Information Center / How to Register for Charitable Solicitation / How to Register for Charitable Solicitation in California: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

How to Register for Charitable Solicitation

How to Register for Charitable Solicitation in California: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

At a Glance

California requires most nonprofits to register with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers within 30 days of first receiving charitable assets, including donations, grants, or property. The process involves filing Form CT-1 with a $50 fee, followed by annual renewals using Form RRF-1. Organizations that fail to register face delinquent status and cannot legally operate or solicit donations in California.

California has some of the strictest charity registration requirements in the nation. When fundraising in the Golden State, understanding the proper charitable solicitation process isn’t just helpful—it’s absolutely essential. Your compliance status directly affects your organization’s ability to legally raise funds and maintain public trust.

Importantly, nonprofit organizations doing business or holding property for charitable purposes in California must register with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers within 30 days of first receiving charitable assets (including donations, grants, and property). This requirement applies whether your organization is based in California or operates from another state that is soliciting or otherwise doing business in California.

Confused about where to start? Don’t worry. This step-by-step guide walks you through the charitable solicitation registration process in California—from determining if you need to register to maintaining annual compliance and handling special situations. With proper guidance and attention to detail, nonprofit compliance becomes much more manageable.

Step 1: Determine If Your Organization Must Register

Understanding exactly which organizations must register for charitable solicitation in California saves time, money, and potential legal headaches. Determining your organization’s status is the crucial first step in maintaining compliance.



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Who is exempt from registration in California?

California offers limited exemptions from charitable registration requirements. There is no general exemption for small organizations—nonprofits raising minimal funds are still required to register. Certain entities, such as religious organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit hospitals, are exempt by law. Exemptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Attorney General’s office.

Nonprofit mutual benefit corporations have special considerations. These organizations are required to register only if they received or solicited assets specifically for charitable purposes. Additionally, organizations whose only contact with California is making grants to California organizations or maintaining financial accounts at financial institutions located in California are generally not considered to be doing business in the state for registration purposes.

How do you confirm your exemption status?

To officially request an exemption determination, submit a letter to the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers (916-210-6400, oag.ca.gov/charities) explaining why your organization qualifies, along with copies of your founding documents and your IRS determination letter (if available). Exemption requests cannot be submitted via the Online Filing Service and must be sent by traditional methods. After review, Registry staff will notify you of the determination and, if approved, designate your organization as exempt.

What happens if you assume you’re exempt but you’re not?

Operating without required registration can lead to significant consequences, including being listed as Delinquent, being prohibited from operating or soliciting donations in California, potential penalties, and notification to the Franchise Tax Board which may jeopardize state tax exemption. If you failed to register on time, the Registry may require you to pay past-due renewal fees based on when you first received charitable assets. Late fees are assessed at $25 per month starting 31 days after the first delinquency letter. Late fees cannot be paid from charitable assets; directors may be held personally responsible for damages stemming from avoidable penalties.

Even if your organization may be exempt, nonprofits not in good standing with the Registry cannot operate or solicit in California, including through charitable fundraising platforms. It’s always safer to obtain a formal determination rather than assume exemption. Many organizations find that working with compliance specialists helps ensure accurate exemption assessments and proper documentation from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Once you’ve determined your organization needs to register, gathering the proper documentation is essential for California charitable solicitation registration. Submitting complete and accurate information prevents delays and ensures smooth approval.

CT-1 Form and when to file it

The CT-1 Initial Registration Form serves as your official registration with the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. You must file this form within 30 days of first receiving charitable assets. This applies to both California-based nonprofits and out-of-state organizations doing business in California.

  • Your nonprofit’s name and contact details
  • Description of primary activities
  • Financial information
  • Tax exemption status

A $50 initial registration fee must accompany your CT-1 submission. After initial registration, you must renew annually using Form RRF-1, generally due four months and fifteen days after your fiscal year ends.

Authoritative resources:

IRS Form 1023 and Determination Letter

If applicable, your application package should include a copy of your IRS Form 1023 (or 1023-EZ) application and your IRS determination letter once received. Form 1023 must be filed electronically. Filing within 27 months of formation generally preserves retroactive recognition to the date of formation.

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Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Provide copies of your founding documents:

  • For corporations: endorsed/certified articles of incorporation plus any amendments
  • For unincorporated associations: bylaws, constitution, or articles of association
  • For trusts: the trust instrument or will and decree of final distribution

These documents should clearly state your name, charitable purpose, and disposition of assets upon dissolution.

List of board members and contact info

CT-1 requires a list of all officers, directors, and trustees, including their positions and mailing addresses. This information helps establish organizational legitimacy and accountability.

Preparing thorough documentation upfront saves time throughout registration and supports ongoing compliance. Organizations that invest in proper preparation typically experience faster processing and fewer requests for additional information.

Step 3: Submit Your Initial Registration

With your documents prepared, it’s time to submit your California charitable registration.

