Last Updated: February 2026
Georgia requires charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions in the state. While administratively manageable, Georgia includes financial reporting thresholds, annual renewals, and oversight of professional fundraising relationships that make it an important jurisdiction for nationally active nonprofits.
For broader strategic context, see:
When Registration Is Required in Georgia
A nonprofit must register with the Georgia Secretary of State before soliciting contributions in the state.
Registration is required if an organization:
- Directly solicits Georgia residents
- Conducts online fundraising resulting in Georgia donations
- Uses third-party fundraisers operating in Georgia
- Participates in cause-marketing or commercial co-venture campaigns
Out-of-state nonprofits must register if they solicit contributions from Georgia residents, even without a physical presence in the state.
For digital fundraising implications, see:
- Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
- Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Initial Registration Overview
Georgia registration is valid for one year.
Typical initial filing components include:
- Charitable organization registration application
- IRS determination letter
- Governing documents
- IRS Form 990 or equivalent financial statement
- Officer and director information
- Disclosure of professional fundraising relationships
- Filing fee
Georgia requires filing before solicitation activity begins.
For timing strategy:
Audit and Financial Reporting Thresholds
Georgia imposes financial reporting thresholds based on annual revenue:
- Revenue exceeding $1 million generally requires audited financial statements
- Revenue between $500,000 and $1 million typically requires CPA-reviewed financial statements
These thresholds apply to total organizational revenue, not Georgia-specific contributions.
For national audit coordination:
Exemptions
Georgia provides several exemptions, but most mid-sized and large nonprofits will still be required to register.
Common exemptions include:
- Religious organizations
- Educational institutions
- Governmental entities
- Certain membership organizations soliciting only from members
- Organizations receiving less than $25,000 annually, provided fundraising is conducted solely by volunteers
The $25,000 threshold applies to total contributions, not Georgia-only revenue.
For broader exemption strategy:
Annual Renewal Requirements
Georgia requires annual renewal filings.
Due Date:
One year from the initial registration date (based on anniversary).
Renewal typically requires:
- Updated registration application
- IRS Form 990
- Financial statements if reporting thresholds apply
- Updated professional fundraiser disclosures
Late renewals may result in penalties and loss of good standing.
For coordinated renewal planning:
Disclosure Requirements
Georgia does not impose a universal charitable solicitation disclosure statement comparable to certain other states. However, specific disclosures may apply in commercial co-venture and professional solicitation contexts.
For a national disclosure overview:
Professional Fundraisers and Commercial Co-Ventures
Georgia requires registration and reporting when organizations engage:
- Professional solicitors
- Fundraising counsel
- Commercial co-venturers
These relationships must typically be disclosed during registration and renewal.
See:
Governance and Risk Considerations
Georgia maintains publicly searchable registration records. For national nonprofits, noncompliance can:
- Affect grant due diligence
- Raise board oversight concerns
- Create inconsistencies in IRS Form 990 reporting
- Impact vendor or platform compliance reviews
For broader risk analysis:
- What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
- Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Georgia in a National Compliance Strategy
Georgia is a standard but important registration state for national nonprofits. Its annual renewal cycle and financial reporting thresholds require consistent tracking within a centralized compliance framework.
For structured planning:
If your organization is fundraising in Georgia as part of a broader national strategy, coordinated multi-state compliance oversight can reduce administrative risk and improve governance visibility.