Nonprofit Corporation Formation Filing by State
For an ordinary domestic nonprofit or nonstock corporation, what formation document must an incorporator file, what statements, signatures and fees are required, and when does corporate existence begin?
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Every entry, oldest check October 1, 2026
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What this survey covers
This survey answers what an incorporator files to create an ordinary domestic nonprofit or nonstock corporation under state law. It compares the required articles or certificate, who signs, what the filing must say, the filing charge, and when the corporation begins to exist. Federal tax exemption and charitable solicitation registration are separate processes.
Why the columns stay separate
Florida's § 617.0202 requires both a purpose and a director-selection statement, although the latter may direct readers to the bylaws for the method. Texas § 3.005 allows a general lawful-purpose statement in a certificate of formation. Virginia § 13.1-819 requires a no-member statement when applicable and a director-selection statement when directors are not chosen by member classes. Wyoming § 17-19-202 requires an entity-type election and a signed registered-agent consent. Those differences make membership, directors, agent acceptance, and formation effectiveness separate comparison questions.
State by state
Every column answered the same way for each jurisdiction. Open a state for the full page, with the statute text and the date it was checked.
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| State | Governing act and filing office | Incorporator and filing document | Name and purpose | Member and entity-type statement | Initial directors and selection | Registered office and agent | Signatures and agent acceptance | Filing fee | When existence begins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama verified 2026-10-01 | Alabama Nonprofit Corporation Law, Chapter 3A; certificate delivered to Secretary of State (§§ 10A-3A-2.01–2.02) |
One or more incorporators execute and deliver certificate of incorporation; each named with address (§§ 10A-3A-2.01–2.02(a)(4)) |
Compliant, distinguishable name required; nonprofit corporate designator exempt; purpose statement optional (§§ 10A-3A-2.02(a)(1), (b)(2)(i); 10A-1-5.03–5.04) |
State incorporation under Chapter 3A and expressly state whether it will have members; member classes optional (§ 10A-3A-2.02(a)(3), (5), (b)(2)(iv)) |
Initial directors and director-selection provisions optional; if directors omitted, incorporators elect them or a board after incorporation (§§ 10A-3A-2.02(b)(1), (2)(vii), -2.04(a)(2)) |
Certificate states Alabama registered-office street and mailing addresses, county, and agent name; agent is resident individual or qualifying entity with matching business office (§§ 10A-3A-2.02(a)(2); 10A-1-5.31) |
Incorporator(s) sign, stating name and capacity; seal/attestation/acknowledgment/verification optional (§ 10A-3A-1.04(a)(1), (b)) |
$200 Secretary of State certificate-of-formation fee (§ 10A-1-4.31(a)(1)a) |
Existence begins when certificate filing takes effect: actual receipt by default, or specified later date/time within 90 days (§§ 10A-1-3.01(c), -4.11–4.12) |
| Alaska verified 2026-10-01 | Alaska Nonprofit Corporation Act; commissioner receives and files articles (Alaska Stat. §§ 10.20.146, .156, .925) |
Three or more natural persons age nineteen or older sign and deliver duplicate articles (Alaska Stat. § 10.20.146) |
Articles state name, duration and purpose; name cannot imply a different purpose (Alaska Stat. §§ 10.20.151(a)(1)–(3), .021(a)) |
No member-status or entity-type statement in required-articles list (Alaska Stat. § 10.20.151(a)) |
Articles state first board count, names and addresses; at least three directors (Alaska Stat. §§ 10.20.151(a)(6), .086(a)) |
Articles state initial registered-office address and agent name; agent is qualified resident individual or authorized corporation (Alaska Stat. §§ 10.20.151(a)(5), .026) |
At least three qualified incorporators sign duplicate articles; agent acceptance is not listed among formation requirements (Alaska Stat. §§ 10.20.146, .151(a)) |
$50 for domestic nonprofit articles (3 AAC 16.050(b); Alaska Stat. § 10.20.635(a)(1)) |
Existence begins on certificate issuance (Alaska Stat. § 10.20.161) |
| Arizona verified 2026-10-01 | Arizona Nonprofit Corporation Act, Title 10 chs. 24–42; Arizona Corporation Commission (§§ 10-3201, -3203) |
One or more persons deliver articles plus certificate of disclosure to Commission (§§ 10-3201, -3202(D), -3203(A)) |
Articles state compliant name and brief intended affairs; any lawful affairs permitted by the Act (§§ 10-3202(A)(1)–(2), -3401, -3301) |
Articles must declare whether or not corporation will have members (§ 10-3202(A)(7)) |
Articles list each first director’s name and address (§ 10-3202(A)(3)) |
Articles state agent name, street address and signature; known-place-of-business street address if different; agent eligibility under § 10-3501 (§ 10-3202(A)(4)–(5)) |
All incorporators sign articles and sworn disclosure certificate; statutory agent signs articles (§ 10-3202(A)(4), (9), (D)(3)–(5)) |
Commission’s current form says forty dollars; statute lists thirty-dollar articles fee and authorizes additional ten-dollar public-access fee (§ 10-3122(A)(1), (H)(1)) |
Existence on delivery of articles and disclosure certificate unless delayed; Commission rejection terminates it at determination; delayed date no later than ninetieth day after delivery (§§ 10-3203(A)–(C), 10-3123(B)) |
| Arkansas verified 2026-10-01 | Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1993; file articles with Secretary of State (Ark. Code §§ 4-33-101, 4-33-201) |
One or more persons deliver articles; articles name and address each incorporator (Ark. Code §§ 4-33-201, 4-33-202(a)(4)) |
Articles state corporate name; a purpose statement is optional and may say any lawful activity (Ark. Code § 4-33-202(a)(1), (b)(1)) |
Articles choose public-benefit, mutual-benefit, or religious status; say whether corporation will have members; include lawful dissolution distribution terms (Ark. Code § 4-33-202(a)(2), (5)–(6)) |
Initial-director names and addresses are optional in articles (Ark. Code § 4-33-202(b)(2)) |
Articles include general registered-agent filing information, commercial agent name or noncommercial agent name and address or office position/address (Ark. Code §§ 4-33-202(a)(3), 4-20-105(a)) |
Each named incorporator signs; appointing an agent affirms that agent's consent (Ark. Code §§ 4-33-202(c)(1), 4-20-105(b)) |
Secretary of State fee table lists $45 online or $50 paper; statutory articles filing charge is $50 (Ark. Code § 4-33-122(a)(1)) |
Existence begins on filing unless articles specify a later date, at most 90 days after filing (Ark. Code §§ 4-33-203(a), 4-33-123(b)) |
| California verified 2026-10-01 | Nonprofit Public Benefit, Mutual Benefit, or Religious Corporation Law; Secretary of State (§§ 5110, 7110, 9110, 110) |
One or more persons execute and file articles of incorporation (§§ 5120(a), 7120(a), 9120(a)) |
Articles state name and statutory type/purpose formula; public-benefit articles describe public purposes further (§§ 5130, 7130, 9130) |
Articles state public-benefit, mutual-benefit, or religious type; member classes optional in articles; public-benefit membership may instead be in bylaws (§§ 5130, 5132, 5310, 7130, 7132, 9130, 9132) |
Initial director names/addresses optional in articles; if named, each signs and acknowledges; otherwise incorporator(s) sign (§§ 5120, 5132, 7120, 7132, 9120, 9132) |
Articles name initial California agent for service and California street address; also initial corporate street and any different mailing address (§§ 5130, 7130, 9130) |
Named initial directors sign and acknowledge; otherwise incorporator(s) sign. Articles specify agent, with no separate acceptance in the statutory articles lists (§§ 5120, 5130, 7120, 7130, 9120, 9130) |
$30 for articles not providing for shares (Gov. Code § 12186(d)) |
Existence begins on filing; request future filing date up to 90 days after receipt; delayed post-filing effectiveness excludes original articles (§§ 110(a), (c), 5120(c), 7120(c), 9120(c)) |
| Colorado verified 2026-10-01 | Colorado Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act, articles 121–137 of title 7; Secretary of State files articles (§§ 7-122-101, 7-123-101(1)) |
One or more persons deliver articles; individual incorporator must be at least 18; articles list each incorporator’s true name and mailing address (§§ 7-122-101, 7-122-102(1)(d)) |
