Nonprofits registered in California now have until August 31, 2026, to complete certain annual filings. The California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers announced a blanket extension covering renewal deadlines between January 7, 2025, and August 31, 2026.

This extension applies automatically. Your organization does not need to contact the state to opt in.

What filings are included

The extension applies to required California filings and related federal returns, including:

• Form RRF-1
• Form CT-TR-1
• Federal returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service:
  • Form 990
  • Form 990-EZ
  • Form 990-PF

California will also honor federal extensions. If your organization extends its IRS Form 990 filing deadline, the state will recognize that extended deadline.

Why was the deadline extended

The state is preparing to launch a new online filing system for charities in 2026. This transition is expected to change how organizations submit and track filings. The extension reduces near-term filing pressure during this rollout.

What this means for nonprofits

The extension provides flexibility, but filing requirements remain in place.

Organizations should plan to:

• Continue filing on a regular schedule when possible
• Use the extension to catch up on any outstanding filings
• Avoid delaying all filings until later in 2026

Waiting too long may lead to a backlog and an increased risk of errors.

Looking ahead

Labyrinth supports nonprofits with tools and services to track filing requirements, manage registrations, and maintain good standing across states, helping organizations stay organized through changes like this.