Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 280 AI responses from ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode · See how Parse measures this
If you want end-to-end paid help with incorporation and the 501(c)(3) application, 
Brands AI recommends here
Named in 53% of answers
Best if you need the official forms, instructions, and authoritative filing guidance for 501(c)(3); the IRS is the government source but does not provide paid formation services or personalized legal advice.
Named in 42% of answers
Best when you want full-service, paid help from incorporation through the 501(c)(3) application; cited as a nonprofit formation service (SureStart). Tradeoff: this is a paid provider, not free government help.
Named in 36% of answers
Named in 34% of answers
Source | Citation share |
|---|---|
 Exempt organizations - Help from the IRS | Internal Revenue Servicehttps://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-help-from-the-irs | 3.1% |
How to apply for 501(c)(3) status | Internal Revenue Servicehttps://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/how-to-apply-for-501c3-status | 2.9% |
SureStart Nonprofit Formation Serviceshttps://www.501c3.org/501c3-services/start-a-501c3-nonprofit/ | 2.4% |
 Where can I get help filling out my incorporation and tax-exempt 501(3)(3) paperwork?https://learning.candid.org/help-with-incorporation-501c3-paperwork/272658 | 2.3% |
Applying for tax exempt status | Internal Revenue Servicehttps://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/applying-for-tax-exempt-status | 2.1% |
 BryteBridge – Solutions for Nonprofit Organizationshttps://brytebridge.com/501c3-organizations/ | 2.0% |
How to Start a 501(c)(3): Steps, Benefits, and FAQshttps://www.501c3.org/how-to-start-a-501c3-nonprofit/ | 1.8% |
 Pay.gov - Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3)https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/704509645 | 1.8% |
 Formation Services - 501(C)(3) Tax Exempt Organization - Non Profit Accounting Servicehttps://nonprofitaccountingservice.org/formation-services/ | 1.4% |
Instructions for Form 1023-EZ (Rev. January 2025)https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1023ez.pdf | 1.4% |
- **Legal For Good PLLC** - 5353 Gamble Dr #320, St Louis Park, MN 55416, United States - **Birken Law Office PLLC** - 1400 Van Buren St NE #200, Minneapolis, MN 55413, United States - **Mahoney | CPAs and Advisors** - 10 River Park Plaza #800, St Paul, MN 55107, United States
Yes. If you're starting a nonprofit in Minnesota, you have several good options for getting help with the 501(c)(3) application.
For a new organization, I would generally talk to a nonprofit attorney before filing, rather than simply paying someone to fill out the IRS form. The application depends heavily on how your organization is structured and what it plans to do.
A few organizations that came up in a local search:
If you tell me (1) what your nonprofit will do, (2) whether you've already incorporated it in Minnesota, and (3) roughly how much money you expect to raise in the first year, I can walk you through:
Starting a non-profit and filing for𝒮ℐ𝒩ℰ ℛ --or rather, federal 501(c)(3) status via IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ--can be done independently, but several types of professionals and organizations can help if you need guidance.[](https://form1023.org/do-you-need-a-lawyer-or-cpa-to-start-a-nonprofit)…
Starting a non-profit and filing for𝒮ℐ𝒩ℰ ℛ --or rather, federal 501(c)(3) status via IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ--can be done independently, but several types of professionals and organizations can help if you need guidance.
Here are the primary resources and professionals who can assist you with the filing process:
To help me narrow down the best path for you, tell me:
If you are starting a nonprofit and want to obtain **501(c)(3) tax-exempt status**, several types of professionals and organizations can help you prepare and file the application: ## 1. Nonprofit attorney (best for complex situations) A nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations attorney can help with:
If you are starting a nonprofit and want to obtain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, several types of professionals and organizations can help you prepare and file the application:
A nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations attorney can help with:
This is especially helpful if you plan to:
A CPA familiar with nonprofits can help with:
Some nonprofit formation companies help with:
Quality varies, so check whether they have nonprofit tax expertise rather than only general business filing experience.
Many communities have nonprofit resource centers, community foundations, or small-business/legal clinics that provide:
If your organization is straightforward, you may be able to prepare the application yourself. The IRS requires most organizations seeking recognition of 501(c)(3) status to submit either Form 1023 or, if eligible, the streamlined Form 1023-EZ electronically through Pay.gov.
Before filing, you generally need to have:
Search for:
When interviewing someone, ask:
If you tell me your state, type of nonprofit (charity, education, religious, community service, etc.), and whether you want low-cost help or full-service assistance, I can suggest where to look and what type of provider fits best.
You don't legally need a lawyer or accountant to file for 501(c)(3) status—the IRS allows founders to file [Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ](https://www.nonprofitelite.com/) on their own. However, because the paperwork requires specific legal language regarding your mission, asset distribution, and governance, `several…
You don't legally need a lawyer or accountant to file for 501(c)(3) status—the IRS allows founders to file Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ on their own. However, because the paperwork requires specific legal language regarding your mission, asset distribution, and governance, several professionals and resources can help guide or handle the process for you.
To help point you toward the right resource, could you tell me:
Filing for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status involves incorporating at the state level, drafting specific governance documents, and completing the IRS Form 1023 (or 1023-EZ). While legally you can do this yourself, many founders seek professional or specialized…
Filing for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status involves incorporating at the state level, drafting specific governance documents, and completing the IRS Form 1023 (or 1023-EZ). While legally you can do this yourself, many founders seek professional or specialized assistance.
The primary options for getting help with the 501(c)(3) filing process depend on your budget and needs:
If you'd like to narrow down the best route, tell me:
Sure—what would you like me to search for?
Sure—what would you like me to search for?
No sources cited
Starting a non-profit and applying for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (using Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ) can be complex, but several types of professionals and organizations can help you navigate the process: - **CPA (Certified Public Accountant) / Tax Professionals** : Accountants specializing in non-profits can help…
Starting a non-profit and applying for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (using Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ) can be complex, but several types of professionals and organizations can help you navigate the process:
To help narrow down the best resource for you, let me know:
Yes. If you're forming the nonprofit in **Florida**, you have several good options for getting help with the 501(c)(3) application. ### Who can help you 1. **A nonprofit/tax attorney — best if you want the safest route**
Yes. If you're forming the nonprofit in Florida, you have several good options for getting help with the 501(c)(3) application.
A nonprofit/tax attorney — best if you want the safest route
A CPA or accountant who specializes in nonprofits
A nonprofit formation/filing service
You can file it yourself
You generally want to establish your Florida nonprofit corporation before applying to the IRS. Florida's Division of Corporations provides the nonprofit Articles of Incorporation filing through Sunbiz. Florida specifically notes that organizations seeking 501(c)(3) status need appropriate purpose language in their Articles.
There's also a separate issue if you'll be soliciting donations in Florida: Florida requires qualifying charitable organizations to register under its Solicitation of Contributions Act.
If you tell me:
…I can walk you through the entire Florida nonprofit → EIN → 501(c)(3) process, tell you whether you likely qualify for 1023-EZ or need the full 1023, and explain what type of professional you should hire and what you should expect to pay.
For reference, the official IRS 501(c)(3) application guidance is here:
And Florida's official nonprofit incorporation information is here:
Starting a non-profit is an exciting step! When it comes to filing Form 1023 (or Form 1023-EZ) with the IRS for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, several types of professionals and organizations can help you navigate the process.[[1]](https://www.cosmic.nyc/blog/starting-non-profits-and-college-admissions) - **CPA…
Starting a non-profit is an exciting step! When it comes to filing Form 1023 (or Form 1023-EZ) with the IRS for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, several types of professionals and organizations can help you navigate the process.
To help point you toward the best resource, could you share:
Yes. If you’re forming the nonprofit in **New York/Westchester**, you have several good options, and the right professional depends on how complicated your organization will be. ### Who can help **1. A nonprofit attorney — my first choice for a new organization.**
Yes. If you’re forming the nonprofit in New York/Westchester, you have several good options, and the right professional depends on how complicated your organization will be.
1. A nonprofit attorney — my first choice for a new organization.
A lawyer who regularly handles nonprofit formation can help with:
A particularly interesting local option is Pro Bono Partnership in White Plains. Its White Plains office serves New York nonprofits, particularly in the Lower Hudson Valley, and provides nonprofit legal assistance, including formation and governance. Its legal services are described as free, although administrative processing fees can apply.
2. A CPA who specializes in nonprofits.
A nonprofit CPA can help with the tax side, including the 1023 application, financial projections, accounting setup, and eventually Form 990 filings.
For example, nearby Profenna and DeBellis CPAs, PC in West Nyack specifically advertises assistance with 501(c)(3)/Form 1023 applications and nonprofit tax compliance.
Another nearby option is John F. Santoro CPA, P.C. in Hawthorne, which advertises assistance establishing and maintaining tax-exempt status and IRS nonprofit reporting.
3. You can also file it yourself.
The IRS requires a 501(c)(3) applicant generally to file Form 1023 or, if eligible, the shorter Form 1023-EZ electronically through Pay.gov.
I would not automatically choose 1023-EZ just because it's shorter. Eligibility is specific, and the full Form 1023 can be preferable when the organization has a more complicated structure, activities, funding model, or plans.
If you're just getting started, I'd strongly consider having a nonprofit attorney handle the formation and 501(c)(3) application, and then having a CPA involved for the accounting/tax side.
The biggest mistake I see people make conceptually is thinking that "filing the 501(c)(3) form" is the entire process. You first need the nonprofit's legal structure and governing documents set up correctly; then the IRS application needs to accurately describe your activities, finances, governance, and charitable purpose.
If you tell me (1) what your nonprofit will do, (2) whether you've already incorporated it in New York, and (3) approximately how much money you expect to raise in the first year, I can tell you exactly what professionals you need, whether you likely qualify for 1023-EZ, what the process will look like, and what you should expect to pay.