Articles state domestic entity name compliant with article 90, part 6; lawful purpose is default and narrower purpose statement optional (§§ 7-122-102(1)(a), (2)(b)(I), 7-123-101(1)) |
Articles say whether voting members will exist and give lawful dissolution-asset distribution provisions (§ 7-122-102(1)(e), (g)) |
Initial director names/addresses optional; if omitted, incorporators meet after formation to elect a board (§§ 7-122-102(2)(a), 7-122-105(1)(a)) |
Articles state initial agent name/address and principal-office address; agent may be eligible Colorado-based adult individual or qualifying entity (§§ 7-122-102(1)(b)–(c), 7-90-701(1)) |
Signature is not a filing condition; individual causing delivery affirms truth and compliance under penalty of perjury. Filing must state agent consent (§§ 7-90-301(2), 7-90-301.5(1), 7-90-701(3)) |
Secretary of State fee schedule sets $50 online articles fee, paper n/a; statutory § 7-90-303(1)(f) authorizes filing charges |
Existence begins on Secretary filing or stated delayed effective date; a date over 90 days is capped at 11:59 p.m. on day 90 (§§ 7-122-103(1), 7-90-304(1)(a), (2)) |
| Connecticut verified 2026-10-01 | Connecticut Revised Nonstock Corporation Act, §§ 33-1000–1290; Secretary of the State (§§ 33-1000, 33-1025) |
One or more persons deliver certificate of incorporation; certificate gives each incorporator name and address (§§ 33-1025, 33-1026(a)(5)) |
Certificate states name with corporation/incorporated/company or abbreviation and nature of activities or purposes; general lawful-activity purpose sufficient (§§ 33-1026(a)(1), (6), 33-1045(a)) |
Certificate states nonprofit, no shares or distributions, and whether members exist; names membership classes if any, and expressly states no members or only nonvoting members where applicable (§§ 33-1026(a)(2)–(3), 33-1055) |
Initial-director names/addresses may appear in certificate; incorporators can select directors afterward (§§ 33-1026(b)(1), 33-1029) |
Certificate gives initial registered-office street address and agent name; agent must be eligible under § 33-1050(a), with signed written appointment and residence address if an individual (§§ 33-1026(a)(4), 33-1050(a)) |
Incorporator signs before directors selected, with name and capacity; separate written agent appointment signed by agent (§§ 33-1004(f)–(g), 33-1050(a)) |
Current Connecticut business portal charges $50 for certificate of incorporation; published 2025 § 33-1013(a)(3) says $20 including agent appointment (fee-source discrepancy) |
Existence begins when certificate filed; same-day effective time can be specified; § 33-1006(b) excludes domestic certificate from delayed effective dates (§§ 33-1027(a), 33-1006(a)–(b)) |
| Delaware verified 2026-10-01 | Delaware General Corporation Law for nonprofit nonstock corporations; Division of Corporations (8 Del. C. §§ 101(a), 114) |
One or more persons or entities file a certificate of incorporation naming each incorporator (8 Del. C. §§ 101(a), 102(a)(5)) |
Certificate states compliant name and purpose; broad lawful-activity formula allowed (8 Del. C. § 102(a)(1), (3)) |
Certificate states no capital stock; member criteria in certificate or bylaws; nonprofit nonstock has no membership interests (8 Del. C. §§ 102(a)(4), 114(d)(3)–(4)) |
Initial director names/addresses if incorporator powers terminate on filing (8 Del. C. § 102(a)(6)) |
Certificate states Delaware registered-office address and agent name (8 Del. C. §§ 102(a)(2), 131(c), 132(a)) |
Incorporator(s) sign; signature can itself serve as perjury acknowledgment; no separate initial-agent acceptance stated (8 Del. C. §§ 103(a)(1), (b)(2), 102(a)(2)) |
$109 exempt incorporation for one page; $9 each added page county fee (Division of Corporations August 2026 fee schedule) |
Certificate effective on filing or a specified time within 90 days after filing (8 Del. C. § 103(d)) |
| District of Columbia verified 2026-10-01 | D.C. Nonprofit Corporation Act; Mayor files articles (D.C. Code §§ 29-402.01–.03) |
One or more persons deliver articles; articles list each incorporator’s name and street address (D.C. Code §§ 29-402.01, .02(a)(4)) |
Articles state distinguishable name; purpose provision is optional (D.C. Code §§ 29-402.02(a)(1), (b)(5)(A), 29-103.01(a)) |
Articles state whether corporation has members and that it is nonprofit under Chapter 4 (D.C. Code § 29-402.02(a)(3), (5)) |
First director names optional; if unnamed, incorporators elect directors or a board at organization (D.C. Code §§ 29-402.02(b)(1), 29-402.05(a)(2)) |
Articles carry agent filing information: commercial agent name, or noncommercial agent name and D.C. address, or officer/employee position and business-office address (D.C. Code §§ 29-402.02(a)(2), 29-104.04(a), 29-104.03) |
Authorized signer states name and capacity; agent designation affirms named agent’s consent (D.C. Code §§ 29-102.01(a)(4)–(5), 29-104.04(b)) |
$80 for nonprofit articles (17 DCMR § 603.1) |
Existence on filing unless delayed; permitted delay up to ninety days after filing (D.C. Code §§ 29-402.03(a), 29-102.03(3)–(4)) |
| Florida verified 2026-10-01 | Florida Nonprofit Corporation Act, ch. 617; deliver articles to Department of State (§§ 617.01011, .02011) |
One or more persons deliver articles of incorporation for filing (§ 617.02011) |
Name must satisfy § 617.0401; articles state purpose(s) and name (§ 617.0202(1)(a), (c)) |
§ 617.0202(1) has no mandatory member-status declaration; member classes/initial members may be stated under (2)(g)–(h) |
Articles state director-election/appointment method or put method in bylaws; initial director names optional (§ 617.0202) |
Articles state Florida registered-office street address and agent; also initial principal-office street and distinct mailing address (§ 617.0202(1)) |
Incorporator signs if not yet formed, stating name/capacity; written initial-agent acceptance filed with designation (§§ 617.01201(6)–(7), .0501(3)) |
$35 articles plus $35 agent designation/acceptance; $70 base total (§ 617.0122(1), (5)) |
On filing by default; initial articles may specify up to 5 business days prior, or delayed date up to 90 days (§§ 617.0203(1), .0123(1)) |
| Georgia verified 2026-10-01 | Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code, O.C.G.A. ch. 14-3; Secretary of State (§§ 14-3-201–202) |
One or more persons deliver articles of incorporation for filing (§ 14-3-201) |
Articles state compliant corporate name; purpose is optional and may include any lawful activity (§§ 14-3-202(a)(1), (b)(1), 14-3-401(a)) |
Articles must say whether corporation will have members and state organization under Chapter 14-3 (§ 14-3-202(a)(4), (6)) |
Initial directors’ names and addresses may be stated, but are optional (§ 14-3-202(b)(2)) |
Articles give initial registered-office street address and county, agent name, and different principal-office mailing address if any (§§ 14-3-202(a)(2), (5), 14-3-501) |
Named incorporator signs articles unless attorney in fact signs; articles identify agent (§ 14-3-202(a)(2), (c)) |
$100 statutory articles filing fee (§ 14-3-122(1)) |
Existence begins on filing unless a delayed date is specified; no later than 90 days after filing (§§ 14-3-123(b), 14-3-203(a)) |
| Hawaii verified 2026-10-01 | Hawaii Nonprofit Corporations Act; department director files articles (Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 414D-1, -31) |
One or more individuals deliver articles; name and address each incorporator (Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 414D-31, -32(a)(3)) |
Compliant name required; purpose optional, with lawful activity default (Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 414D-32(a)(1), (b)(1), -51(a), -61) |
State whether corporation has members; include dissolution asset distribution provision (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 414D-32(a)(4)–(5)) |
Initial director names and addresses optional in articles (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 414D-32(b)(2)) |
Principal-office mailing address plus commercial or noncommercial agent details under § 425R-4(a) (Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 414D-32(a)(2), 425R-4(a)) |
Incorporator signs and states name/capacity; agent appointment affirms consent, with no separate acceptance filing specified (Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 414D-3(f)–(g), 425R-4(b)) |
$25 current agency fee; § 414D-5 lists $50 but authorizes rule adjustment (Haw. DCCA fee schedule; Haw. Rev. Stat. § 414D-5(a)(1), (c)) |
