At a Glance

Most nonprofits must register with Hawaii before starting fundraising activities in the state. The initial registration costs nothing, but annual fees range from $0 (for organizations earning under $25,000) to $600 (for those earning $5 million or more). Missing deadlines can result in late fees of $20 per day, up to $1,000 maximum.

Hawaii can charge you $20 per day in late fees that add up to $1,000 if you don’t file your charitable solicitation registration reports on time.

Your nonprofit must register with the state before starting any fundraising activities in Hawaii. This rule applies to all charitable organizations unless they meet specific exemptions. The annual registration fee varies based on your gross revenue. Organizations earning less than $25,000 pay nothing, while those making $5 million or more need to pay $600.

Hawaii has updated its charitable fundraising platform regulations. The state pushed the effective date to July 1, 2026, following California’s path with similar laws in 2023. These regulations ensure charitable funds move properly through the state’s donation system.

Many organizations find themselves puzzled about charity registration rules and nonprofit license requirements in Hawaii. You’re not alone if you feel the same way. This piece walks you through the charitable solicitation registration process step by step. It helps you stay compliant with state regulations and avoid penalties that can get pricey. For nonprofits managing registrations across multiple states, working with Labyrinth, Inc. can streamline this complex process. We provide consolidated compliance management through one vendor, one invoice, and one portal, reducing missed notices and enabling faster responses to regulatory requirements.

Step 1: Confirm If Your Nonprofit Must Register

You need to check if your organization must register for charitable solicitation before starting fundraising in Hawaii. The state’s rules are specific about which organizations need to register and which ones might qualify for exemptions.

Types of organizations that must register

Hawaii law says all charitable organizations asking for contributions in the state must register with the Attorney General’s office, whatever their home state might be. This rule applies to organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It also applies to any group that presents itself as established for benevolent, educational, philanthropic, humane, scientific, patriotic, social welfare, advocacy, public health, environmental, or other eleemosynary purposes. The registration rules also apply to organizations that use charitable appeals as their foundation for asking for donations. This broad definition signals that most nonprofits raising funds in Hawaii need to complete the charitable solicitation registration process.

Out-of-state nonprofits should know something important. While registering for charitable solicitation doesn’t mean you have to qualify to do business in Hawaii right away, having an office or employees there might mean you need to register your business too.

What exemptions are available?

Hawaii’s laws offer several exemptions from registration. Your organization might not need to register if it’s one of these:

• Religious corporations, institutions, or societies exempt from filing Form 990 with the IRS under sections 6033(a)(3)(A)(i) and (iii) and 6033(a)(3)(C)(i)
• Parent-teacher associations
• Educational institutions accredited by prominent organizations like the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools or Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Organizations supporting educational institutions that mainly ask for donations from students, alumni, faculty, and trustees
• Nonprofit hospitals licensed by Hawaii or any other state
• Corporations established by act of Congress that submit audited reports to Congress
• Government agencies (Hawaii, other states, or federal)
• Organizations that usually receive less than $25,000 in contributions yearly and don’t use professional solicitors or fundraising counsel

Small organizations can qualify for exemption by showing their average contributions were below $25,000 over the last three fiscal years. Many small nonprofits can take advantage of this charity registration exemption if they meet these requirements.

What qualifies as charitable solicitation?

A clear understanding of “solicitation” is vital to determine your charitable solicitation obligations. Hawaii’s definition is quite broad. It covers any request (direct or indirect) for money, credit, property, financial assistance, or anything valuable that’s meant for charitable purposes.

This covers:

• Any oral or written requests
• Announcements to organizations for further dissemination (including press, radio, TV, telephone)
• Distribution or publishing of any advertisement seeking public support
• Sales of items where a charitable organization is mentioned as a beneficiary
• Use of contribution receptacles such as donation boxes

A solicitation happens whether or not someone gets a contribution. However, grant proposals to government authorities or 501(c)(3) organizations aren’t called solicitations.

Grants from government agencies or other 501(c)(3) organizations don’t count as “contributions.” The same goes for membership dues and assessments. This difference matters when you calculate your annual contribution total for nonprofit license requirements.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Information

Your organization needs to register for charitable solicitation in Hawaii. The next step involves gathering all the right documentation. Hawaii’s online system needs specific information to process your registration correctly.

What documents and data you’ll need

You need several important documents to prepare for charitable solicitation registration in Hawaii. Your application must include:

• Articles of incorporation or equivalent governing documents
• IRS determination letter confirming your tax-exempt status
• Financial disclosures, typically your most recent IRS Form 990
• Complete list of officers and directors
• List of other states where your organization is registered to solicit contributions

Organizations that meet specific revenue thresholds might need audited financial statements. Getting these materials ready will substantially speed up your application process.

