Nevada Nonprofit Corporation

No state business license

Organizations formed under NRS chapter 82 are excluded from the definition of business for the state business license (NRS 76.020), so a nonprofit's yearly state cost is just the $50 list.

Source: NRS 76.020

Forming under chapter 82

A Nevada nonprofit corporation files articles of incorporation under NRS chapter 82 for $50 (NRS 82.531). The articles name the corporation, its registered agent and its initial directors or trustees. It then files lists each year for $50; a late list adds a $50 penalty, and reinstatement after revocation is $100 plus the missed lists and penalties.

Chapter 82 corporations are excluded from the definition of business for the state business license (NRS 76.020), so a Nevada nonprofit does not pay the $200 or $500 license fee that business entities pay.

Source: NRS 82.531

Federal exemption is separate

State nonprofit status does not make the organization tax-exempt. For 501(c)(3) status, the articles need a charitable purpose clause and a dissolution clause that sends assets to another exempt organization, and the organization files Form 1023 or, if eligible, Form 1023-EZ with the IRS. Get the EIN first.

Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

After formation

Adopt bylaws, elect officers, open a bank account in the corporation's name, and keep minutes. If the organization will solicit donations or sell goods, look at the state's charitable solicitation and sales tax rules before launching. Our nonprofit formation starts at $149 plus the $50 state fee.

Source: Nevada Department of Taxation

Common mistakes

Leaving out the IRS dissolution clause, naming too few directors for the organization's own bylaws, and forgetting the $50 annual list. A nonprofit that misses lists can be revoked like any other company and must pay $100 plus the missed lists and penalties to reinstate.

Source: NRS 82.531