Virginia Nonprofit Registration and Banking Requirements: A 2026 Guide
Virginia is home to approximately 53,000 registered nonprofit organizations, with major concentrations in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Charlottesville . The Commonwealth’s unique proximity to Washington, DC makes it a natural home for national associations, advocacy organizations, international NGOs, and government-adjacent nonprofits .
1. Incorporate with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)
To form a nonprofit corporation in Virginia, you must file Articles of Incorporation with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) . The filing fee is $75 . Virginia uses the SCC rather than a Secretary of State for business filings .
Annual Report Requirement: Virginia nonprofits must file an Annual Report with the SCC by the last day of the month in which the corporation was formed . The fee is $25 . Failure to file can result in automatic termination of the corporation .
2. Get Your Federal EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS — free, takes minutes online .
3. Apply for Federal 501(c)(3) Status
File IRS Form 1023 (or 1023-EZ for smaller organizations) . Processing time is typically 3-6 months. The filing fee is $600 for Form 1023 or $275 for Form 1023-EZ .
4. Apply for Virginia Tax Exemption
Apply for Virginia sales tax exemption through the Virginia Department of Taxation . This is separate from your federal 501(c)(3) status—you must apply independently . Virginia’s state sales tax is 5.3% (4.3% state + 1% local) with rates up to 7% in some regions .
501(c)(3) organizations are generally exempt from Virginia corporate income tax . Virginia also offers property tax exemptions for qualifying nonprofits in many localities .
5. Register for Charitable Solicitation with VDACS
Important: Virginia’s charitable solicitation registration is handled by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) , not the Attorney General .
Initial registration: File Form 102 before soliciting contributions . The initial fee is $100 .
Annual renewal: Renew annually . The renewal fee is $30 .
Exemptions: Religious organizations and those raising less than $5,000 annually may be exempt from registration, provided they don’t use paid fundraisers . However, it’s good practice to register anyway for transparency and credibility with donors .
Solicitation disclosures: Virginia law requires charitable organizations to include a specific disclosure statement in solicitation materials informing donors that financial information is available from VDACS .
6. Open a Nonprofit Bank Account in Virginia
While Virginia nonprofits can open a business bank account with Articles of Incorporation and an EIN , a dedicated nonprofit account is essential for maintaining tax-exempt status, satisfying donor expectations, and meeting VDACS reporting requirements . Commingling personal and organizational funds can jeopardize your 501(c)(3) status .
Documents needed: Articles of Incorporation filed with the Virginia SCC, EIN (IRS CP 575 or 147C), 501(c)(3) determination letter, bylaws signed by board, board resolution authorizing account opening and naming authorized signers, and government-issued photo ID for all authorized signers .
Virginia nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for sales tax exemption and must present their exemption certificate at the time of purchase .
Ongoing Compliance
To maintain your Virginia nonprofit’s active status:
File annual report with the SCC (due by the last day of the month in which your corporation was formed; $25 fee)
File IRS Form 990 series annually
Renew charitable solicitation registration annually with VDACS
At Nova Tax & Accounting Services , we help Virginia nonprofits with Form 990 preparation and compliance with state registration requirements. Schedule your free consultation to discuss your organization’s needs.