Starting A Nonprofit Organization in Utah
Welcome to the registration and compliance page for Utah nonprofit organizations. Below you will find information on initial filings required when starting a nonprofit organization in Utah, annual filing requirements for existing organizations, and employment filings for nonprofits with employees. This page also contains a link to the relevant nonprofit statute for the State of Utah.
Starting a Nonprofit Organization in Utah: Initial Filings
1. To Incorporate in Utah
Submit type written or computer generated Articles of Incorporation to:
Utah Department of Commerce
Division of Corporations
PO Box 146705
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6705
Information: (801) 530-4849
Fax: (801) 530-6438
Web Site: corporations.utah.gov
Filing Fee: $30
Note: Some organizations are eligible to file online. Refer to the One Stop Online Business Registration Website for details.
3. To Obtain Utah Franchise and Income Tax Exemptions
Federally exempt 501(c)(3) organizations must apply for Utah Franchise & Income Tax exemptions by submitting a Registration for Exemption (Form TC-161).
Utah State Tax Commission
Technical Research Unit
210 N 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84134
Information: (801) 297-2200
Web Site: www.tax.utah.gov
4. To Obtain Utah Sales Tax Exemption
Federally exempt 501(c)(3) organizations must obtain an "N" number (sales tax exemption number) from the Utah State Tax Commission by submitting Form TC-160 along with a copy of the IRS determination letter to:
Utah State Tax Commission
Technical Research Unit 210 N 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84134-3212
Information: (801) 297-2200
Web Site: www.tax.utah.gov
5. To Obtain a Charitable Organization Permit
As of April 4, 2024, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection will no longer accept charitable organization registrations. Registration for charitable solicitation is no longer required.
Utah Department of Commerce
Division of Consumer Protection
160 East 300 South
SM Box 146704
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6704
Phone: (801) 530-6601
Fax: (801) 530-6001
Web Site: consumerprotection.utah.gov
Annual Filings for Utah Nonprofit Organizations
1. Internal Revenue Service
Form: Annual Return Form 990
Due Date: 4 ½ months after end of fiscal year
Internal Revenue Service
Ogden, UT 84201-0027
Information: (800) 829-1040
Forms: (800) 829-3676
Web Site: www.irs.gov/charities
Filing Fee: $0
Public Charities: Refer to the IRS website to determine which form to file (Form 990, Form 990-EZ or Form 990-N).
Private Foundations: Submit Form 990PF, regardless of revenues.
Note: Effective for tax years that end July 31, 2020 and later, exempt organizations must now file their annual returns electronically, using an approved IRS 990 e-File provider. Note that some transitional relief is available to 990-EZ filers. In addition, some exceptions apply including when the organization is changing its name, filing a shortened period return due to a change in fiscal year, or has an exemption application pending. Refer to the Form 990 instructions for information on these and other exceptions. To learn more about this electronic filing requirement, read the IRS announcement. For a list of approved IRS 990 e-File providers, refer to the IRS' Modernized e-file Providers list.
2. Utah Department of Commerce
Effective May 1, 2024, charitable organizations are no longer be required to submit an annual registration with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. Registration for charitable solicitation is no longer required.
Division of Consumer Protection
160 East 300 South
SM Box 146704
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6704
Phone: (801) 530-6601
Fax: (801) 530-6001
Web Site: www.commerce.utah.gov
Utah Employment Filings
If the organization will have employees, the following filing is required:
To Register with the Tax Commission and Department of Workforce Services
Apply for an employer account for withholding and unemployment insurance taxes by completing the OneStop Online Business Registration.
Utah State Tax Commission
210 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84134
Phone: 801-297-2200
Fax: 801-297-3573
Web Site: tax.utah.gov/business
Utah Department of Workforce Services
140 East 300 South 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 45288
Salt Lake City, Utah 84145-0288
Phone: 801-526-9235
Web Site: jobs.utah.gov/ui/employer/EmployerHome.aspx
Notes: Registration for a withholding account may also be completed in paper form by completing and filing the Utah State Business and Tax Registration (Form TC-69) at the Tax Commission's address above or by fax.
For more information regarding withholding taxes, refer to the Tax Commission's Withholding Tax Guide and Withholding Tax Frequently Asked Questions.
For more information regarding unemployment insurance, refer to the Department of Workforce Development's Employer Frequently Asked Questions.
Click here for Utah state statute information.