At a Glance

Most nonprofits must register for charitable solicitation in Maryland before beginning any fundraising activities if they receive more than $25,000 in annual contributions or use professional solicitors. Registration involves filing the COR-92 form with the Maryland Secretary of State (410-260-3980, sos.maryland.gov), paying fees ranging from $50 to $300 based on contribution levels, and submitting required documentation including IRS determination letters and financial statements.

Charitable solicitation registration is legally required in Maryland before your nonprofit can start fundraising. Unfortunately, many well-meaning organizations discover this requirement only after they’ve already begun collecting donations. The process of charity registration can seem overwhelming with its forms, deadlines, and specific requirements. However, obtaining your nonprofit license doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with the right guidance and specialized support, achieving compliance can be streamlined, allowing you to navigate charitable solicitation requirements efficiently and avoid potential penalties.

Fortunately, this step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly what you need to do to get registered in Maryland. Whether you’re starting a new nonprofit or realizing your existing organization needs to get compliant, you’ll find clear, actionable instructions to complete your charitable registration properly.

Who Needs to Register for Charitable Solicitation in Maryland

The Maryland Solicitations Act establishes clear guidelines for organizations engaging in charitable fundraising within the state. Understanding these requirements is essential for any nonprofit organization planning to solicit donations from Maryland residents.

What counts as charitable solicitation

Under Maryland law, charitable solicitation encompasses more than just asking for money. The state defines it broadly as an oral or written request for a charitable contribution and recognizes many modern outreach methods. Maryland notes that solicitations can include phone calls, texts, social media, emails, direct mail, and in-person requests at retail locations (see Maryland Secretary of State, Registering a Charity).

This definition covers a broad range of fundraising activities, including:

• Fundraising drives, events, campaigns, and other similar activities
• Announcements to news media seeking charitable contributions
• Distribution of written advertisements or publications that directly or implicitly seek donations
• Sales of merchandise, tickets, or memberships where an appeal for charitable contributions is made (see COR-92 instructions)

Even if your nonprofit uses digital methods like social media posts, emails, or text messages to request donations, these activities qualify as solicitation under Maryland law.

Types of organizations required to register

The registration requirement applies to most charitable organizations operating in Maryland. Specifically, you need to register if your organization:

• Is or presents itself as a benevolent, educational, philanthropic, or religious organization that solicits contributions from the public (see COR-92 instructions)
• Received more than $25,000 in charitable contributions during the most recently completed fiscal year
• Uses a professional solicitor or fundraising counsel, regardless of contribution amount (Professional Solicitor)

Organizations with affiliates, branches, or chapters should review Maryland’s registration instructions to determine whether separate filings are required for each entity.

If you’re planning charitable solicitation registration for multiple entities, understanding these distinctions is particularly important for proper achieving compliance.

When registration must be completed

The timing of registration is straightforward but critically important: you must register and receive confirmation from the Secretary of State before beginning any solicitation activities in Maryland. This requirement applies to:

• Organizations soliciting within Maryland
• Organizations having charitable contributions solicited on their behalf in Maryland

For new nonprofits just beginning their charity registration journey, filing the appropriate forms before any fundraising activity is essential to avoid potential penalties.

Even organizations that qualify for exemptions must file the appropriate documentation. For instance, if your nonprofit receives less than $25,000 in annual contributions and doesn’t employ professional solicitors, you must file an Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice. Religious organizations and organizations that solicit only from their members may claim exemption by submitting documentation to the Secretary of State as described in the state’s instructions.

The registration process differs based on your organization’s size. Those receiving less than $25,000 in contributions file the Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice with no fee. Organizations exceeding that threshold must complete the more comprehensive Registration Statement for Charitable Organizations (COR-92) and pay a fee that increases with contribution levels.

For organizations engaged in multi-state charitable solicitation, understanding Maryland’s specific requirements alongside those of other states can streamline your nonprofit license process and ensure comprehensive achieving compliance.

Understanding Exemptions and Special Cases

While many organizations must register before fundraising in Maryland, certain nonprofits qualify for exemptions from standard charitable solicitation registration requirements. Understanding these exceptions can save your organization time and resources.

Religious and educational institution exemptions

Maryland law provides specific exemptions for religious organizations and organizations affiliated with religious organizations. To request a religious exemption, submit a written request along with your bylaws, IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation, and information explaining the organization’s mission to the Charitable Organizations Division.

Accredited educational institutions can qualify for exemption when solicitations are limited to their immediate community (for example, students, former students, parents of students or former students, present or former board members, and staff members).

