agent?Yes, in most states — if you have an in-state street address and are available during business hours. The trade-offs of acting as your own agent.3 min readState Tax ID vs. EINAn EIN is your federal tax ID from the IRS. State tax IDs cover sales tax, payroll withholding, and unemployment insurance. When you need each.3 min readBusiness Compliance ChecklistA yearly checklist for LLCs and corporations: annual reports, registered agents, licenses, tax filings, payroll, records, and multi-state registrations.4 min read
Multi-State Business
What Is Foreign Qualification?Foreign qualification registers your LLC or corporation to do business in another state. When it's required, what's involved, and the risks of skipping it.4 min readWhen Does a Business Need to Register in Another State?Offices, employees, property, and ongoing operations usually mean registering. Online sales and isolated transactions often don't. How to tell.4 min readDoing Business in Multiple States: What You Need to KnowExpanding across state lines means foreign qualification, registered agents, multiple annual reports, payroll rules, and sales and income tax nexus.5 min read
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