Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a critical step in starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Maryland. Whether you have been running a charity for a while or are just starting out, your nonprofit organization will need to fill out the Articles of Incorporation and file them with the State of Maryland. This will allow you to file for 501(c)(3) status and reap the benefits of having an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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Starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Maryland is easy, just follow these easy steps to file the Maryland Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation:
If you are starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Maryland, you have come to the right place. After reading the comprehensive guide for Maryland nonprofit formation, follow this guide to file the Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
What is covered in this guide:
Information you will need to file the Maryland Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation
To become a nonprofit corporation in Maryland you must file Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
Here are the sections that you will need to complete:
FIRST: Incorporator
Enter the name and address of the incorporator(s).
The incorporator can be any person helping the nonprofit incorporate. This can be you or your attorney. The incorporator does not need to be a part of the nonprofit.
SECOND: Corporate Name
Enter the name you have selected.
For help with selecting a name for your nonprofit read our comprehensive guide on how to name a Maryland nonprofit.
THIRD: Purpose
Describe the purpose of your nonprofit organization.
In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, the organization’s purpose must explicitly be limited to one or more of the following:
- Charitable
- Religious
- Educational
- Scientific
- Literary
- Testing for public safety
- Fostering national/international amateur sports competition
- Preventing cruelty to animals/children
NOTE: If you are using the form provided by the state of Maryland, it already has the language required by the IRS to make your organization eligible for tax-exempt status. You will just need to add 1 or 2 sentences describing the purpose of your nonprofit.
You can read the IRS guidelines to learn more.
FOURTH: Principal Office
Enter the Maryland street address of your organization’s principal place of business. If your organization will not have an office you can use the address of your registered agent.
FIFTH: Registered Agent & Registered Office
Enter the information of the registered agent you have selected.
For more information read our guide: What is a registered agent? and The Maryland Registered Agent Guide.
SIXTH: Supplemental Provisions/ Information
Enter the names of the directors you have selected.
EXECUTION
When you sign and date the form you are affirming everything written in the form.
The registered agent you selected must also sign affirming that they will act as the registered agent for your organization.
How to file the Maryland Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation
You can file the Articles of Incorporation either online or by mail.
Online:
File the Articles of Incorporation through the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division's online portal.
By Mail:
Send the completed Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation to the following address:
State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division
301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201-2395
The total filing fee of $170 may be paid by check made out to "State Department of Assessments and Taxation"
State of Maryland Nonprofit Resources
IRS - Information for Charities & Nonprofits
IRS - Required Provisions for Organizing Documents
IRS - 990 Series for Tax-Exempt Organizations
IRS - Applying for Tax-Exempt Status
IRS - 501(c)(3) Compliance Guide
Small Business Administration - License and Permits