Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that solicit contributions from Illinois residents are generally required to register with the Illinois Attorney General before beginning fundraising activity. Illinois is considered one of the more administratively involved states due to its annual reporting requirements and financial documentation thresholds.
If your organization is fundraising across multiple jurisdictions, coordinated registration planning can help prevent gaps and missed deadlines.
Managing registrations in multiple states? Contact Ironwood Registrations
Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state
At-a-Glance Overview
Regulating Agency
Illinois Attorney General — Charitable Trust Bureau
Who Must Register
Most charitable organizations that solicit contributions from Illinois residents, including out-of-state nonprofits.
Registration Timing
Registration must be completed prior to conducting charitable solicitations in the state.
Registration Term
Annual renewal required.
Filing Method
Mail filing required for initial registration.
Financial Reporting Required
Yes — financial documentation is submitted with both initial and renewal filings.
Registration Form
CO-1 – Initial Filing
CO-2 – Financial Information Form
AG990-IL – Renewal Filing
Who Must Register in Illinois
A nonprofit typically must register if it:
- Solicits donations from Illinois residents
- Conducts fundraising events within the state
- Uses online campaigns that reach Illinois donors
- Allows professional fundraisers or commercial partners to solicit on its behalf
These requirements apply regardless of whether the organization is physically located in Illinois.
Organizations fundraising nationally should evaluate Illinois early in their compliance strategy due to its ongoing reporting obligations.
Initial Registration Process
Filing Agency
Illinois Attorney General — Charitable Trust Bureau
Typical Filing Requirements Include
- Formation documents
- Bylaws
- IRS determination letter
- Most recent IRS Form 990 (if available)
- Organizational leadership information
- Professional fundraiser contracts, if applicable
Illinois generally requires original signatures and supporting documentation to be submitted with the initial filing package.
Exemptions
Certain organizations may be exempt from registration, including:
- Religious organizations
- Educational institutions
- Government entities
- Smaller organizations meeting limited contribution and compensation criteria
Organizations that believe they qualify for exemption must typically submit documentation demonstrating eligibility rather than assuming exemption automatically.
Nationwide comparison of exemption eligibility
Annual Renewal Requirements
Registered charities must renew their registration each year.
Renewal Typically Includes
- Updated organizational information
- IRS Form 990
- Financial statements
- Disclosure of fundraising relationships
Renewal deadlines are generally tied to the organization’s fiscal year end and should be tracked carefully.
A comparison of renewal timing across jurisdictions
Financial Reporting & Audit Considerations
Illinois applies escalating financial reporting standards based on contribution levels.
Organizations with higher annual contributions may be required to submit independently prepared financial statements. At certain thresholds, reviewed or audited financial statements prepared by a CPA may be required.
Because Illinois is often included in national registration footprints, nonprofits operating across multiple states frequently coordinate audit timing with Illinois renewal deadlines to avoid delays or incomplete filings.
Additional Compliance Considerations
Out-of-state nonprofits that conduct ongoing operational activities in Illinois may also need to qualify to do business with the Illinois Secretary of State. This requirement is separate from charitable solicitation registration.
Organizations using professional fundraisers must ensure those parties are properly registered and disclosed.
Illinois in a Multi-State Fundraising Strategy
Illinois is commonly included in national registration programs due to its reporting requirements and documentation expectations.
For broader planning guidance: Multi-state fundraising compliance guide
Need Help Managing Illinois Registration?
Ironwood Registrations assists nonprofits fundraising across multiple jurisdictions with coordinated filings, annual renewals, and financial reporting management.
Or contact our team directly