Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that plan to solicit charitable contributions from residents of Connecticut may be required to register with the state before beginning fundraising activity. Connecticut regulates charitable solicitation through a centralized registration system that applies to both in-state and out-of-state organizations.
If your organization is fundraising nationally or receiving online donations, Connecticut is often one of the states that must be addressed as part of a coordinated compliance strategy.
Managing registrations across multiple states? Contact Ironwood Registrations to coordinate filings and maintain ongoing compliance.
At-a-Glance: Connecticut Registration Overview
Regulating Agency:
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
Who Must Register:
Most charitable organizations that solicit contributions from Connecticut residents, including organizations located outside the state.
Registration Frequency:
Annual renewal required.
Initial Filing Method:
Online filing through the state charity registration system.
Initial Registration Fee:
Generally a modest filing fee is required with the initial submission.
Financial Reporting at Renewal:
Annual renewals typically do not require submitting financial statements with the renewal filing itself.
Registered Agent Requirement:
Not required for charitable solicitation registration.
When Registration Is Required
A charitable organization is typically required to register if it:
- Is located in Connecticut and solicits donations
- Is based outside Connecticut but requests contributions from Connecticut residents
- Conducts online fundraising that targets or reaches donors within the state
Connecticut generally follows nationally recognized guidance regarding internet solicitation activity. Organizations physically located in the state that accept online contributions typically must register, while out-of-state charities may be required to register if their outreach specifically targets Connecticut donors or results in ongoing contributions.
If your nonprofit conducts national campaigns, digital fundraising, grant outreach, or recurring donor programs, Connecticut registration should be evaluated early in your compliance planning.
Initial Registration Process
To complete initial registration, nonprofits typically submit:
- Organizational formation documents
- IRS determination letter or proof of tax-exempt application
- Most recent IRS Form 990 (if available)
- Organizational leadership information
- Financial statements or audit/review reports depending on revenue thresholds
Organizations with higher annual revenue may be required to provide independently prepared financial statements.
Filings are generally submitted electronically through the state’s charity registration portal.
Exemption Eligibility
Certain types of organizations may qualify for exemption from registration, including:
- Religious organizations
- Certain educational institutions
- Government entities
- Hospitals and similar entities
- Smaller organizations receiving limited annual contributions that do not compensate individuals primarily for fundraising
Even when exempt, organizations typically must file a formal exemption claim through the state’s online system. Once approved, the exemption generally remains effective unless the organization’s circumstances change.
For a broader comparison of exemption rules across all jurisdictions, see:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
Annual Renewal Requirements
Registered organizations must renew their registration each year.
While Connecticut previously required financial documentation with renewals, the current process generally focuses on confirming organizational information and updating required disclosures.
Failure to renew can result in loss of good standing and may restrict continued solicitation activity within the state.
For a nationwide comparison of filing schedules, see:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines by State
Financial Reporting Considerations
Although financials are typically submitted during initial registration, renewal filings generally do not require attaching IRS Form 990 or audited statements. However, organizations should maintain accurate records and be prepared to provide documentation if requested by the state.
Annual Renewal Requirements
Registered organizations must renew their charitable registration each year.
Renewal Timing
Annual renewal is typically due by early September.
Financial Reporting
Unlike many states, Alaska generally does not require submission of a separate annual financial report with renewal.
Filing Method
Renewals are completed online using the confirmation number issued at initial registration.
See nationwide renewal timing:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal Deadlines by State
Financial Reporting & Audit Considerations
Organizations with annual contributions of approximately $500,000 or more frequently encounter additional financial reporting requirements as part of charitable solicitation registration and renewal filings.
Depending on the state, these requirements may include:
- CPA-reviewed financial statements
- Independently audited financial statements
- Submission of full IRS Form 990 schedules
- Disclosure of fundraising relationships and contracts
Connecticut requires audited financial statements if revenue, excluding grants, exceeds $1,000,000 in the year being reported. Reviewed financial statements are required if the revenue, excluding grants, was between $500,000 and $1,000,000.
For multi-state fundraisers, differing audit thresholds across jurisdictions can create significant administrative complexity, particularly when renewal deadlines vary throughout the year.
Ironwood Registrations regularly assists nonprofits managing coordinated filings, financial statement submissions, and multi-state compliance planning.
If your organization is fundraising nationally or approaching higher reporting thresholds, contact Ironwood Registrations to discuss a coordinated registration strategy.
Multi-State Fundraising Implications
Connecticut’s rules are often encountered by organizations running national or digital campaigns. Even when registration requirements appear straightforward, tracking annual renewals across multiple jurisdictions can become operationally complex.
To better understand multi-state planning considerations, see:
Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
Explore All State Registration Requirements
To review requirements across all jurisdictions see: Nationwide Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Need Help Registering in Connecticut?
Ironwood Registrations works with growing nonprofits that fundraise across multiple states and need a centralized, reliable compliance process.
If your organization is expanding into new fundraising markets or wants to streamline annual filings: