Last Updated: February 2026
Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in New York are generally required to register with the New York Attorney General’s Charities Bureau before engaging in fundraising activity in the state.
New York provides limited exemptions from registration. However, exemption eligibility is narrow, and most organizations fundraising from New York residents must register.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from New York charitable solicitation registration and when registration is required.
For a national overview of charitable registration systems, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in New York
A charitable organization must register in New York if it:
- Solicits contributions from New York residents; or
- Holds charitable assets in New York.
Registration generally must occur prior to solicitation and must be renewed annually.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt solely because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For broader context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements by State
New York Charitable Registration Exemptions
New York provides categorical exemptions but does not offer a broad revenue-based exemption comparable to many other states.
1. Religious Organizations
Religious corporations and certain religious organizations are exempt from registration.
This typically includes churches and religious entities organized and operated primarily for religious purposes.
However, separately incorporated charitable affiliates may require independent analysis.
2. Educational Institutions
Educational institutions chartered by the New York Board of Regents or operating under state education oversight may qualify for exemption.
Affiliated foundations should evaluate eligibility independently.
3. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental entities are exempt from charitable registration requirements.
4. Political Organizations
Political candidates, political parties, and political committees required to file campaign finance reports are exempt.
This exemption does not extend to charitable advocacy organizations that are not formal political committees.
No Broad Small Charity Exemption
New York does not provide a general exemption for small organizations below a specific revenue threshold.
Even relatively small nonprofits may be required to register if they solicit contributions from New York residents.
For planning context:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
Additional Reporting Under the Estates, Powers & Trusts Law (EPTL)
In addition to solicitation registration, New York may require registration and annual filing under the Estates, Powers & Trusts Law (EPTL) for organizations holding charitable assets.
This dual framework makes New York one of the more administratively complex jurisdictions for charitable compliance.
For multi-state complexity analysis:
Multi-State Charitable Registration Complexity
Online Fundraising and New York
If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from New York residents,
- Conducts digital campaigns targeting New York, or
- Uses national donation platforms that generate New York contributions,
registration is typically required.
New York actively enforces charitable registration requirements, particularly for organizations engaged in online fundraising.
For digital compliance guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Renewal and Financial Reporting Considerations
Registered charities in New York must renew annually and file required financial information.
Audit requirements apply based on revenue thresholds and are strictly enforced.
Finance leaders should coordinate charitable registration compliance with Form 990 preparation and audited financial statements.
For deadline tracking:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Deadlines
What New York Does Not Exempt
New York does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- A broad revenue-based exemption
- An exemption for organizations with paid fundraising personnel
- An exemption solely due to out-of-state incorporation
Most organizations conducting public fundraising in New York must register.
For related risk considerations:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Multi-State Planning Context
An organization exempt in New York may still be required to register in neighboring states such as New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Pennsylvania.
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may still need to register in New York due to its limited exemption framework and dual reporting structure.
For broader exemption strategy guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions
If your organization is evaluating New York exemption eligibility or overall compliance exposure: