How to Start a Nonprofit Church & Obtain 501(c)(3) Church Status | Step-by-Step Guide

How to Start a Nonprofit Church & Obtain 501(c)(3) Church Status | Step-by-Step Guide

How to Start a Nonprofit Church & Get 501(c)(3) Church Status

Step-by-step educational guide with real requirements, compliance steps, and expert support.

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Introduction: How to Legally Start a Church

Starting a church with full IRS 501(c)(3) church status requires several legal and structural steps. This guide explains everything you need to legally establish a nonprofit church, organize your leadership, document your religious purpose, meet IRS church requirements, and obtain full tax-exempt status.

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Step-by-Step Process to Start a Nonprofit Church & Obtain 501(c)(3)

Step 1 — Establish Your Church’s Religious Purpose & Mission

The IRS requires proof that your church exists for religious purposes. You must define:

  • Doctrinal statements
  • Mission & faith-based purpose
  • Statement of beliefs
  • Worship practices and religious activities
Step 2 — Prepare Your Church Governance Structure

To qualify as a church, the IRS looks at up to 14 characteristics, including:

  • Recognized creed & form of worship
  • Established church government
  • Formal doctrine
  • Ordained ministers
  • Regular religious services
  • Established congregation
  • Sunday school or ministry education
Step 3 — Form a Nonprofit Legal Entity for Your Church

Your church must be incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in your state.

  • Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
  • IRS conflict-of-interest policy
  • IRS-compliant purpose & dissolution clauses
Step 4 — Obtain Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

This gives your church a legal identity to open a bank account, apply for grants, and file with the IRS.

Step 5 — Write IRS-Compliant Church Bylaws

Your bylaws should describe:

  • Church leadership structure
  • How pastors/ministers are appointed
  • Voting, meetings, and governance
  • Financial oversight practices
Step 6 — Prepare IRS Schedule A (Church Status Requirements)

The IRS uses Schedule A to verify your church qualifies. The IRS considers up to **14 specific church characteristics**, including:

  • Distinct legal existence
  • Form of worship
  • Established membership
  • Doctrine and practices
  • Ordained ministers
  • Religious education

We complete your Schedule A for you.

Step 7 — File for IRS 501(c)(3) Church Status

We prepare and file your full IRS 501(c)(3) church application, including Schedule A and all required attachments.

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Why Churches Choose Us

  • We handle incorporation, EIN, bylaws, Schedule A & IRS filings
  • We fix denied or revoked applications
  • We provide lifetime guidance through our membership
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Top 15 FAQ About Starting a Nonprofit Church

1. Do churches automatically qualify for 501(c)(3)?
No. The IRS still examines your structure, doctrine, and church characteristics.
2. Do churches need bylaws?
Yes. Bylaws are required to show an organized structure.
3. Do you need 3 board members?
Yes—President, Secretary, Treasurer.
4. Do churches need an EIN?
Yes. Every church must have an EIN.
5. Do churches file annual IRS forms?
Most churches are exempt from filing 990 returns.
6. Can I start a church with no building?
Yes. Home churches and virtual churches qualify.
7. Does the pastor need to be ordained?
Yes, or recognized as a spiritual leader of the church.
8. How long does 501(c)(3) church approval take?
Usually 60–120 days.
9. Can a church pay a pastor?
Yes, with reasonable compensation.
10. Can churches receive grants?
Yes—faith-based organizations qualify for many grants.
11. Can a foreign pastor start a church?
Yes. Citizenship is not required.
12. Does the church need members first?
Yes, you must have an initial congregation.
13. Do churches need a bank account?
Yes, to operate legally.
14. Can a church have business activities?
Yes, if related to religious or charitable purpose.
15. Is 501(c)(3) church status permanent?
Yes—as long as compliance is maintained.
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