In most states, the process for forming a nonprofit corporation is different from the process for forming a for-profit corporation. A nonprofit corporation must file additional documentation with state and federal authorities to be recognized and obtain the advantages of nonprofit status. You can complete and file the paperwork yourself, or use an online document preparation website. Recognition as a nonprofit corporation confers three main advantages: tax breaks for the corporation, tax breaks for donors, and the legal right to solicit donations. In most states, nonprofit corporations are governed by the Model Nonprofit Corporation Act.