At a Glance

Kansas requires most nonprofits to register with the Attorney General before soliciting donations in the state. The registration process involves submitting a Charitable Organization Registration Statement along with financial documents and a $25 fee. Registration expires on the last day of the sixth month after your fiscal year ends and must be renewed annually.

Did you know that 40+ states require charitable solicitation registration for nonprofits collecting donations? Kansas stands among these states, mandating compliance with specific regulations before you start fundraising.

Navigating charitable solicitation requirements can feel overwhelming at first. However, properly completing your charity registration isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about building donor trust and protecting your nonprofit’s reputation. Fortunately, the process doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance and charitable solicitation registration resources, experienced nonprofit compliance specialists make compliance easy.

Kansas has specific requirements that differ from other states, making it essential to understand exactly what’s needed before you begin. From gathering financial documents to completing the right forms, each step requires attention to detail and timely submission.

This guide breaks down the entire Kansas registration process into manageable steps. We’ll walk you through the laws, exemptions, required documents, and maintenance obligations to keep your organization compliant. Let’s get your nonprofit properly registered and ready to focus on its mission!

Understand Kansas Charitable Solicitation Laws

Kansas law establishes clear guidelines for organizations raising funds for charitable purposes. Understanding these rules is essential before your nonprofit begins any fundraising activities in the state.

What qualifies as charitable solicitation

The Kansas Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act defines charitable solicitation as any request or appeal for funds, property, or financial assistance for charitable purposes. This broad definition covers numerous fundraising methods, including:

• Direct mail campaigns and email solicitations
• In-person fundraising events
• Phone calls requesting donations
• Online fundraising through websites or social media

A “charitable organization” under Kansas law refers to any person or entity soliciting funds for benevolent, social, educational, alumni, historical, humane, public health, or other charitable purposes. Political parties, candidates, and their supporting committees are specifically excluded from this definition. See K.S.A. 17-1760

Before conducting any charitable solicitation activities, you must understand whether your organization falls within these parameters.

Who needs to register and why it matters

Unless specifically exempted, all charitable organizations must register with the Kansas Attorney General prior to soliciting contributions in Kansas. This requirement applies regardless of whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state organization. Additionally, professional fundraisers and professional solicitors working on behalf of your organization must also register. See K.S.A. 17-1763, 17-1764, and 17-1765.

Registration serves several important purposes beyond mere legal requirements:

• Donor protection – Ensures your organization meets state transparency standards
• Organizational credibility – Demonstrates commitment to accountability and proper financial stewardship
• Financial transparency – Provides public access to your organization’s financial information

Many nonprofits don’t realize that charitable solicitation requirements apply even when fundraising occurs online or through indirect methods. Organizations must be particularly careful about registration status in advertising materials. Using registration status in promotional materials as an implied endorsement by the state is prohibited. The Attorney General can cancel the registration of any organization that violates this provision. See K.S.A. 17-1771

Penalties for non-compliance

Failing to register before soliciting can result in serious consequences for your organization under the Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act, including:

• Civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation (K.S.A. 17-1773).
• Additional civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation for willful violations of a court injunction or order issued under the act (K.S.A. 17-1773).
• Payment of investigation fees and reasonable expenses as determined by the court (K.S.A. 17-1773(c)).
• Cancellation of registration for unlawful representations that imply state endorsement (K.S.A. 17-1771).

Beyond financial penalties, non-compliance can damage your organization’s reputation and undermine donor confidence. Proper registration provides the legal foundation your nonprofit needs to fundraise effectively while maintaining public trust.

Check If Your Organization Is Exempt

Before embarking on the charitable solicitation registration process, it’s essential to determine if your nonprofit qualifies for one of Kansas’s statutory exemptions. The state offers numerous categories of exemptions, potentially saving your organization time and resources.

Common exemption categories under K.S.A. 17-1762

Kansas law provides several automatic exemptions from charitable solicitation registration requirements. Your organization may qualify if it falls into any of these categories (K.S.A. 17-1762):

• Educational institutions, including state universities, school districts, and accredited educational institutions (with annual financial reporting to the Attorney General for these institutions and libraries)
• Religious organizations and their affiliated charitable entities
• Small organizations receiving less than $10,000 in contributions during their tax period (with all fundraising conducted by unpaid persons)
• Limited solicitation organizations soliciting from fewer than 100 persons
• United Way organizations and entities receiving United Way allocations
• Volunteer firefighter organizations and their auxiliaries
• Nonprofit medical care facilities licensed in Kansas
• Municipality-supported charitable activities
• Other specifically listed organizations (e.g., Boy/Girl Scouts, YMCA/YWCA, community foundations, licensed animal shelters)

How exemptions work in practice

Kansas exemptions listed in K.S.A. 17-1762 are automatic. If your nonprofit qualifies under one of the statute’s categories, a separate state exemption filing is generally not required. However, maintaining proper documentation of your exempt status is important for compliance purposes.

The $10,000 threshold exemption deserves particular attention. This exemption applies only when all fundraising is conducted by unpaid volunteers. If your organization employs paid staff members who participate in fundraising activities, this exemption does not apply regardless of contribution amounts.

