Last Updated: February 2026
New York is one of the most administratively intensive states for charitable solicitation compliance. Nonprofits that raise funds from residents of New York—or plan to expand national fundraising—should evaluate registration obligations carefully to avoid enforcement risk or delays in major gift processing.
If your organization is soliciting contributions in multiple jurisdictions, coordinated management can significantly reduce staff time and compliance exposure. For help managing multi-state filings, contact Ironwood Registrations or schedule a consultation.
At-a-Glance
Regulating Agency
Charities Bureau Registration Section, Office of the Attorney General
Who Must Register
Most charitable organizations that solicit or receive contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, or government sources located in New York.
Registration Method
Initial registration is submitted electronically through the Charities Bureau’s online system.
Registration Term
Registration generally remains active unless withdrawn or canceled.
State Filing Fee
Typically $25 for organizations subject to the primary charitable solicitation statute, with additional fees possible depending on trust law registration status and net worth.
Registered Agent Requirement
Not required.
Charitable Solicitation Forms
Form CHAR 410 – Initial Filing
Form CHAR 500 – Annual Renewal Filing
Initial Registration Requirements
Organizations must register before or shortly after beginning fundraising activity directed at New York residents, including online campaigns accessible to donors in the state.
Typical submission components include:
- Formation documents
- Governing policies or bylaws
- Identification of organizational officers
- Financial information
- Electronic certification by authorized leadership
New York’s regulatory framework may require registration under more than one statutory authority depending on organizational structure and assets, making the intake process more complex than in many other states.
Exemption Eligibility Overview
New York recognizes several categories of exempt organizations, but exemption determinations can be nuanced.
Common exemption pathways include:
- Organizations receiving relatively small levels of in-state contributions (generally under $25,000 annually) and not using professional fundraising firms.
- Religious entities and certain affiliated organizations.
- Certain educational institutions, libraries, and organizations already reporting to state education authorities.
Unlike some jurisdictions, exempt organizations may claim exemption directly within the registration process rather than submitting a separate exemption filing, though documenting the basis is still advisable.
Because exemption eligibility can change as fundraising activity grows, many nonprofits choose to monitor contribution levels closely.
Annual Renewal & Financial Reporting
New York requires ongoing annual reporting rather than a traditional “renewal” license.
Annual Financial Report Due Date
- Approximately 4½ months after fiscal year end
- An automatic six-month extension is available, moving the deadline to roughly 10½ months after fiscal year end.
Filing Method
- Submitted online through the Charities Bureau system
Typical Required Attachments
- IRS Form 990 series return
- Supplemental schedules if professional fundraisers or government grants are involved
Financial Reporting & Audit Thresholds
New York applies escalating financial reporting requirements based on annual revenue:
- Over $1 million: Independent CPA audit required
- $250,000–$1 million: CPA review required
Organizations below these thresholds typically submit internally prepared financial information along with the annual filing.
For nonprofits raising funds nationally or operating at scale, these thresholds often drive internal accounting calendar planning and audit scheduling.
Estimated Registration Complexity
New York is generally considered a higher-complexity jurisdiction due to:
- Dual statutory registration pathways in some cases
- Annual financial reporting requirements
- Tiered fee structures based on financial size
- Detailed financial documentation expectations
Organizations expanding multi-state fundraising programs frequently centralize New York compliance alongside other high-oversight states.
Managing Multi-State Fundraising
If your organization is soliciting donations across multiple states—including New York—centralized registration management can reduce administrative burden and help ensure consistent filings across jurisdictions.
- Explore all state requirements
- Multi-state compliance overview
- Discuss coordinated filings or ongoing compliance support
- Contact Us
Public Registration Lookup
New York maintains an online search tool allowing donors, grant makers, and compliance teams to confirm an organization’s filing status.
This page is intended as a practical compliance overview to support planning for organizations soliciting contributions in New York.