Existence begins on filing; same-day effective time may be stated, with no later-day delay for articles (Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 414D-33(a), -6(a)–(b)) |
| Idaho verified 2026-10-01 | Idaho Nonprofit Corporation Act; file articles with Secretary of State (Idaho Code §§ 30-30-101, 30-30-201) |
One or more persons deliver articles naming and addressing each incorporator (Idaho Code §§ 30-30-201, 30-30-202(1)(e)) |
Articles state compliant distinguishable name and lawful purpose or purposes (Idaho Code §§ 30-30-202(1)(a)–(b), 30-21-301(a)) |
Articles say whether corporation has members and provide lawful dissolution distribution terms (Idaho Code § 30-30-202(1)(f)–(g)) |
Articles must give names and addresses of individuals serving as initial directors (Idaho Code § 30-30-202(1)(c)) |
Articles give commercial agent name or noncommercial agent name and Idaho street/mailing address or office-position route (Idaho Code §§ 30-30-202(1)(d), 30-21-403, 30-21-404(a)) |
Incorporator signs preformation filing; naming commercial or noncommercial agent affirms consent; no separate acceptance document specified (Idaho Code §§ 30-30-102(1)(b), 30-21-404(b)) |
$30 articles fee; $20 manual-entry surcharge when applicable (Idaho Code § 30-21-214(b)(9), (f)) |
Existence starts on filing absent delayed date; delay at most 90 days, default 12:01 a.m. if no time stated (Idaho Code §§ 30-30-203(1), 30-21-203(3)–(4)) |
| Illinois verified 2026-10-01 | General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986, 805 ILCS 105; Secretary of State (§§ 101.10, 102.10) |
One or more incorporators, each an adult individual or corporation; execute and file duplicate articles (§§ 102.05, 102.10) |
Articles state a compliant name and specific purpose from § 103.05; name must be distinguishable (§§ 102.10(a)(1)–(2), 104.05(a)(3)) |
No general member-class or no-member declaration required; articles may include one (§ 102.10(a)–(b)) |
Articles must give first board's number and each director's name and address (§ 102.10(a)(5)) |
Articles give initial registered-office address and agent name; agent meets Illinois eligibility rules (§§ 102.10(a)(3), 105.05(a)–(b)) |
Incorporator or incorporators sign; articles identify agent but statutory filing list calls for no separate agent consent (§§ 101.10(b)(1), 102.10(a)(3)) |
$50 to file articles of incorporation (§ 115.10(a)) |
Existence begins upon Secretary of State filing the articles (§ 102.15) |
| Indiana verified 2026-10-01 | Indiana Nonprofit Corporation Act, IC 23-17; file articles with Secretary of State (§ 23-17-3-1) |
At least one person lists name on articles and provides them for filing (§ 23-17-3-1) |
Articles require distinguishable name with corporate indicator; purpose statement optional (§§ 23-17-3-2(1), -3(1), 23-0.5-3-1(a), -2(a)) |
Articles choose public-benefit, mutual-benefit, or religious type; declare whether members will exist; include lawful dissolution-assets provision (§ 23-17-3-2(2), (5)–(6)) |
Initial director names/addresses optional in articles; if omitted, incorporators elect directors after incorporation (§§ 23-17-3-3(2), -7(a)(2)) |
Articles state initial agent's name and Indiana street address; agent may be individual, general partnership, domestic filing entity, or registered foreign entity (§§ 23-17-3-2(3), 23-0.5-4-2 to -3) |
Authorized signer gives name/capacity; initial agent filing states agent consent or representation of consent, without separate acceptance signature (§§ 23-0.5-2-1(a)(4)–(5), 23-0.5-4-3(d)) |
$20 electronic filing; $50 other filing (§ 23-0.5-9-14) |
Existence starts when Secretary files articles, or at permitted delayed date/time no later than 90 days after filing (§§ 23-17-3-5(a), 23-0.5-2-3) |
| Iowa verified 2026-10-01 | Revised Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act; articles filed with Secretary of State; credible fraud information can trigger paper delivery (§§ 504.201–.203, 504.116(5)) |
One or more persons deliver articles; articles give each incorporator's name and address (§§ 504.201, 504.202(1)(c)) |
Articles state a distinguishable corporate name; purpose statement is optional and may authorize any lawful activity (§§ 504.202(1)(a), (2)(a), 504.401(2)) |
Articles say whether the corporation will have members and provide lawful dissolution-asset distribution terms (§ 504.202(1)(d)–(e)) |
Initial-director names and addresses may be included but are not required in articles (§ 504.202(2)(b)) |
Articles state initial registered-office address and agent name; office and agent share the same address (§§ 504.202(1)(b), 504.501) |
An incorporator named in the articles signs; required-contents list does not specify a separate agent acceptance (§§ 504.202(1), (3), 504.111(6)–(7)) |
$20 for domestic nonprofit articles on current Secretary of State fee table (§ 504.113(1)(a)) |
Existence begins on filing unless delayed; delayed effective date may be no later than day 90 after filing (§§ 504.203(1), 504.114(2)) |
| Kansas verified 2026-10-01 | Kansas general corporation code; articles filed with Secretary of State (K.S.A. §§ 17-6001(a), 17-6002) |
A person or entity, singly or jointly, files articles naming and giving postal address of each incorporator (K.S.A. §§ 17-6001(a), 17-6002(a)(5)) |
Articles state compliant name and purpose; any-lawful-activity formula permitted (K.S.A. §§ 17-6002(a)(1), (3), 17-7918(a), 17-7919(a)) |
Articles say no capital stock; membership conditions or identifying criteria go in articles or bylaws (K.S.A. § 17-6002(a)(4)(B)(i)) |
Name and address initial directors if incorporator powers end on filing; otherwise incorporators can elect directors afterward (K.S.A. §§ 17-6002(a)(6), 17-6007) |
Articles give Kansas registered-office postal address and resident-agent name; agent may be entity itself, Kansas individual or qualifying entity (K.S.A. §§ 17-6002(a)(2), 17-7924, 17-7925(a)) |
Incorporator(s) sign; execution is oath under penalty of perjury; no separate agent-acceptance filing in the cited formation rules (K.S.A. §§ 17-7908(a)(1), 17-7909(a), 17-6002(a)(2)) |
$20 paper or online on current Secretary of State form; statute delegates fee-setting with $50 nonprofit cap (K.S.A. § 17-7506(b)) |
Existence begins on filing; document may set later effective date no more than 90 days after filing (K.S.A. §§ 17-6006, 17-7911) |
| Kentucky verified 2026-10-01 | KRS 273.161–.390 nonprofit law; Secretary of State files articles (§§ 273.243, .247, .2531) |
One or more persons deliver articles; articles give each incorporator’s name and mailing address (§§ 273.243, .247(1)(g)) |
Articles state compliant name and purposes; lawful purposes permitted; name distinguishable with statutory ending (§§ 273.247(1)(a)–(b), 273.167, 14A.3-010(1)–(2)) |
Nonprofit articles’ required list has no member/no-member or type election; internal-affairs and distribution terms may be included (§ 273.247(1)) |
Articles state number on initial board and each initial director’s name and mailing address (§ 273.247(1)(f)) |
Articles state initial KY registered office/agent and principal-office mailing address; agent resident individual or qualified entity with matching business address (§§ 273.247(1)(d)–(e), 14A.4-010(1)) |
Incorporator signs before formation; agent signs articles or written consent accompanies them (§§ 14A.2-020(1)(a)3, 273.247(5), 14A.4-010(2)) |
$8 nonprofit articles fee in current Secretary of State fee schedule |
Existence starts on SOS filing unless delayed; delayed document date no later than 90th day after filing; no time means 5 p.m. Frankfort (§§ 273.2531(1), 14A.2-070(1)–(2)) |
| Louisiana verified 2026-10-01 | Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation Law, Title 12, Chapter 2; Secretary of State files articles (§§ 12:202–203, 12:205(A)) |
One or more natural/artificial persons capable of contracting; articles name/address each incorporator (§§ 12:202–203(A), (B)(7)) |
Articles state distinguishable name and general purposes, or any lawful Chapter 2 activity (§§ 12:203(B)(1)–(2), 12:204(B)) |
Articles declare nonprofit status and stock/nonstock/both; nonstock articles specify member qualifications, any classes, and class rights (§ 12:203(B)(4), (9)–(11)) |
Articles give initial directors’ names, addresses, and terms of office (§ 12:203(B)(8)) |
Articles give registered-office location/address and each agent’s full name/address, not only a PO box; office in Louisiana; agent eligibility in § 12:236(C)(1) (§§ 12:203(B)(5)–(6), 12:236) |
Each incorporator or authorized agent signs English articles; one signer acknowledges or uses authentic act; notarized acceptance from each registered agent attached (§§ 12:203(A), 12:236(C)(2)) |
