South Carolina 501(c)(3) Formation - 1023-EZ Assistant

Streamlined nonprofit formation toolkit focused on Form 1023-EZ eligible organizations (under $50,000 annual receipts).

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Please complete the following required fields:

Organization Basics
Organization name is required
Most nonprofits use 12/31 (calendar year)
Please enter a valid date in MM/DD format
Principal office address is required
City, state, and ZIP are required
Registered Agent (Required SC Street Address)
The registered agent must have a physical SC address (no P.O. boxes) and be available during business hours.
Registered agent name is required
Physical street address is required
City, state, and ZIP are required
Incorporator
The person who signs and files the Articles of Incorporation.
Incorporator name is required
State of residence is required
Initial Board of Directors
Most nonprofits need at least 3 directors. Contact information collected securely through offline processes.
Minimum 3 directors recommended
IRS Responsible Party (for EIN Application)
This person will be the main contact with the IRS. SSN/ITIN must be collected through secure offline methods.
Responsible party name is required
Title is required
Phone number is required
✓ SSN/ITIN collection handled securely offline
Articles of Incorporation Content
Must include language showing exempt purposes under section 501(c)(3)
Purpose statement is required
Required by IRS - assets must go to other exempt organizations
Activities & Financial Projections
Be specific about what you'll do and who will benefit

3-Year Financial Projections (Optional - Not Required for 1023-EZ)

Form 1023-EZ does not require financial projections for IRS filing, but they're helpful for your own planning and potential grant applications.
This application assumes your organization qualifies for Form 1023-EZ (under $50,000 annually)
✓ Form 1023-EZ Eligible!
Your organization qualifies for the streamlined Form 1023-EZ application process.
  • $275 filing fee (vs $600 for full Form 1023)
  • Faster processing (2-4 weeks typical)
  • Simplified online application
  • No financial projections required
Target Timeline
Apply after incorporation
Within 27 months of incorporation

Formation Timeline

1
Complete Formation Worksheet
Gather all required information for incorporation
Estimated time: 2-3 hours
2
Prepare Articles of Incorporation
Draft legal document for SC filing
Estimated time: 1 hour
📄 Template: SC Secretary of State Template (PDF)
📋 Required Info: Organization name, purpose, registered agent, incorporator
💡 Tips: Include specific 501(c)(3) language, dissolution clause
📖 Guide: sos.sc.gov/business-filings/corporations
3
File with SC Secretary of State
Submit incorporation documents ($25 fee)
Processing time: 5-10 business days
📎 File Online: businessfilings.sc.gov/BusinessFiling/
💰 Fee: $25 by credit card
📋 Required: Articles of Incorporation, registered agent info
📞 Help: (803) 734-2158
4
Apply for Federal EIN
Get tax identification number from IRS
Processing time: Immediate online
📎 Apply Online: irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
💰 Fee: FREE (beware of paid third-party sites)
📋 Required: SC incorporation documents, responsible party SSN
⏰ Available: Monday-Friday, 7am-10pm ET
📞 Help: Business & Specialty Tax Line: (800) 829-4933
5
File Form 1023-EZ
Apply for tax-exempt status ($275 fee)
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
📎 File Online: pay.gov/public/form/start/75195159
💰 Fee: $275 (credit card or bank transfer)
📋 Required: EIN, Articles of incorporation, organizing documents
⏰ Deadline: File within 27 months of incorporation
📞 Help: EO Customer Service: (877) 829-5500
📖 Instructions: irs.gov/instructions/i1023ez
6
Complete Setup
Bylaws, board meeting, and operational setup
Estimated time: 2-4 hours
📋 To-Do: Adopt bylaws, hold first board meeting, set up bank account
🏦 Banking: Use IRS determination letter to open nonprofit account
📝 Annual Filing: 990-N, 990-EZ, or 990 due by 15th day of 5th month after year-end
🎯 SC Registration: Charitable solicitation registration if fundraising publicly
💡 Resources: IRS post-exemption requirements
Required Documents & Status

Formation Summary

Next Steps Checklist

  • □ Review all information for accuracy
  • □ Prepare SC Articles of Incorporation
  • □ File with SC Secretary of State ($25 fee)
  • □ Apply for Federal EIN (SS-4 form)
  • □ File Form 1023-EZ with IRS ($275 fee)
  • □ Receive IRS determination letter (2-4 weeks)
  • □ Register for SC charitable solicitation (if applicable)
  • □ Adopt bylaws and hold first board meeting