Where to Start

Visiting the California Secretary of State's Office online. You'll find information for forming a nonprofit organization, including the filing fees and likely wait times for the filing to be approved.

Filing Fees

As of 2009, the fee for filing articles of incorporation for a nonprofit, non-stock corporation was $30.00. A $15.00 special-handling fee was applicable for processing documents delivered in person to the California Secretary of State's Sacramento office or to any of the regional offices.

Making Payments

The filing fees must be paid in person or by mail to your nearest California Secretary of State's service office.

Tax Service Fees

Depending on the type and reason for incorporation, you may be required to file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and California Franchise Tax Board. This will likely require an additional service fee.

Resident Agent Fees

Many private businesses will act as your resident agent. They allow you to use their offices as a local address and receive correspondence regarding your corporation and its business dealings with the state, for a yearly fee.

Source:

California Secretary of State

Resource:

Tax and Business Resources

Filing for Nonprofits in California