$95 for filing and recording nonprofit articles effective October 1, 2026 (2026 Act 921, §§ 1–2, amending § 49:222(B)(2)(a)) |
Certificate issued; existence generally from SOS filing; articles may be delivered for date/time up to 30 days later; qualifying filing within five days of acknowledgment/authentic act relates back (§ 12:205(A)–(C)) |
| Maine verified 2026-10-01 | Maine Nonprofit Corporation Act; Secretary of State files articles (13-B M.R.S. §§ 401, 404) |
One or more persons execute articles; corporate incorporator adds officer authorization certificate (13-B M.R.S. § 401(1), (3)) |
Name and purpose required; mutual benefit may state all Act-permitted purposes (13-B M.R.S. §§ 403(1)(A)–(B), 301-A) |
Elect public or mutual benefit; set member classes and rights, or state no members (13-B M.R.S. §§ 403(1)(A-1), 402(1)) |
State initial-board number if designated or directors chosen; state minimum/maximum if different; incorporators act until directors elected if unnamed (13-B M.R.S. §§ 403(1)(E)–(F), 406(1)) |
Articles include commercial agent/clerk name or noncommercial agent or office-position details (13-B M.R.S. § 403(1)(D); 5 M.R.S. § 105(1)) |
Incorporator(s) sign with printed name/capacity; appointment affirms agent consent (13-B M.R.S. § 104(1)(A), (2); 5 M.R.S. § 105(2)) |
$40 articles fee (13-B M.R.S. § 1401(11)) |
Existence begins on endorsed filing date; filed document effective that date (13-B M.R.S. §§ 405(2), 106(2)) |
| Maryland verified 2026-10-01 | Maryland General Corporation Law applies to nonstock corporations; file with State Department of Assessments and Taxation (§§ 5-201, 2-102(a), 1-101(k)) |
One or more adult individual incorporators sign, acknowledge, and file articles; articles state each incorporator’s name, address, and age/formation declaration (§§ 2-102(a), 2-104(a)(1)) |
Articles state name and purpose or any-lawful-business-or-other-activity statement; name needs corporate word and record distinguishability (§§ 2-104(a)(2)–(3), 1-502(a)(1), 1-504) |
Charter must deny authority to issue capital stock; member/director classes and member rights may be set in charter or bylaws (§ 5-202(a)–(b)) |
Articles must give number and names of directors serving until successors are elected and qualify (§ 2-104(a)(8)) |
Articles state Maryland principal-office address and resident-agent name/address; agent is Maryland resident individual or Maryland corporation, LLC, or limited partnership (§§ 2-104(a)(4)–(5), 2-108(a), 1-101(x)) |
Adult incorporators sign and acknowledge articles; § 1-302(a)(2) permits an incorporator acknowledgment statement (§§ 2-102(a), 1-302(a)(2)) |
$150 processing for nonstock nonprofit organized to operate under IRC § 501(c)(3), (4), or (6), otherwise $100; add $20 nonstock organization fee, yielding $170 or $120 (§§ 1-203(b)(1), (10), 1-204(c)(2)) |
Body corporate arises when Department accepts articles for record or at stated later time no more than 30 days after acceptance (§ 2-102(b)(1)) |
| Massachusetts verified 2026-10-01 | Chapter 180; articles submitted to state secretary under incorporated Chapter 156B filing procedure (ch. 180 § 3; ch. 156B § 12) |
One or more incorporators, natural persons at least 18; submit articles of organization (ch. 180 § 3; ch. 156B § 12) |
Articles state name and specific Chapter 180 purpose(s); name cannot mislead about purpose (ch. 180 §§ 3–4; ch. 156B § 13(a)) |
No stock; member classes, if any, have their terms in articles or bylaws; no mandatory no-member declaration in ch. 180 § 3 (ch. 180 § 3) |
Incorporators elect initial directors before filing; form lists each initial director and principal officers (ch. 156B §§ 12–13(c)) |
Form gives Massachusetts initial principal-office street address; optional resident agent must be a qualifying Massachusetts individual or corporation (ch. 156B §§ 13(c), 49) |
All incorporators sign articles under penalties of perjury; cited formation provisions prescribe no separate agent acceptance (ch. 156B §§ 12–13(c), 49) |
$35 for Chapter 180 articles of organization; fee set under ch. 180 § 11C(a) (Corporations Division fee schedule) |
Existence begins on effective filing; articles may specify a later date up to 30 days after filing (ch. 156B §§ 6, 12) |
| Michigan verified 2026-10-01 | Nonprofit Corporation Act, 1982 PA 162; file with corporation administrator (§§ 450.2131(1), 450.2201) |
One or more persons sign in ink and file articles; 3+ incorporators may designate one signer by filed resolution (§§ 450.2108(3), 450.2201) |
Articles state distinguishable name and specific purposes; generic lawful-purpose formula insufficient (§§ 450.2202(a)–(b), 450.2212(1)(b)) |
Stock basis states authorized shares and class terms if any; nonstock basis states membership or directorship basis, assets/value and financing scheme (§ 450.2202(c)–(f)) |
Formation articles list incorporators; no initial-director list among § 450.2202 required contents (§ 450.2202) |
Articles state initial registered-office street/mailing address and resident agent name; agent meets Michigan residence/entity rules (§§ 450.2202(g), 450.2241) |
Incorporators sign in ink; 3+ may file designation of one signer; articles identify resident agent (§§ 450.2201, 450.2202(g)) |
$10 articles filing plus $10 franchise fee on filing; combined $20 computed total (§§ 450.3060(1)(a), (2), 450.3061) |
On articles’ effective date, ordinarily endorsement; stated later time within 90 days of delivery (§§ 450.2131(6), 450.2221) |
| Minnesota verified 2026-10-01 | Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Act, chapter 317A; Secretary of State files articles (§§ 317A.105, 317A.151) |
One or more adult natural persons file articles; articles identify each incorporator by name/address (§§ 317A.105, 317A.111, subd. 1(3)) |
Articles state distinguishable name; corporate designator not required. General lawful-activity purpose applies unless articles narrow it (§§ 317A.111, subd. 1(1), 317A.115, subds. 1(c), 2(a), 317A.101) |
Members are not required; absent articles or bylaw provision corporation has none; member classes may be provided in articles or bylaws (§§ 317A.111, subd. 3(17), 317A.401, subd. 1(a)) |
Articles may name first board; otherwise incorporators may elect it or act as directors until election (§§ 317A.111, subd. 4(1), 317A.171, subd. 1) |
Articles state Minnesota registered-office address and agent name only if agent chosen; agent optional, with qualifying Minnesota resident or entity and office matching registered office (§§ 317A.111, subd. 1(2), 317A.121, 5.36, subds. 1–2) |
Filing definition requires a signed document; articles name any agent, whose designation is optional under § 5.36, subd. 2 (§§ 317A.011, subd. 8, 317A.111, subd. 1(2)) |
$70 total: $35 incorporation fee plus $35 filing fee (§§ 317A.151, subd. 2, 317A.011, subd. 8) |
Existence begins when articles are filed with Secretary of State with $70 payment; § 317A.151, subd. 2 gives later timing for amendments, not formation articles |
| Mississippi verified 2026-10-01 | Mississippi Nonprofit Corporation Act; Secretary of State receives articles (Miss. Code §§ 79-11-101, 79-11-135) |
One or more persons deliver articles; list each incorporator's name and address (Miss. Code §§ 79-11-135, 79-11-137(1)(d)) |
State distinguishable name, duration and initial planned primary nonprofit activity; separate purpose clause optional (Miss. Code §§ 79-11-137(1)(a)–(b), (e), (2)(b)(i), 79-11-157(2)) |
Formation-article list requires planned primary nonprofit activity; it does not call for a member-status or entity-type election (Miss. Code § 79-11-137(1)) |
Initial-director names and addresses optional; if omitted, incorporators elect directors after incorporation (Miss. Code §§ 79-11-137(2)(a), 79-11-143(1)(b)) |
Articles include commercial agent name or noncommercial agent name, address and email; additional contact information may be required by rule (Miss. Code §§ 79-11-137(1)(c), (f), 79-35-5(a)) |
Incorporator signs before formation and states name and capacity; agent designation affirms notice, forwarding address and consent (Miss. Code §§ 79-11-105(6)–(7), 79-35-5(b)) |
$50 for articles; Secretary may charge up to double if prescribed form is not used (Miss. Code § 79-11-109(1)(a), (4)) |
Existence begins on filing absent delayed date; delayed effective date no later than 90 days after filing (Miss. Code §§ 79-11-139(1), 79-11-111(2)) |
| Missouri verified 2026-10-01 | Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Act, chapter 355; file with Secretary of State (§§ 355.001, .096) |
One or more individual incorporators deliver articles and exact/conformed copy (§§ 355.096(1), 355.011(9)) |