Why even exempt organizations may need to file

Even if your organization qualifies for an exemption, certain requirements still apply:

• Educational institutions exempt from registration must still file annual financial reports with the Attorney General (K.S.A. 17-1762(a)).
• Professional fundraiser registration – If your exempt organization employs professional fundraisers, those fundraisers must register separately with the state (K.S.A. 17-1764 and 17-1765).
• Threshold monitoring – Organizations initially exempt due to receiving less than $10,000 must register within 30 days after the end of the tax period in which they exceed that threshold (K.S.A. 17-1762(d)).

Careful tracking of contribution levels ensures you don’t inadvertently lose exempt status without proper registration.

Prepare Required Documents and Information

Gathering the proper documentation is a crucial step in the Kansas charitable solicitation registration process. Once you’ve determined your organization needs to register, you’ll need to compile several important documents before submitting your application.

IRS Form 990 and financial statements

The IRS Form 990 serves as a cornerstone document for your charitable solicitation registration in Kansas. This annual information return is required for most 501(c) organizations and provides details about your nonprofit’s income, expenses, activities, and structure. The IRS filing deadline is generally the 15th day of the 5th month following your fiscal year end.

Organizations with contributions exceeding $500,000 during their most recently completed fiscal year must submit audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (K.S.A. 17-1763(c)).

If your organization files Form 990-EZ or 990-N (e-Postcard), you’ll still need to provide this documentation as part of your Kansas registration. The state accepts these alternative forms but may require additional financial information depending on your organization’s size and activities.

List of officers and directors

Kansas requires comprehensive information about your organization’s leadership team. You must provide the names and addresses of all officers, directors, trustees, and principal salaried employees (K.S.A. 17-1763(b)(6)). This information helps the state verify organizational legitimacy and provides contact information for regulatory communications.

Maintain current contact information for all leadership positions, as changes must be reported during your renewal process. Organizations with frequently changing boards should implement systems to track these updates systematically.

Charitable Organization Financial Statement

If your organization does not file a Form 990 or if the 990 is not available at registration time, Kansas requires a financial statement on the Attorney General’s approved form. That statement must:

• Be signed and sworn by at least two authorized officers, including your chief fiscal officer
• Include a balance sheet and income/expense statement
• Clearly present gross receipts and income from all sources
• Detail administrative and solicitation costs
• Outline program expenses
• Document funds transferred out of state
• Show net amounts disbursed for each major purpose

See K.S.A. 17-1763(b)(15)

This alternative financial statement must follow specific formatting requirements and include detailed explanations of any unusual financial activities or transactions.

Other state registrations and legal history

Your Kansas application must indicate whether your organization is authorized by any other governmental authority to solicit contributions and whether it has been enjoined by any court (K.S.A. 17-1763(b)(13)). Many filers also provide a list of states where they are registered to solicit.

Be thorough and accurate when reporting other state registrations and any legal proceedings. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay processing and potentially trigger additional scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

Having all required documents organized beforehand will streamline your registration process and help avoid delays in obtaining your nonprofit license. We recommend creating a compliance checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked during the preparation phase.

Complete the Kansas Registration Process

Once you’ve compiled your documents, it’s time to submit your Kansas charitable solicitation registration. The actual filing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to avoid delays.

How to file the Charitable Organization Registration form

The Kansas Attorney General requires all non-exempt organizations to file the Charitable Organization Registration Statement for Solicitations form. This document must be signed by two separate authorized officers, one of whom must be your chief fiscal officer (K.S.A. 17-1763(b)). The form requires:

• Details about your organization’s location, purpose, and responsible individuals
• Complete financial information for the preceding year
• Information about other governmental authorizations and any court injunctions
• Information about professional fundraisers (if applicable)
• Method of solicitation (direct mail, telephone, internet, events, etc.)

Organizations receiving contributions exceeding $500,000 during the fiscal year must include an audited financial statement prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles (K.S.A. 17-1763(c)).

The registration form is available through the Kansas Attorney General’s website. We recommend downloading the most current version before beginning your application, as forms are occasionally updated to reflect regulatory changes.

Filing fees and mailing instructions

– Fee: $25 per registration (K.S.A. 17-1763(e)).

– Submit your completed registration form, supporting documents, and payment to the Kansas Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division), 120 SW 10th Ave., 2nd Floor, Topeka, KS 66612. See: Kansas Charitable Organization Registration

Payment can be made by check or money order payable to “Kansas Attorney General.” Personal checks are acceptable, but certified funds may expedite processing. Include your organization’s name and EIN on all payment methods for proper application of funds.

Timeline and processing expectations

– Typical processing time is approximately 4–6 weeks (Harbor Compliance, Kansas Charitable Registration).

– Your registration expires on the last day of the sixth month after the end of your fiscal year. For example, if your fiscal year ends December 31, your registration expires June 30 (K.S.A. 17-1763(d)).

– Kansas does not allow late registrations based on IRS extensions (Harbor Compliance, Kansas Charitable Registration).

Plan submission timing carefully to ensure registration approval before you begin solicitation activities. Organizations planning immediate fundraising campaigns should submit applications well in advance of their planned start dates.

