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State-By-State Initial Compliance - Maryland

Initial Filings for Maryland Nonprofit Organizations

For a general discussion on starting a nonprofit organization, please refer to our article, Starting a Nonprofit Organization.

  1. To Incorporate in Maryland

    Submit Articles of Incorporation to:

    State Department of Assessments and Taxation
    Corporate Charter Division
    301 W. Preston St., Room 801
    Baltimore, MD 21201
    Information: (410) 767-1340
    Fax: (410) 333-7097
    Web Site: www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/sdatforms.html
    Filing Fee: $120
    Note: Faxed requests for incorporation are considered expedited and require an additional $50 fee.
  2. To Obtain 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status

    Submit Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption to:

    Note new address:
    Internal Revenue Service
    P.O. Box 12192
    Covington, KY 41012-0192
    Information: (800) 829-1040
    Forms: (800) 829-3676
    Web Site: www.irs.gov/charities
    Filing Fee: $750 ($300 if revenues less than $10,000/year)
  3. To Obtain Maryland Income Tax Exemption

    Submit a letter of request with a description of the organization, Bylaws, financial statements, and IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter to:

    Comptroller of Maryland
    Revenue Administration Division
    Annapolis, MD 21411-0001
    Information: (410) 767-1313
    Fax: (410) 974-3299
    Web Site: www.marylandtaxes.com/
    Filing Fee: $0
  4. To Obtain Maryland Sales and Use Tax Exemptions

    Submit the Combined Registration Application, with IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation to:

    Comptroller of Maryland
    Central Registration
    Revenue Administration Division
    Annapolis, MD 21411-0001
    Information: (410) 767-1313
    Fax: (410) 974-3299
    Web Site: www.marylandtaxes.com/
    Filing Fee: $0
  5. To Register with the Secretary of State

    If planning to solicit funds in Maryland, submit form COR-92 (Registration Statement) with Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, most recent Form 990 (or form COF-85 if the organization has not filed a Form 990), names and addresses of the board of directors, and copies of all contracts with professional solicitors or fund-raising counsel to:

    Charitable Organizations Division
    Office of the Secretary of State
    State House
    Annapolis, MD 21401
    Phone: (410) 974-5534
    Web Site: www.sos.state.md.us/
    Filing Fee: $0-200 (depending on revenues)
    Notes: If revenues over $100,000: Provide review audit with Form COR-92.
    If revenues over $200,000: Provide complete audit with Form COR-92

    If the funds raised by the organization are less than $25,000 and no professional fundraiser is used, then only the “Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice” form need be filed.

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