Articles require compliant, distinguishable name; lawful-activity purpose statement optional (§§ 355.096(2)(1), (3)(1), 355.146) |
Articles elect public- or mutual-benefit status, declare whether members will exist, and provide lawful dissolution-asset terms (§ 355.096(2)(2), (5)–(6)) |
Initial director names/addresses optional in articles; otherwise incorporators elect after formation (§§ 355.096(3)(2), 355.111(1)) |
Articles state initial Missouri registered-office street address and agent name; qualifying agent has same office address (§§ 355.096(2)(3), 355.161) |
Incorporator signs and states name/capacity; articles list agent, with no separate agent-consent filing in cited formation provisions (§§ 355.011(6)–(7), 355.096(2)(3)) |
$20 base articles fee; Secretary may add $5 through Dec. 31, 2026; military-service waiver may apply (§§ 355.021(1)(1), (4), 355.023) |
Existence begins when articles are filed unless delayed date specified; § 355.026(2) gives 90-day delayed-date ceiling (§§ 355.101, 355.026) |
| Montana verified 2026-10-01 | Montana Nonprofit Corporations chapter; Secretary of State files articles (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 35-2-212, -213) |
One or more persons deliver articles; each incorporator gives business mailing address (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 35-2-212, -213(1)(d)) |
Compliant, distinguishable name required; purpose optional and may be any lawful activity (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 35-2-213(1)(a), (2)(a), -305) |
Elect public/mutual/religious type; state member status and dissolution asset terms (Mont. Code Ann. § 35-2-213(1)(b), (e)–(f)) |
Initial director names/addresses optional; named directors sign, otherwise incorporators elect directors (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 35-2-213(2)(b), (4), -216(1)(b)) |
Articles give commercial agent name or noncommercial agent name/address (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 35-2-213(1)(c), 35-7-105(1)) |
Each incorporator and named director signs; signer states name/capacity; appointment affirms agent consent (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 35-2-213(4), -119(6), 35-7-105(2)) |
$20 current Secretary of State nonprofit articles fee, set under statute (Mont. Code Ann. § 35-2-1003; Secretary of State fee schedule) |
Existence on filing unless delayed; delayed date at most 90 days after filing (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 35-2-214(1), -121(2)) |
| Nebraska verified 2026-10-01 | Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act; articles filed with Secretary of State (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 21-1901, 21-1920) |
One or more persons deliver articles, with exact or conformed copy; each incorporator listed by name and street address (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 21-1903(i), 21-1920, 21-1921(a)(4)) |
Articles state compliant name; separate purpose optional and may be any lawful activity (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 21-1921(a)(1), (b)(1), 21-1931) |
Articles elect public benefit, mutual benefit, or religious type; say whether members exist and address asset distribution on dissolution (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 21-1921(a)(2), (5)–(6)) |
Initial-director names and street addresses optional; named directors also sign; otherwise incorporators elect directors after formation (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 21-1921(b)(2), (c), 21-1924(a)(2)) |
Articles state initial Nebraska office street address and agent name; agent may be resident individual or qualifying domestic/foreign corporation with matching office (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 21-1921(a)(3), 21-1934) |
Every incorporator and named initial director signs; statute's formation list does not specify a separate agent acceptance (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 21-1921(c), 21-1903(g)) |
$30 written filing or $25 electronic filing (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 21-1905(a)(1)) |
Existence starts on filing absent delayed date; delayed effective date at most 90 days after filing (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 21-1922(a), 21-1906(b)) |
| Nevada verified 2026-10-01 | Nevada nonprofit corporations under NRS Chapter 82; file articles with Secretary of State (NRS 82.081) |
One or more natural persons sign and file articles; list each signing incorporator's name and mailing or street address (NRS 82.081(1), 82.086(6)) |
Articles state a distinguishable name and business or purpose; any lawful activity formula suffices (NRS 82.086(1), (4), 82.096(1)) |
Articles declare nonprofit corporation status; members may be provided in articles or bylaws, and absent either provision there are no members (NRS 82.086(3), 82.231(1)) |
Articles name the first board and provide mailing or street addresses; corporation must have at least one adult director or trustee (NRS 82.086(5), 82.196) |
Articles provide Chapter 77 agent information; name commercial agent or give noncommercial agent name and address or office title and address (NRS 82.086(2), 77.310(1)) |
Incorporators sign articles; registered-agent appointment requires a certificate of acceptance (NRS 82.081(1), 77.310(2)) |
$50 for articles of incorporation (NRS 82.531(1)) |
Corporate body exists upon filing of articles; Secretary issues a filing certificate after articles and fee are filed (NRS 82.111(1)) |
| New Hampshire verified 2026-10-01 | RSA chapter 292 voluntary corporation; articles recorded with secretary of state, then copy with town clerk (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 292:4) |
Five or more persons of lawful age sign and record articles of agreement (N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 292:1–:2, :4) |
Articles state compliant name and an object within § 292:1 purposes (N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 292:1–:3) |
Articles set membership criteria/procedures, dissolution asset terms, and any stock or membership-certificate terms (N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 292:2(II-a)–(V), :6-b) |
Director names or selection method are not on the § 292:2 article list; initial bylaws adopted by two-thirds of signers (N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 292:2, :6) |
Articles state business address; service-agent appointment is voluntary and separate (N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 292:2(IV), :5-d) |
Each associating person signs and gives post-office address; optional service-agent statement has no formation acceptance (N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 292:2(VI), :5-d) |
$25 state recording plus $5 town-clerk copy; $2 handling charge if state fee paid electronically (N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 292:5, 5:10-a) |
Signers become corporation when state records articles; § 292:4 states no delayed-date option (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 292:4) |
| New Jersey verified 2026-10-01 | New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation Act, Title 15A; file with Secretary of State (§§ 15A:2-7, 15A:2-8(b)) |
One or more adult individuals or qualifying corporate entities sign and file original plus copy of certificate (§§ 15A:2-7(a), 15A:2-8(b)) |
Certificate states name and lawful nonpecuniary purposes; name generally includes one of the § 15A:2-2(a)(4) corporate terms (§§ 15A:2-1(a), 15A:2-8(a)(1)–(2)) |
State member qualifications or bylaw reference, any class rights or bylaw reference, or expressly state no members (§ 15A:2-8(a)(3)–(5)) |
State trustee election method or bylaw reference; list at least three first trustees with names and qualifying addresses (§ 15A:2-8(a)(6), (9)) |
State initial registered-office actual/postal address and agent name; agent address matches office; eligible individual is 18+ (§§ 15A:2-8(a)(8), 15A:4-1) |
Incorporators sign certificate; certificate names the registered agent; filing list does not specify a separate agent acceptance (§§ 15A:2-7(a), 15A:2-8(a), (b)) |
$50 for original nonprofit certificate, effective July 1, 2026 (N.J.S.A. § 15A:15-1(a)(1); P.L.2026, c.24) |
Existence begins on certificate filing or a specified later time no more than 30 days after filing (§ 15A:2-8(b)) |
| New Mexico verified 2026-10-01 | New Mexico Nonprofit Corporation Act; deliver articles to Secretary of State (NMSA 1978 §§ 53-8-1, 53-8-30, 53-8-32) |
One or more persons, including corporations, sign and deliver original and copy of articles (NMSA 1978 §§ 53-8-30, 53-8-32(A)) |