Note that federal tax-exempt status does not, by itself, exempt an organization from Maryland’s charitable solicitation rules. Each exemption requires specific documentation and approval from the state.

Member-only solicitation exemptions

Organizations that solicit contributions exclusively from their own members may qualify for exemption from registration requirements. To qualify, a member must be conferred some benefit in addition to the right to vote, elect officers, or hold office, and the organization must submit:

• A copy of its bylaws showing the rights of members
• A statement explaining from whom solicitations for contributions are made

Remember that any solicitation outside your defined membership group makes your nonprofit ineligible for the member-only exemption and thus required to register.

How to file for exemption properly

Filing for exemption in Maryland requires submitting documentation to the Secretary of State, not simply self-declaring. Depending on the exemption, organizations should submit:

• A written request for exemption
• The organization’s bylaws
• A copy of the IRS determination letter confirming tax-exempt status
• Articles of incorporation
• Additional information explaining the organization’s mission (religious exemption), or a statement describing the limited audience for solicitations (member-only exemption)

Organizations that receive less than $25,000 in charitable contributions and do not use a professional solicitor must file an Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice annually; it is due within eight months after the end of the organization’s fiscal year.

For nonprofits navigating charitable registration across multiple states, understanding Maryland’s specific exemption requirements becomes crucial for proper achieving compliance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Initial Registration

Registering for charitable solicitation in Maryland requires following a specific process through the state’s online portal. Once you’ve determined your organization needs to register, completing these steps ensures you can legally solicit donations in the state.

Create an account on Maryland OneStop

The initial step in charitable solicitation registration is creating an account on Maryland’s OneStop portal. You can file online through OneStop, and paper options are also available through the Secretary of State:

1. Visit the Maryland OneStop homepage
2. Create a new account with your email address
3. After creating your account, navigate to the Charities Initial Registration Form through the Public Profile page

Complete the COR-92 form

Following account creation, you’ll need to complete the COR-92 Registration Statement. This form collects essential information about your organization:

• Organization name, address, and contact details
• Purpose and mission of your nonprofit
• Financial information about charitable contributions
• Board of directors information
• Professional fundraising relationships

The form adapts based on your answers, guiding you through the appropriate registration path. Organizations receiving less than $25,000 annually in charitable contributions follow a simplified process using the Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice.

Upload required documents

Your application must include several supporting documents:

• Articles of incorporation and/or bylaws
• IRS tax determination letter
• Signed copy of IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF (or COF-85 if exempt from IRS filing)
• Current list of board directors including names and addresses
• Copies of contracts with professional solicitors (if applicable)
• Financial statements meeting Maryland’s thresholds: independent CPA review if total contributions are between $300,000 and $750,000 and an independent audit if contributions exceed $750,000

Ensure all documents are current, as outdated materials can delay your application approval. We recommend preparing these documents in advance to streamline the submission process.

Pay the appropriate registration fee

The registration fee varies based on your organization’s contribution level from the previous fiscal year:

• Less than $25,000: **No fee**
• $25,000-$50,000: **$50**
• $50,001-$75,000: **$75**
• $75,001-$100,000: **$100**
• $100,001-$500,000: **$200**
• $500,001 and above: **$300**

Payments can be made online in OneStop.

Submit and track your application

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email. The Secretary of State’s Charity Officers will review your application. Typical determination timeframes are:

• Online initial registration: **10–30 days**
• Paper initial registration: **10–60 days**

If your nonprofit license application is complete, you’ll receive an approval email and registration certificate. If any information is missing, you’ll be notified about required revisions.

Organizations fundraising across multiple states might benefit from professional charitable solicitation services that provide dedicated specialists to navigate varying requirements efficiently and ensure filings are prepared correctly the first time.

Annual Renewal and Ongoing Requirements

After securing your initial charitable solicitation registration in Maryland, maintaining good standing becomes an ongoing responsibility. Failing to meet renewal requirements can result in penalties and affect your fundraising abilities.

When and how to file the Annual Update of Registration

Once registered, your organization must submit an Annual Update of Registration to maintain your charitable solicitation registration. This renewal is due within 6 months after your fiscal year end. For example, if your fiscal year ends December 31, your renewal deadline is June 30.

Filing methods include:

• Online through the Maryland OneStop portal
• Via email to dlcharity_sos@maryland.gov
• By mail to the Office of the Secretary of State in Annapolis

Organizations that received less than $25,000 in charitable contributions need only file an Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice annually.