The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office needs this documentation to verify your nonprofit’s legitimacy and ensure proper oversight of charitable activities statewide. New applicants should organize these materials carefully to avoid delays in their charity registration. Working with Labyrinth can help ensure your documentation is complete and properly formatted from the start. We provide expert guidance on regulatory requirements, helping organizations avoid common pitfalls that cause delays and resubmissions.

Understanding the Unified Registration Statement

Hawaii uses an internet-based registration system for the Unified Registration Statement (URS) that streamlines the charitable solicitation process. The URS helps unify information requirements in states that need nonprofits to register for fundraising.

You’ll need to create an account with a login and password at the Hawaii registration site: http://efile.form990.org/states/hawaii. The registration statement has 22 questions and needs an electronic signature from one officer or authorized agent of your organization.

The Hawaii Attorney General doesn’t charge any fee to submit a charitable solicitation registration. This is different from other states that might charge for similar services.

Law firms, accountants, or other professional advisors can complete the registration statement through this portal on your behalf. This lets your nonprofit work with experts who make nonprofit compliance straightforward while you focus on your mission.

Who should be listed as authorized agent?

Your authorized agent acts as the official point of contact for legal notices and communications about your nonprofit license in Hawaii. This role becomes vital for organizations outside the state.

Hawaiian regulations require an officer or authorized agent of your organization to sign the registration statement electronically. This person takes responsibility for the accuracy of all submitted information.

Organizations that operate in multiple states should choose their authorized agent carefully. The agent must know your nonprofit’s operations well and have the power to represent your organization officially. Many nonprofits find that working with Labyrinth provides reliable, ongoing support for managing these responsibilities across all jurisdictions. We offer document management services that ensure proper handling of legal notices and regulatory communications.

The URS authorized agent requirements in Hawaii are different from business registration rules. You don’t need a registered agent for charitable solicitation registration, but business registration needs one with a physical Hawaii address.

The person you choose should be ready to respond to the Attorney General’s office and handle questions about your charitable work in Hawaii effectively.

Step 3: Complete the Online Registration Process

You need to navigate Hawaii’s digital registration platform after preparing your documents to complete your charitable solicitation registration. The steps are straightforward once you know what to do.

Creating an account on Hawaii’s e-filing portal

Hawaii uses an internet-based registration system where charitable organizations submit their documentation. The official Hawaii registration site is available at http://efile.form990.org/states/hawaii. New users must get a login and password from this site before they start the registration process.

The online system works for both organizations and professional advisors like law firms or accountants who help with your charitable registration process. Many organizations work with specialists to ensure their applications meet all requirements and are filed correctly the first time.

Filling out and submitting the URS

The Unified Registration Statement (URS) has 22 questions about your organization that you’ll need to complete after logging in. Two officers from your nonprofit must sign the form electronically to verify the submission.

The registration process includes:

• Basic organizational information
• Financial data
• Board members and officers list
• Required documents (IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation, etc.)

Hawaii’s nonprofit license process is accessible to organizations of all sizes because submitting a registration with the Hawaii Attorney General costs nothing.

How to avoid common mistakes

Your charitable solicitation registration might face delays, rejections, or penalties due to errors. Here are the most common mistakes:

• Data inconsistency: Your information should match across different state registrations. Regulatory flags and delays happen when details contradict each other.
• Missing attachments: Applications get rejected when required documents like financial statements or fundraising agreements are missing. Use a checklist of all attachments before you submit.
• Incorrect financial information: You must provide accurate financial data as states require specific information. Check all numbers twice before submission.
• Misunderstanding deadlines: Late fees or temporary suspension of fundraising activities can result from missed due dates.

Labyrinth understands these common pitfalls and can help ensure your registration is prepared accurately from the start, avoiding costly delays and resubmissions. We provide privacy shielding and reliable document management that reduces the risk of errors and missed requirements.

The Hawaii Attorney General’s online guide at Hawaii Charity Registration Guide provides a comprehensive resource that makes your charity registration easier.

Good record-keeping and organization throughout the registration process will help you avoid common issues. This way, your organization stays compliant with Hawaii’s charitable solicitation requirements.

Step 4: Stay Compliant with Annual Requirements

Keeping your charitable solicitation registration active in Hawaii goes beyond the initial approval. Your nonprofit must meet specific yearly requirements to stay compliant with state regulations. Managing these ongoing obligations effectively is crucial for maintaining good standing and avoiding penalties.

Filing your annual financial report

Hawaii handles registered organizations differently from other states. They don’t need to renew their registration statement (URS) each year. The state requires annual financial reports submitted to the Attorney General. This key difference sets Hawaii apart from many other states where charitable solicitation compliance works differently.

Your annual financial report must include:

• A completed Hawaii Annual Charity Transmittal Form (V2)
• PDF copy of your filed IRS Form 990/990-EZ/990-PF
• Audited financial statement (if required by another governmental agency or third party)

Your organization’s first annual report should cover the fiscal year right after the year used for initial registration. For example, if you registered with 2023 financial information, your first annual report would cover 2024.