Where and how to file your documents

California offers two submission options:

  1. Online Submission (Recommended): Use the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers’ Online Filing Service to complete CT-1, upload supporting documents, and pay fees electronically.
  2. Mail Submission:
    Office of the Attorney General
    Registry of Charities and Fundraisers
    P.O. Box 903447
    Sacramento, CA 94203-4470

Filing fees and payment methods

  • Initial registration fee: $50 (non-refundable). For online filings, payment may be made by credit card or ACH (electronic check). For mail submissions, pay by check payable to “Department of Justice.”
  • After initial registration, annual renewal fees are based on total revenue as shown on Form RRF-1 instructions. Current schedule includes:
    • Less than $50,000: $25
    • $50,000 to $100,000: $50
    • $100,001 to $250,000: $75
    • $250,001 to $1,000,000: $100
    • $1,000,001 to $5,000,000: $200
    • Higher brackets up to $1,200

Authoritative resources:

How do you confirm your registration status?

Completed applications are typically processed in less than 90 days; online submissions generally process faster. You can verify your status by:

Once registered, you will be assigned a State Charity Registration Number for use on future filings and renewals. Having a reliable system to track this confirmation and maintain records proves invaluable for ongoing compliance management.



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Step 4: Maintain Annual Compliance

After successful registration, maintaining compliance requires annual filings and careful attention to deadlines—one of the most challenging aspects for busy nonprofit teams.

Filing the RRF-1 and Form 990

Every registered organization must file the Annual Registration Renewal Fee Report (Form RRF-1) each year. Include:

  • If annual revenue is over $50,000: a copy of IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF as filed with the IRS (exclude Schedule B).
  • If annual revenue is under $50,000 and you do not file IRS Form 990/990-EZ: file Form CT-TR-1 (Annual Treasurer’s Report) with your RRF-1.

Authoritative resources:

Understanding the renewal deadlines

Annual filings are due 4 months and 15 days after the end of your fiscal year. IRS extensions are honored; after filing with the IRS, submit a complete package to the Registry (forms, fees, and a copy of your IRS extension request/approval, if applicable). Missing these deadlines can create serious operational challenges, making deadline tracking systems essential for nonprofit compliance.

What happens if you miss a deadline?

If you miss your filing deadline, your status may be changed to Delinquent, and you may not operate or solicit donations in California, including through charitable fundraising platforms. Late fees are calculated at $25 per month starting 31 days after the first delinquency letter. Late fees cannot be paid from charitable assets; directors may be held responsible for damages from avoidable penalties.

Authoritative resource:

How do you avoid being marked ‘Delinquent’?

Proactive deadline management and systematic renewal processes help organizations maintain good standing year after year, allowing leadership to focus on mission-critical work rather than compliance paperwork.

When is an audit required?

Organizations reporting $2 million or more in total revenue must submit independently audited financial statements with their RRF-1, in accordance with California’s Nonprofit Integrity Act.

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Step 5: Handle Special Situations and Stay Compliant

Registering as an out-of-state nonprofit

Foreign charitable organizations (incorporated outside California) must register within 30 days of first receiving property or donations as a result of doing business in California. Doing business includes active solicitation targeting California residents (including by mail or online). Required submissions mirror in-state organizations (CT-1, founding documents, IRS determination letter if received, and applicable fees). Making grants to California organizations or maintaining accounts at California financial institutions, by itself, does not trigger registration.

Withdrawing or reinstating your registration

If you cease operations in California, contact the Registry for instructions on withdrawing or dissolving. If your registration has been revoked, conditional reinstatement requires submitting all deficient filings and fees, proof of good standing with the IRS, California Franchise Tax Board, and Secretary of State, and a petition explaining past noncompliance and plans to prevent recurrence (see Cal. Code Regs., tit. 11, § 346).

Working with fundraising professionals

Under California law, certain fundraising professionals (such as commercial fundraisers and fundraising counsel) must register with the Attorney General before soliciting or providing fundraising services in California. Check the Attorney General’s website for current requirements.

Using third-party fundraising platforms

California regulates charitable fundraising platforms. Organizations not in good standing with the Registry may not operate or solicit in California, which includes not being able to be listed or receive donations through charitable fundraising platforms.

Avoiding penalties and personal liability

Noncompliance can result in delinquent status, inability to operate or solicit, penalties or legal action, late fees, and notification to the Franchise Tax Board which may result in loss of state tax exemption. Late fees cannot be paid from charitable assets, and directors may be held responsible for damages from avoidable penalties.

Where can you get charitable registration help?

For comprehensive assistance with charitable solicitation registration, many organizations work with commercial registered agent services that specialize in nonprofit requirements. These services typically provide dedicated specialists who handle all filing preparation, deadline tracking, and renewal management, allowing nonprofit teams to focus on their mission rather than the administrative burden. The Attorney General’s website also provides extensive resources, including forms, guides, and the Registry Search Tool.



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Frequently Asked Questions

Do small nonprofits have to register in California?
Yes. California has no general exemption for small organizations. Nonprofits raising minimal funds are still required to register within 30 days of receiving their first charitable assets.
What happens if we miss our annual renewal deadline?
Your organization will be marked as Delinquent and cannot operate or solicit donations in California. Late fees of $25 per month begin 31 days after the first delinquency letter.
Can we pay late fees with donated funds?
No. Late fees cannot be paid from charitable assets. Directors may be held personally responsible for damages from avoidable penalties.
How long does the registration process take?
Applications are typically processed in less than 90 days. Online submissions generally process faster than mail submissions.
Do we need an audit for our annual filing?
Organizations with $2 million or more in total revenue must submit independently audited financial statements with their RRF-1 renewal.



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