In order to start and operate a nonprofit organization successfully, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of the guidelines and requirements established by the respective state agency.
Here, you can find out how to start and register a nonprofit organization in Massachusetts, including obtaining tax-exempt status and the annual filing requirements, due dates, and penalties.
Form PC & A copy of
IRS Form 990
To start a nonprofit in the State of Massachusetts, you must follow these registration procedures.
To register your non-profit organization in Massachusetts, you are required to file an Article of Organization with the state.
In addition to these details, you must pay the incorporation filing fee of $35.
Massachusetts law mandates that nonprofit corporations must file an initial charity registration form with the state to conduct operations in Massachusetts and pay a registration fee of $100.
* Note: Charities that need to solicit funds must obtain a Certificate of Solicitation before soliciting any contributions.
To obtain the tax exemption from the state of Massachusetts, you must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and submit a copy of your IRS determination letter.
To complete your application for exemption with the Massachusetts, you must register through MassTaxConnect.
The state of Massachusetts mandates that nonprofit organizations renew their registration annually by submitting Form PC with the office of the attorney general along with a copy of IRS Form 990.
In addition to the Form PC, Massachusetts law also requires nonprofit organizations to file an Annual Report each year with the secretary of the commonwealth.
The Form PC is due 4.5 months after the end of the organization’s accounting period. This means that if the organization follows the calendar year, the deadline for annual renewal is April 15.
The due date to submit an annual report to the state of Massachusetts is on or before November 1st of each year.
Yes, if the nonprofit organization fails to file an annual report for 2 years, the division will send a notice. If the nonprofit does not file an annual report within 90 days after the notice is received, it will result in canceling the charter.
You can complete the Form PC and send it by mail to the address given below:
Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division,
Office of the Attorney General,
One Ashburton Place,
Boston, MA 02108.
Annual Reports can be filed either electronically or on paper with the state of Massachusetts.
William Francis Galvin,
Secretary of the Commonwealth,
Att: Annual Report - AR180,
One Ashburton Place, Room 1717,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02108-1512.