Articles state name, duration and purpose; name cannot misleadingly suggest another purpose or duplicate/confuse with protected names (NMSA 1978 §§ 53-8-31(A)(1)–(3), 53-8-7) |
Act forbids shares; member classes or no-member status must be set out in articles or bylaws (NMSA 1978 §§ 53-8-28(A), 53-8-11) |
Articles must name and address persons who consented to serve as initial directors (NMSA 1978 § 53-8-31(A)(6)) |
Articles state initial registered-office address and agent name; eligible agent is New Mexico resident individual or authorized domestic/foreign corporation with matching office (NMSA 1978 §§ 53-8-31(A)(5), 53-8-8) |
Incorporators sign; agent or authorized corporate officer signs acceptance statement delivered with articles (NMSA 1978 §§ 53-8-30, 53-8-32(A)) |
$25 for filing articles and issuing certificate (NMSA 1978 § 53-8-85(A)) |
Existence begins upon delivery to Secretary unless disapproved; certificate confirms incorporation (NMSA 1978 § 53-8-33) |
| New York verified 2026-10-01 | Not-for-Profit Corporation Law art. 4; Department of State (§§ 401–403) |
One or more natural persons age 18 or older sign and deliver certificate of incorporation (§§ 401, 402(a)) |
Certificate states name, purpose, charitable/non-charitable status; suffix generally required with statutory exceptions (§§ 301(a), 402(a)) |
Certificate declares charitable or non-charitable type; charitable may have no members; membership provisions may be in certificate or bylaws (§§ 201(b), 402(a), (c), 601(a)) |
Certificate names and addresses initial directors; board has at least 3 directors, with number fixed by bylaws or authorized action (§§ 402(a)(4), 702(a)) |
Certificate states NY county of office, designates secretary of state for process and mailing address; optional registered agent has NY name/address (§ 402(a)(3), (6)–(7)) |
Each incorporator signs with name/address; optional registered agent named, with no separate acceptance stated in certificate content list (§ 402(a)) |
$75 certificate of incorporation (§ 104-A(e)) |
Existence begins when Department of State files certificate; filing instrument ordinarily effective on filing (§§ 403, 104(f)) |
| North Carolina verified 2026-10-01 | North Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act, Ch. 55A; Secretary of State (§§ 55A-2-01–02) |
One or more persons deliver articles of incorporation for filing (§ 55A-2-01) |
Articles state compliant, distinguishable name; purpose is optional, with lawful-activity default (§§ 55A-2-02(a)(1), (b)(1), 55A-3-01(a), 55D-20–21) |
Articles state whether members exist; charitable or religious corporation states that status; dissolution-distribution provisions required (§ 55A-2-02(a)(2), (5)–(6)) |
Initial directors’ names and addresses optional in articles (§ 55A-2-02(b)(2)) |
Articles state registered-office street/mailing address and county, agent name, and principal-office street/mailing address and county (§§ 55A-2-02(a)(3), (7), 55D-30(a)(2)) |
Incorporator signs before formation, states name and capacity; articles name initial agent (§§ 55A-1-20(b)(2), 55A-2-02(a)(3), 55D-10(b)(6)) |
$60 statutory articles filing fee (§ 55A-1-22(a)(1)) |
On filing unless delayed effective date; delay no later than 90 days after filing (§§ 55A-2-03(a), 55D-13(b)) |
| North Dakota verified 2026-10-01 | Chapter 10-33; articles filed with Secretary of State (N.D.C.C. §§ 10-33-05, -08) |
One or more individuals age eighteen or older file articles naming and addressing each incorporator (N.D.C.C. §§ 10-33-05, -06(1)(d)) |
Articles state name; any lawful nonprofit activity is the default purpose (N.D.C.C. §§ 10-33-06(1)(a), (2)(a), 10-33-04(1)) |
No members by default unless articles or bylaws change that rule; articles state Chapter 10-33 incorporation (N.D.C.C. § 10-33-06(1)(f), (3)(p)) |
First board may be named in articles; otherwise incorporators elect it or act as directors until election (N.D.C.C. §§ 10-33-06(4)(a), 10-33-25(1)) |
Articles name agent and give a North Dakota address for a noncommercial agent; principal executive office address is separate (N.D.C.C. §§ 10-33-06(1)(b)–(c), 10-01.1-04) |
Filed record signed by a person authorized under Chapter 10-33; agent appointment affirms consent (N.D.C.C. §§ 10-33-01(34)(b), 10-01.1-05(2)) |
$40 for articles and certificate (N.D.C.C. § 10-33-140(1)(a)) |
Existence on certificate issuance or article-specified later date within ninety days after issuance (N.D.C.C. §§ 10-33-06(1)(e), 10-33-09) |
| Ohio verified 2026-10-01 | Ohio Nonprofit Corporation Law, Chapter 1702; Secretary of State (§§ 1702.04(A), 1702.07(A)) |
Any person, alone or with others, signs and files articles; residence or domicile does not limit eligibility (§ 1702.04(A)) |
Articles state name, Ohio principal-office place, and purpose; name must be distinguishable or approved by consent (§§ 1702.03, 1702.04(A), 1702.05(A), (C)) |
Initial-member names, membership qualifications and classes are optional articles provisions (§ 1702.04(A)–(B)) |
Initial directors' names may be included; no initial-director list required in ordinary articles (§ 1702.04(A)–(B)(1)) |
Articles give Ohio principal-office place; separate agent appointment gives agent name and Ohio address (§§ 1702.04(A)(2), (C), 1702.06(A), (C)) |
Incorporator signs articles; incorporators or majority sign agent appointment, and agent signs acceptance (§§ 1702.04(A), 1702.06(B)) |
$99 for no-stock domestic articles, including agent designation (§ 111.16(A)(1)) |
On filing or a date stated in articles no more than 90 days after filing (§ 1702.04(D)) |
| Oklahoma verified 2026-10-01 | Oklahoma General Corporation Act, Title 18, chapter 22; nonprofit nonstock certificate filed with Secretary of State (§§ 1004.1, 1005(A)) |
At least three persons, partnerships, associations, corporations, or a combination execute and file a certificate; names and mailing addresses required (§§ 1005(A), 1006(A)(5)) |
Certificate states a distinguishable name with a listed corporate designator and the business or purposes; general lawful-act purpose is sufficient (§ 1006(A)(1), (3)) |
Certificate states no authorization to issue capital stock and no pecuniary gain to members as such; membership criteria may appear in certificate or bylaws (§ 1006(A)(4), (7)(a)) |
Nonprofit certificate names and gives mailing addresses of each governing-body member and the number to elect at first meeting; initial-director names under paragraph 6 additionally apply if incorporator powers end at filing (§ 1006(A)(6)–(7)) |
Certificate states Oklahoma registered-office street, number, city and postal code and agent name; eligible agents include Oklahoma residents and specified domestic or authorized foreign entities (§§ 1006(A)(2), 1022(A), (C)) |
Incorporators sign certificate; acknowledgment may be formal or the signature itself affirms its truth under penalty of perjury (§§ 1005(A), 1007(A)(1), (B)) |
$25 for filing and issuing a nonprofit certificate of incorporation (§ 1142(A)(9)) |
Corporate existence begins on filing of executed and acknowledged certificate, subject to delayed effectiveness specified in certificate no later than the 90th day after filing (§§ 1010, 1007(D)) |
| Oregon verified 2026-10-01 | Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Act, ORS ch. 65; Secretary of State reviews, accepts, and files articles (§§ 65.044, 65.047, 65.051) |
One or more adults, domestic/foreign corporations, partnerships, or associations deliver articles; each incorporator named/addressed (§§ 65.044, 65.047(1)(d)) |
Articles state distinguishable corporate name; purpose terms optional, with lawful-activity default (§§ 65.047(1)(a), (2)(b)(A), 65.074(1), 65.094(4)) |
Articles elect public benefit, mutual benefit, or religious type; state whether members will exist and dissolution-asset distribution (§ 65.047(1)(b), (f)–(g)) |
Initial director names/addresses optional; if omitted, incorporators elect directors or board after incorporation (§§ 65.047(2)(a), 65.057(1)(b)) |
Articles state Oregon registered-office street/number, initial agent, and alternate mailing address; office is agent residence/office at physical service address (§§ 65.047(1)(c), (e), 65.111) |
Incorporators sign and affirm consent of each named director; signer states name/capacity and perjury declaration; no separate initial-agent consent listed (§§ 65.047(1), (3), 65.004(2)(b)) |
$50 for ordinary nonprofit articles (§§ 65.007, 56.140(4)) |
Existence begins when SOS reviews, accepts, and files articles unless delayed; delayed date no later than day 90, 12:01 a.m. if no time (§§ 65.051(1), 65.011(1)–(2)) |
