A 10-page, step-by-step guide to forming and running a California nonprofit public benefit corporation, created by SOS Housing for shared housing, co-housing and group home founders. Part 1 walks you through the 10 steps to start: choosing your name, filing Articles of Incorporation, appointing your board, writing bylaws and a conflict of interest policy, your first board meeting, getting an EIN, registering with the California Attorney General, filing your Statement of Information, and applying for federal 501(c)(3) and California tax exemption. NEW Part 2, Staying Compliant in California, shows you how to keep your nonprofit in good standing: who you report to, an annual filing calendar for the IRS 990, FTB Form 199, Attorney General RRF-1 and Statement of Information, current fees, the property tax welfare exemption for housing nonprofits, how to check your status, what to do if you fall behind, and a ready-to-use compliance checklist. Updated October 2026. Instant PDF download.