Expert assistance for complex filings

Navigating the charitable solicitation registration process can be challenging, especially for organizations operating in multiple states. Labyrinth, Inc. combines regulatory expertise with personalized service to handle your organization’s registrations accurately and on time, so you can focus on your mission rather than paperwork.

Professional assistance offers significant advantages:

• Proper completion of all required forms
• Timely submission of documentation
• Expert guidance on complex financial reporting requirements
• Ongoing oversight through secure client portals
• **Bulk-change program benefits** – We discount (sometimes waive) our fees and often cover state fees for volume switches, plus we extend first-year service up to 12 months so clients avoid double-paying overlapping contracts

Many nonprofits find that working with experienced nonprofit compliance specialists allows them to maintain regulatory requirements while dedicating their resources to core mission activities. Labyrinth’s unique nonprofit expertise includes regulatory guidance, privacy shielding, and reliable document management – providing the consolidation benefits of one vendor, one invoice, one portal for fewer missed notices and faster responses.

Maintain Compliance After Registration

Maintaining your Kansas charitable solicitation registration requires ongoing attention long after your initial filing. Proper management ensures your nonprofit can continue fundraising activities without interruption.

Annual renewal requirements and deadlines

– Your registration expires on the last day of the sixth month after your fiscal year ends (K.S.A. 17-1763(d)). For organizations with a December 31 fiscal year, renewals are due by June 30.

– The renewal fee is $25 (K.S.A. 17-1763(e)).

– Each renewal submission requires current financial information, signatures from two authorized officers (including your chief fiscal officer), and any updated organizational information.

We recommend setting calendar reminders at least 90 days before your renewal deadline to allow adequate preparation time. Last-minute renewals increase the risk of errors and potential compliance gaps.

Filing extensions and fiscal year changes

– Kansas does not allow late registrations even if the IRS extends federal tax deadlines; however, there is no separate state late fee for charitable registration (Harbor Compliance, Kansas Charitable Registration).

– To change your fiscal year, note the change during your standard renewal process (Harbor Compliance, Kansas Charitable Registration). If soliciting occurred during a partial fiscal year, file a final renewal for that period (Harbor Compliance, Kansas Charitable Registration).

Fiscal year changes require careful coordination to avoid coverage gaps. Organizations considering fiscal year changes should consult with their accounting professionals and legal advisors to understand all implications.

When to update your registration

Update your registration whenever:

• Your organization’s contact information changes
• There are significant leadership changes
• Your fiscal year changes
• You cease soliciting in Kansas
• Your exempt status changes
• You begin using professional fundraisers

Prompt reporting of changes helps maintain good standing with the state and ensures accurate regulatory records. Some changes may require immediate notification rather than waiting for the next renewal cycle.

Avoiding common renewal mistakes

Organizations often make errors when managing charitable solicitation registration renewals, including:

• Missing deadlines due to inadequate tracking systems
• Failing to include required attachments such as updated financial statements
• Submitting inconsistent information across multiple state filings
• Waiting until the last minute to prepare applications
• Using outdated forms rather than current versions
• Inadequate record keeping of filing confirmations and correspondence

Implementing systematic renewal procedures reduces these risks and ensures consistent year-over-year performance.

Professional renewal management services

Managing charitable registration and renewals typically consumes substantial time each year. Working with dedicated compliance specialists offers several advantages:

• Systematic tracking of all renewal deadlines
• Expert document preparation with accuracy guarantees
• Consistent information across multiple state filings
• Secure client portals for tracking filing status and documentation
• Proactive communication about upcoming requirements
• Consolidated management reducing the complexity of multi-state operations

Labyrinth’s comprehensive approach reduces administrative burden while ensuring your organization maintains good standing in all jurisdictions where you solicit donations. Our commercial registered agent services combined with nonprofit expertise provide the regulatory guidance and privacy shielding nonprofits need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Registering for charitable solicitation in Kansas represents a crucial step for any nonprofit planning to fundraise within the state. Through proper registration, you establish legal standing for your fundraising activities while building essential trust with donors and supporters.

Following the steps outlined above ensures your nonprofit meets all Kansas requirements without unnecessary complications. First, understand the applicable laws and determine whether your organization falls under any exemption categories. Then, gather all required documentation, including financial statements and leadership information, before completing the actual registration process. Finally, maintain ongoing oversight through timely renewals and updates.

The consequences of neglecting charitable solicitation registration can be severe – from substantial financial penalties to damage to your organization’s reputation. Therefore, taking a proactive approach to requirements protects both your organization and its mission. Additionally, proper registration demonstrates your commitment to transparency and accountability, qualities increasingly valued by today’s donors.

Though the process may initially seem daunting, breaking it down into manageable steps makes nonprofit oversight achievable for organizations of all sizes. Many nonprofits find that working with experienced compliance specialists significantly reduces administrative burden while ensuring all requirements are met accurately and on time.

Remember that requirements change as your organization grows, especially if you begin fundraising in multiple states. Accordingly, establishing strong practices from the start saves considerable time and resources in the long run. Your nonprofit can then focus on what truly matters – fulfilling your charitable mission rather than worrying about regulatory hurdles.