What are the filing deadlines?

Your filing deadlines depend on your organization’s IRS form type:

• For 990/990-EZ/990-PF filers: Submit within 10 business days after filing with the IRS
• For 990-N filers or those not required to file IRS forms: Submit by the 15th day of the 5th month following fiscal year end

Additionally, you must pay an annual fee based on your gross revenue:

• $0 for less than $25,000
• $25 for $25,000-$49,999
• $50 for $50,000-$99,999
• $100 for $100,000-$249,999
• $150 for $250,000-$499,999
• $200 for $500,000-$999,999
• $250 for $1,000,000-$1,999,999
• $350 for $2,000,000-$4,999,999
• $600 for $5,000,000 and above

Late fees of $20 per day up to $100 per annual report apply if you miss deadlines. Organizations should set up effective compliance tracking systems to avoid these penalties. Labyrinth’s renewal management services can monitor all due dates and ensure timely submissions across multiple states.

How to handle changes in fiscal year

Your charitable solicitation reporting needs special attention when you change your fiscal year. You should email ATG.Charities@hawaii.gov with your organization’s name, FEIN, and new year end.

The reporting procedure depends on your situation:

• When changing doesn’t create two filings for the same tax year: File separate Hawaii reports for each period, including the short year
• When changing creates two filings for the same tax year: Combine the periods and submit one report

Mark “Change in Accounting Period” at the top of the short-year return. Many organizations work with Labyrinth to handle these requirements correctly because of their complexity. We provide regulatory guidance that helps nonprofits navigate these specialized reporting situations.

Step 5: Know the Costs and Avoid Penalties

Your charity’s financial obligations play a key role in compliance planning. Hawaii uses a tiered fee system that provides a fair way for organizations to support regulatory oversight costs.

Annual fee structure by revenue

Hawaii implements a graduated fee scale based on gross revenue:

• $0 for less than $25,000
• $25 for $25,000-$49,999
• $50 for $50,000-$99,999
• $100 for $100,000-$249,999
• $150 for $250,000-$499,999
• $200 for $500,000-$999,999
• $250 for $1,000,000-$1,999,999
• $350 for $2,000,000-$4,999,999
• $600 for $5,000,000+

These fees help support enforcement and management of charitable solicitation registration laws effectively.

How to pay online

You’ll receive a payment reminder email after submitting your annual report. Here’s the process to complete your payment:

1. Visit the Hawaii Charities Online site
2. Enter your organization’s FEIN
3. Select “Pay Annual Fee” for the appropriate tax year
4. Choose payment method (credit card or electronic check)
5. Enter required payment information

Your organization has 14 days to pay without any late fees. Labyrinth can help manage complex charity registration requirements and ensure payments are made on time.

What are the penalties for late filing or payment?

Missing deadlines can lead to substantial penalties. The Attorney General can charge late fees of $20 per day up to $1,000 maximum for both:

• Delayed annual report filing
• Late fee payment

Violators might face additional consequences through Hawaii’s charitable solicitation enforcement system, including unfair and deceptive practice violations. Proactive deadline management through reliable tracking systems helps organizations avoid these costly penalties and maintain good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Navigating Hawaii’s charitable solicitation registration doesn’t need to be overwhelming. This guide shows you the key steps to register your nonprofit correctly and avoid costly penalties. Your organization’s exemption status determines your first crucial step before any fundraising activities begin in the state.

The documentation process becomes manageable once you know your registration requirements. Hawaii offers an efficient online system that makes charitable registration more straightforward than most other states. The system is accessible to nonprofits of all sizes since there are no initial registration fees.

Your compliance duties continue well beyond the initial registration. Annual financial reports must be submitted according to deadlines set by your IRS form type. Missing these deadlines carries serious consequences as penalties can reach up to $20 per day with a $1,000 maximum. Your nonprofit should prioritize setting up a reliable compliance tracking system.

The fee structure works on tiers to keep things fair among different-sized organizations. Fees range from $0 for those with under $25,000 in gross revenue to $600 for organizations over $5 million. A well-managed charitable solicitation process will help your nonprofit avoid common issues while meeting your legal obligations.

Labyrinth often proves valuable to nonprofits that need help with multi-state registration requirements. We provide dedicated guidance through every step, from initial filings to ongoing renewal management, ensuring accurate preparation and timely submissions. Our bulk-change program can help organizations managing multiple state registrations by discounting (and sometimes waiving) fees while extending first-year service up to 12 months to avoid double-paying overlapping contracts. Whatever path you choose, proper record-keeping and meeting deadlines will let your organization focus on its mission instead of regulatory hassles. Legal fundraising and donor trust come from proper compliance with Hawaii’s charitable solicitation laws.