| Pennsylvania verified 2026-10-01 | Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, 15 Pa.C.S. ch. 53; Department of State (§§ 5306, 5308) |
One or more adult natural persons or corporations sign and deliver articles of incorporation (§§ 5302, 5306, 5308) |
Articles state name and brief purpose; name must be available for filing (§§ 5306(a)(1), (3), 135(a)(3)) |
State nonprofit/no pecuniary gain; if membership corporation, elect nonstock or stock-share basis; if no members, say so (§ 5306(a)(4)–(7)) |
Initial director names optional; naming affirms written consent; if omitted, incorporators elect directors at organization meeting (§§ 5306(c), 5310(a)) |
Articles state initial Pennsylvania registered-office street address; permitted commercial provider name/county may substitute (§§ 5306(a)(2), 109(a)) |
Each incorporator signs; articles list registered office, not a mandatory agent or agent acceptance (§ 5306(a), (c)) |
$125 for domestic articles of incorporation (§ 153(a)(1)(i)) |
Existence begins on filing or later date specified in articles; § 136(c) governs effective date/time (§§ 5306(a)(10), 5309(a), 136(c)) |
| Rhode Island verified 2026-10-01 | Rhode Island Nonprofit Corporation Act; Secretary of State files articles and issues certificate (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 7-6-33, -35) |
One or more persons sign and deliver duplicate articles naming/addressing incorporators (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 7-6-33(a), -34(a)(7)) |
Articles state compliant name, duration and purposes (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 7-6-34(a)(1)–(3), -11(a)) |
Required article list has no member-status or type election; no such statement specified for ordinary filing (R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-6-34(a)) |
Articles state number, names and addresses of first directors; at least three (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 7-6-34(a)(6), -23(a)–(b)) |
Articles state registered-office address and initial agent name; office and agent continuously maintained (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 7-6-34(a)(5), -12) |
Incorporator(s) sign duplicate articles; no separate initial-agent consent in article list (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 7-6-33(a), -34(a)(5)) |
$35 for articles and certificate (R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-6-92(1)) |
Existence on certificate issuance or stated later date no more than 30 days after articles filing (R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-6-36) |
| South Carolina verified 2026-10-01 | South Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act, chapter 33-31; Secretary of State files articles (§§ 33-31-201, 33-31-202) |
One or more persons deliver articles plus exact/conformed copy; articles identify each incorporator with name/address/zip (§§ 33-31-201, 33-31-202(a)(4), 33-31-120(i)) |
Articles state distinguishable name; purpose may be stated and may include any lawful activity (§§ 33-31-202(a)(1), (c)(1), 33-31-401(b)) |
Articles elect public-benefit, mutual-benefit, or religious status; state member status and lawful dissolution-asset provisions (§ 33-31-202(a)(2), (5)–(6)) |
Initial director names/addresses/zip optional; otherwise incorporators organize and elect directors or board (§§ 33-31-202(c)(2), 33-31-205(a)(2)) |
Articles state SC registered-office street address/zip, agent name, and principal-office address/zip (which may be outside SC); registered office/agent share address (§§ 33-31-202(a)(3), (7), 33-31-501) |
Each incorporator and any director named in articles must sign; signer states name/capacity (§§ 33-31-202(d), 33-31-120(g)) |
$25 articles fee under § 33-31-122(a)(1); one exact or conformed copy accompanies filing under § 33-31-120(i) |
Existence starts when articles filed unless delayed date specified; delayed effective time/date no later than day 90 after filing (§§ 33-31-203(a), 33-31-123(b)) |
| South Dakota verified 2026-10-01 | South Dakota nonprofit corporation chapters 47-22 to 47-28; Secretary of State issues certificate (S.D. Codified Laws §§ 47-22-5, -12) |
One or more adults deliver articles; article names/addresses each incorporator (S.D. Codified Laws §§ 47-22-5, -6(10)) |
Articles state name, duration and purposes; any lawful purpose allowed (S.D. Codified Laws §§ 47-22-4, -6(1)–(3), -7) |
No-member statement if applicable; class terms may be in articles or bylaws (S.D. Codified Laws §§ 47-22-6(4)–(5), 47-23-1) |
Articles name/address first board and count; director-selection method if not chosen by member classes (S.D. Codified Laws § 47-22-6(6), (9)) |
Articles give commercial agent name or noncommercial agent/office-position details (S.D. Codified Laws §§ 47-22-6(8), 59-11-6) |
Incorporator delivers articles; appointment affirms agent consent, no separate consent specified (S.D. Codified Laws §§ 47-22-5, 59-11-6) |
$30 for articles and certificate (S.D. Codified Laws § 47-28-6(1)) |
Existence on certificate issuance absent delay; delayed filing effect by ninetieth day after filing (S.D. Codified Laws §§ 47-22-13, 47-28-19) |
| Tennessee verified 2026-10-04 | Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act; charter filed with secretary of state (§§ 48-52-101–103) |
One or more persons deliver charter; charter names and addresses each incorporator (§§ 48-52-101, -102(a)(5)) |
Charter gives compliant name; purpose clause optional; name must satisfy § 48-54-101 (§ 48-52-102(a)(1), (b)(2)(A)) |
Charter elects public or mutual benefit, states religious status if applicable, says not for profit and will/will not have members, and addresses dissolution assets (§ 48-52-102(a)(2)–(3), (7)–(9)) |
Initial director names/addresses optional; if omitted, incorporators elect directors after incorporation (§§ 48-52-102(b)(1), -105(a)) |
Initial registered-office street address, ZIP, county and agent name; initial principal-office street/ZIP and mailing address if needed; agent must meet § 48-55-101 (§§ 48-52-102(a)(4), (6), 48-55-101(a)) |
Incorporator executes before formation, signing with name and capacity; charter designates agent and office; no separate agent signature specified in these filing provisions (§§ 48-51-301(f)–(g), -304(c), 48-52-102(a)(4)) |
$100 charter fee, including initial agent and registered-office designation (§ 48-51-303(a)(1)) |
Existence on secretary's charter filing unless delayed; specified delayed date up to 90 days after filing (§§ 48-52-103(a), 48-51-304(a)–(b)) |
| Texas verified 2026-10-01 | Business Organizations Code chs. 3–5 and 22; secretary of state (§§ 3.001, 4.001, 22.001) |
Any person with capacity to contract may organize; file certificate of formation (§§ 3.001, .004) |
Certificate states name and purpose, which may be any lawful purpose; name generally distinguishable, nonprofit need not use corporate suffix (§§ 3.005, 5.053–.054, 22.051) |
State nonprofit entity type; say if no members and if members manage; membership class details may be in certificate or bylaws (§§ 3.005, .009, 22.151) |
If board-managed, state initial director count, names and addresses; at least 3 directors; later selection method may be in certificate or bylaws (§§ 3.009, 22.204–.206) |
State initial registered-office street address, agent name, and initial mailing address; agent must meet Texas eligibility and office rules (§§ 3.005, 5.201) |
Each organizer signs; agent consents in prescribed written/electronic form; organizer designation affirms consent (§§ 3.004, 5.201–.2011) |
$25 for nonprofit certificate of formation (§ 4.153(1)) |
Existence begins when filing takes effect; default on filing; express delayed date/time or future event, no later than 90 days after signing (§§ 3.001, 4.051–.055) |
| Utah verified 2026-10-01 | Utah Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act and general business-entity provisions; file with Division of Corporations and Commercial Code (§§ 16-6a-120, 16-6a-201) |
One or more persons deliver articles; a natural-person incorporator must be at least 18; articles name and address each incorporator (§§ 16-6a-201, 16-6a-202(1)(d)) |
Articles state one or more purposes and a name meeting the distinguishability rule; an any-lawful-act purpose is sufficient (§§ 16-6a-202(1)(a)–(b), (3), 16-1a-302(1)) |
Articles say whether the nonprofit will have voting members; share-based membership or water/property rights require additional share and class terms (§ 16-6a-202(1)(e)–(f)) |
Initial-director names and addresses are optional in the articles (§ 16-6a-202(2)(a)) |
