State guide · rules version 2026.08
Starting a nonprofit in North Dakota
Everything below is generated from the same North Dakota rules dataset that powers your guided journey in the platform — filing forms, real fees, and the traps DIY templates fall into.
Incorporation
- Filing
- Nonprofit Corporation Articles of Incorporation (filed via the FirstStop portal)
- Agency
- North Dakota Secretary of State
- State fee
- $40 — never marked up by us
- Processing
- About 1–2 weeks; FirstStop online submissions are processed fastest
- Expedite
- Not offered
- Watch out
- The FirstStop form collects only the statutory minimum — it does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses, which must be added as additional articles.
- You may attach self-drafted articles instead of using the portal's fill-in form — the cleanest way to include IRS language.
- Requires at least three directors.
Ongoing compliance
- Registered agent
- Must have a North Dakota street address; commercial registered agents are accepted.
- Charitable registration
- Required — North Dakota Secretary of State (Charitable Organization registration). Initial: $25 initial. Renewal: Annually by September 1; $10 renewal fee. Required before soliciting contributions in North Dakota; religious organizations and some small groups are exempt.
- Annual report
- Annually, due February 1 — $10
- State tax exemption
- Corporate income tax exemption follows the IRS determination letter. North Dakota generally does NOT exempt nonprofits from paying sales tax on purchases — budget for it.
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