Set Up Your Church or
Nonprofit the Right Way
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.
Why Register with the IRS?
Receive Donor-Advised Funds
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.
Formal IRS Compliance
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.
Building Loans & Lending
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.
What's Included
Our start-up services package covers the critical legal and financial steps to get your church or Christian nonprofit properly established.
State Corporation Filing
We file the necessary paperwork to register your nonprofit organization as an official corporation with your state — including articles of incorporation and any required state-specific documentation.
EIN Application
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.
IRS 501(c)(3) Filing
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.
State Tax Exemption
We file for state-level tax exemptions where applicable — including sales tax exemption and franchise tax exemption — so your organization benefits from all available tax-exempt protections.
Chart of Accounts Setup
We build a customized Chart of Accounts in QuickBooks Online tailored to your ministry — structuring your financial categories so you can track income, expenses, and fund balances from day one.
Ongoing Support
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.
501(c)(3) Entity Setup
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!
Common Questions
Does my church really need to file for 501(c)(3) status?
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.
How long does the process take?
The timeline depends on your state's processing times and IRS workload, but the typical process takes approximately 2–6 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 1–6 months depending on whether you qualify for the streamlined Form 1023-EZ. Our team keeps you informed every step of the way.
Do you handle all 50 states?
Yes. We've helped churches and Christian nonprofits incorporate and file for 501(c)(3) status in states across the country. State filing fees and requirements vary, which is why we handle the research and paperwork for your specific state so you don't have to.
What if we also need bookkeeping and payroll?
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. Your Chart of Accounts will already be built, and our team will already understand your ministry — making the transition smooth and efficient.
Can you help with an existing church that never filed for 501(c)(3)?
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.
Ready to Get Your Ministry
Off the Ground?
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 1–2 business days.
Contact Our Team →