Documents required for renewal

Your annual renewal package generally includes:

• Completed Annual Update of Registration form
• Signed copy of IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF (or Form COF-85 if exempt from IRS filing)
• Financial statements meeting Maryland’s thresholds: CPA review if contributions are $300,000–$750,000; audit if contributions exceed $750,000
• Current list of board directors including names and addresses
• Copies of contracts with professional solicitors (if applicable)

Late fees and automatic extensions

Maryland offers an automatic extension for renewals until the 15th day of the 11th month after your fiscal year end. No separate extension request is needed (this aligns with the maximum IRS 990 extension).

Failing to file by the due date (including the automatic extension) triggers a $25 late fee per month or part of a month, in addition to your standard registration fee.

How to maintain exemption status annually

Organizations exempt from full registration that receive less than $25,000 annually must file an Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice within 8 months after their fiscal year end.

For multi-state fundraising, the charitable solicitation requirements can become complex, with each state maintaining different renewal deadlines and requirements. Many organizations utilize professional services that monitor every due date and manage ongoing renewals, ensuring nonprofits maintain good standing year-round while focusing on their mission.

Fundraising in Multiple States: Using the URS

For organizations fundraising beyond Maryland, understanding multi-state requirements becomes critical. The process can quickly become complex as each state maintains unique charitable solicitation requirements.

What is the Unified Registration Statement (URS)

The Unified Registration Statement represents a collaborative effort by the National Association of State Charities Officials and National Association of Attorneys General to simplify multi-state registration. Maryland participates in the URS program, and the URS is accepted as an alternative to Maryland’s state form.

The URS provides standardized information across participating states, including:

• Organization identification and contact information
• Purpose and programs description
• Financial data and contribution information
• Professional solicitor relationships
• Board of directors listings

How to file URS with Maryland and other states

The filing process generally involves:

• Completing the URS form
• Making copies for each state
• Attaching state-specific supplements
• Including required documentation
• Paying registration fees where applicable

To obtain the most recent version of the URS and instructions, visit the Multi-State Filer Program or refer to Maryland’s guidance.

Why many nonprofits use a charitable registration service

Given the complexities involved in managing registrations across multiple states—with varying forms, deadlines, and renewal requirements—many organizations turn to professional services that combine expert knowledge with modern technology to handle their nonprofit’s registrations and renewals.

Labyrinth, Inc. is a commercial registered agent that specializes in nonprofit regulatory guidance, privacy shielding, and reliable document management. We offer unique nonprofit expertise with the benefit of consolidation—one vendor, one invoice, one portal—which leads to fewer missed notices and faster responses. Our bulk-change program provides discounts (sometimes waivers) on our fees and often covers state fees for volume switches, plus we extend first-year service up to 12 months so clients avoid double-paying overlapping contracts.

This approach provides dedicated specialists who ensure accurate filings across all jurisdictions while allowing organizations to focus on their mission rather than administrative burden. Professional charitable solicitation services can streamline these multi-state requirements effectively with nationwide coverage and centralized tracking.

Conclusion

Registering for charitable solicitation remains a crucial legal requirement for nonprofits operating in Maryland. Throughout this guide, you’ve learned that proper registration must occur before any fundraising activities begin, regardless of your organization’s size. Most importantly, understanding whether your nonprofit qualifies for exemptions or needs complete registration can save significant time and resources.

The registration process varies based on your annual contribution amounts. Organizations receiving less than $25,000 annually follow a simplified exemption process, while those with larger donation volumes must complete the more comprehensive COR-92 form. Additionally, certain religious organizations and accredited educational institutions may qualify for exemptions when they meet Maryland’s criteria.

After completing your initial charitable registration, maintaining good standing becomes an ongoing responsibility. You must file renewal documentation within six months after your fiscal year end, and Maryland provides an automatic extension. Remember that late fees accrue if you miss deadlines, potentially affecting your ability to legally fundraise.

Nonprofits operating across multiple states face even greater complexity. The Unified Registration Statement offers some streamlining benefits where accepted. Many organizations therefore turn to professional charitable solicitation services that provide reliable, accurate management and dedicated renewal tracking to navigate these requirements efficiently.

Your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts deserve proper legal protection. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure your organization meets all Maryland requirements while focusing on your mission rather than regulatory hurdles. The investment in proper nonprofit registration today prevents potential penalties and reputation damage tomorrow, ultimately supporting your long-term fundraising success.

Frequently Asked Questions