Starting a church or Christian nonprofit involves several legal and financial steps. Our CPA-led team guides you through every one, so your organization is properly established and IRS-compliant from day one.
Many donors and foundations require official IRS recognition before contributing. 501(c)(3) status opens the door to a wider base of financial support for your mission.
While churches can automatically qualify as tax-exempt, filing with the IRS to formally document your 501(c)(3) status is recommended for legal protection and financial transparency.
Financial institutions typically require documented 501(c)(3) status for building loans, lines of credit, and other lending products. Formal registration strengthens your organization's financial credibility.
Our start-up services package covers the critical legal and financial steps to get your church or Christian nonprofit properly established.
We file the necessary paperwork to register your nonprofit organization as an official corporation, including articles of incorporation and any required documentation.
We apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS, a unique identification number required for tax purposes, opening bank accounts, and hiring employees.
We prepare and submit your application for federal tax-exempt status with the IRS, including Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, ensuring your organization is properly recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Once your entity is set up, our team is here to help you transition into ongoing bookkeeping and payroll services, so your ministry's finances stay organized as you grow.
Start-Up Package
$1,200
Starting price, plus $600 IRS filing fee
No commitment required. We'll walk you through everything on a discovery call first.
Our planters said, "you had us at hello." Reasonably priced, responsive, customized, excellent service and so helpful in freeing up the planters for ministry rather than a paper chase!
John Herrington
Executive Pastor of Multiplication, Hill Country Bible Church
Churches are automatically recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS and are not technically required to file. However, we strongly recommend it. Formal 501(c)(3) status provides legal documentation of your exempt status, makes your organization eligible to receive donor-advised funds and foundation grants, and is typically required by banks for building loans and lines of credit. It also provides an added layer of credibility and transparency for your congregation and donors.
The timeline depends on IRS workload, but the typical process takes approximately 2 to 6 months from start to finish. State registration is usually the fastest step (days to a few weeks), while the IRS 501(c)(3) determination can take 1 to 6 months depending on whether you qualify for the streamlined Form 1023-EZ. Our team keeps you informed every step of the way.
That's our specialty. Once your entity is set up, we can seamlessly transition you into our ongoing bookkeeping & payroll service starting at $300/month. Our team will already understand your ministry, making the transition smooth and efficient.
Absolutely. Many established churches have operated for years without formally filing. We can help you retroactively file for 501(c)(3) status and get your entity documentation in order, no matter how long your church has been operating. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Whether you're planting a new church or formalizing an existing nonprofit, our CPA-led team will guide you through every step. Reach out and we'll respond within 1 to 2 business days.
Contact Our Team