Articles include Chapter 1a agent information; name a commercial agent or give a noncommercial agent's name/address or designated office title/address (§§ 16-6a-202(1)(c), 16-1a-404(1)) |
Every incorporator signs; designation affirms agent consent without a separate agent signature stated in this provision (§§ 16-6a-202(5), 16-1a-404(2)) |
Division-set fee; latest public FY2026 schedule lists $59 for nonprofit articles, so confirm the current charge before filing (§ 16-6a-107(1)) |
Existence begins on division filing or specified delayed date, no more than 90 days after filing; pre-effectiveness withdrawal is possible (§§ 16-6a-203(1), 16-1a-204) |
| Vermont verified 2026-10-01 | Title 11B; Secretary of State accepts articles and issues certificate (11B V.S.A. §§ 2.01–2.03) |
One or more persons of majority age deliver articles; each incorporator named/addressed (11B V.S.A. §§ 2.01, 2.02(a)(4)) |
Articles state compliant name; purpose clause optional and may state any lawful activity (11B V.S.A. §§ 2.02(a)(1), (b)(1), 4.01) |
Articles select public or mutual benefit and state whether corporation has members (11B V.S.A. § 2.02(a)(2), (5)) |
Initial directors may be named in articles; any director named there signs them (11B V.S.A. § 2.02(b)(2), (c)) |
Articles state registered-office street address and initial agent name/email; qualified Vermont resident or authorized in-state business (11B V.S.A. § 2.02(a)(3); 11 V.S.A. § 1655(a)) |
Each incorporator and named director signs; designation attests agent consent (11B V.S.A. § 2.02(c); 11 V.S.A. § 1655(b)) |
$155 for articles (11B V.S.A. § 1.22(1)) |
Existence on certificate issuance unless delayed; delayed effective date within 90 days after filing (11B V.S.A. §§ 2.03(a), 1.23(b)) |
| Virginia verified 2026-10-01 | Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act, Va. Code ch. 10; file with State Corporation Commission (§§ 13.1-801, -818) |
One or more persons sign and deliver articles of incorporation to Commission (§ 13.1-818) |
Articles state distinguishable corporate name; purpose statement optional, with lawful-activity default (§§ 13.1-819(A)(1), (B)(2)(a), -825, -829) |
Articles declare no members if so organized; member-class terms may appear in articles or, if authorized there, bylaws. From Jan. 1, 2027 declare whether members will exist (§ 13.1-819(A)(2)–(3)) |
State election/appointment method for directors not chosen by member class and designate any ex officio directors; initial director names optional (§ 13.1-819(A)(4), (B)(1)) |
Articles state initial Virginia office address, city/county, agent name and qualifying individual/entity status; office/agent must match (§§ 13.1-819(A)(5), -833) |
Incorporator signs preformation filing; signer states name/capacity; articles state agent eligibility, with no separate acceptance in listed formation contents (§§ 13.1-818, -804(F), (H), -819(A)) |
$25 articles of incorporation fee (§ 13.1-816(2)(a)) |
Corporate existence begins when Commission certificate becomes effective; default at issue, or stated later time no later than fifteenth day after issue (§§ 13.1-820, -806(A)) |
| Washington verified 2026-10-01 | Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act, ch. 24.03A RCW; Secretary of State (§§ 24.03A.090, .100) |
One or more individuals at least eighteen deliver articles of incorporation (§ 24.03A.090) |
Articles state a compliant name and purpose; lawful activity is permissible; name must be distinguishable and generally cannot end in “Inc.” or “Corp.” (§§ 24.03A.100(1)(a), (d), .130(1); 23.95.300, .305(2)) |
If statutory members are planned, articles must say so; no-member statement is optional; member-class terms may be included (§ 24.03A.100(1)(f), (2)(a), (c)(iii)) |
Articles state initial board size and list initial directors with names and mailing addresses (§ 24.03A.100(1)(e)) |
Articles state initial registered agent name and address; chapter 23.95 governs designation; no separate office field in § 24.03A.100(1) (§§ 24.03A.100(1)(b), .110; 23.95.415) |
Each incorporator signs articles; agent gives prior consent in a record filed with or as part of first appointment; signer name/capacity required (§§ 24.03A.100(1)(i), 23.95.415(2), 23.95.200(1)(e)) |
Thirty-dollar base public-organic-record fee plus charitable asset protection fee of fifty dollars, reduced to ten dollars with the statutory revenue certification; agent consent has no fee (WAC 434-112-085(8)(a); §§ 24.03A.960(2), 23.95.260(2)(a)) |
Existence begins when articles are filed unless delayed; an allowed delayed date/time may be up to ninety days after filing (§§ 24.03A.105(1), 23.95.210(2)) |
| West Virginia verified 2026-10-01 | West Virginia Nonprofit Corporation Act; Secretary of State files articles (W. Va. Code §§ 31E-1-101, 31E-2-201) |
One or more persons deliver articles naming and addressing each incorporator (W. Va. Code §§ 31E-2-201, 31E-2-202(a)(5)) |
Articles state compliant corporate name; no separate purpose clause in required list; lawful purposes permitted (W. Va. Code §§ 31E-2-202(a), 31E-3-301, 31E-4-401) |
Articles declare nonprofit, no stock or distributions; state whether members exist and include class/no-voting-member provisions if applicable (W. Va. Code §§ 31E-2-202(a)(2)–(3), 31E-6-601) |
Initial-director names and addresses optional; if omitted, incorporators elect directors after incorporation (W. Va. Code §§ 31E-2-202(b)(1), 31E-2-204(a)(2)) |
Initial registered office mailing address and agent name if any; principal-office mailing address and filing-notice email required (W. Va. Code § 31E-2-202(a)(4), (6)–(7)) |
Incorporator signs before formation with name/capacity; initial agent appointment is optional and formation-article section has no separate acceptance statement (W. Va. Code §§ 31E-1-120(d)–(e), 31E-2-202(a)(4)) |
$25 for nonprofit articles (W. Va. Code § 59-1-2(a)(1)(B)) |
Existence starts on filing absent delayed date; delayed effective date at most 90 days after filing (W. Va. Code §§ 31E-2-203(a), 31E-1-123(b)) |
| Wisconsin verified 2026-10-01 | Chapter 181 governs Wisconsin nonstock corporations, including nonprofits; Department of Financial Institutions files articles (§§ 181.0103(5), (8), 181.0201) |
One or more persons deliver articles; articles give each incorporator’s name/address and Chapter 181 statement (§§ 181.0201, 181.0202(1)(a), (e)) |
Articles state name with corporate word; lawful-activity purpose is default, narrower purpose optional (§§ 181.0202(1)(b), (2)(b)1., 181.0301(1), 181.0401(1)(a)1.) |
Articles state Chapter 181 incorporation and whether members will exist; distribution authority under § 181.1302(4), if chosen, requires statement (§ 181.0202(1)(a), (f)–(g)) |
Initial director names/addresses may be included; if omitted, incorporators elect directors or a board after formation (§§ 181.0202(2)(a), 181.0205(1)(b)) |
Articles give initial principal-office mailing address, registered-office street address, and agent name/e-mail; registered office must be physical Wisconsin location (§§ 181.0202(1)(c)–(d), 181.0501(1m), (2m)) |
Authorized signer signs and states name/capacity; no seal, attestation, acknowledgment or verification needed. Agent designation affirms agent consent (§§ 181.0208(1)(d)–(e), 181.0501(1m)) |
$35 articles fee; Department may set larger paper-format fee by rule (§ 181.0507(2)(a)1., (c)) |
Existence starts when articles become effective; filed record ordinarily effective on date received, or document may state delayed date/time no more than 90 days after receipt (§§ 181.0203(1), 181.0209(1)(a), (2)) |
| Wyoming verified 2026-10-01 | Wyoming Nonprofit Corporation Act; Secretary of State files articles (Wyo. Stat. §§ 17-19-201, -203) |
One or more persons deliver articles identifying each incorporator (Wyo. Stat. §§ 17-19-201, -202(a)(iv)) |
Articles state name; lawful activity default, specific purpose optional (Wyo. Stat. §§ 17-19-202(a)(i), (b)(ii), 17-19-301(a)) |
Articles choose public benefit, mutual benefit, or religious and say whether corporation has members (Wyo. Stat. § 17-19-202(a)(ii), (v)) |
First director names/addresses optional; named directors sign articles (Wyo. Stat. § 17-19-202(b)(iii), (c)) |
Articles state initial registered-office street address and agent name; separate signed agent consent accompanies articles (Wyo. Stat. § 17-19-202(a)(iii), (e)) |
Each incorporator and named director signs; agent manually signs written consent (Wyo. Stat. §§ 17-19-202(c), (e), 17-19-120(g)) |
$50 for articles (Wyo. Stat. § 17-19-122(a)(i)) |
Existence on filing unless delayed; delayed date at most 90 days after filing (Wyo. Stat. §§ 17-19-203(a), 17-19-123(b)) |
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