What are the legal requirements to starting a non profit?

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The legal requirements to start a non-profit as opposed to a for-profit organization are explained in the following article at the FREE web site I maintain as an extension of my volunteer work: https://www.smalltofeds.com/2010/01/small-business-government-grants-versus.html

Hello Lexi. The US National Council of Nonprofits recommends these steps: 1) Do Your Research, 2) Build a Solid Foundation, 3) Complete Incorporation and State Forms, 4) File for Federal Tax-Exempt Status, 5) Do Ongoing Compliance --- Details: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/how-start-nonprofit

Are non profits required to file for their 501c or no to be considered as a non profit?

As we have discussed at your previous question https://www.micromentor.org/question/14154 the 501c designation relates to tax exempt status. You can register with your state as a non-profit organization and operated as one, but your revenue will be taxable by the state and federal government and those who make donations will be unable to claim them as tax deductible until you have an IRS 501c designation number.

As another mentor has commented previously in our discussion of your questions, perhaps you should consider an LLC for-profit organization and run your company on that basis.

Lexi hi. My understanding is that some small nonprofits that don’t depend mainly on donations can work without 501c. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/long-can-nonprofit-operate-501c3-status-60923.html

Starting a nonprofit organization involves several legal requirements, which may vary depending on the country or state you are in. Here are some common legal requirements you may need to consider:

Incorporation: You need to incorporate your nonprofit by filing articles of incorporation with the relevant government agency. This establishes your nonprofit as a legal entity separate from its founders and members.

Register with the government: You may also need to register with the government agency responsible for regulating nonprofit organizations in your country or state.

Tax exemption: In most countries, nonprofits are eligible for tax exemption. To obtain this status, you will need to apply for tax-exempt status with the relevant government agency, which typically requires filing certain forms and providing detailed information about your nonprofit's purpose and activities.

Bylaws: Your nonprofit will need to have a set of bylaws that describe how the organization will be governed, including procedures for electing board members, holding meetings, and making decisions.

Board of Directors: Your nonprofit will need to have a board of directors responsible for overseeing the organization's activities and making important decisions. The board members must act in the best interest of the organization and avoid conflicts of interest.

Financial reporting: Nonprofits are typically required to submit annual financial reports to the government agency responsible for regulating nonprofit organizations. These reports should include information on the organization's income, expenses, and assets.

Compliance: Your nonprofit must comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to employment, fundraising, and taxes.

It is important to consult with an attorney or legal professional who is familiar with nonprofit law in your country or state to ensure that you meet all legal requirements when starting a nonprofit