Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that hold charitable assets or conduct fundraising activity connected to California are generally required to register with the state’s charitable oversight authority. California’s regulatory framework is one of the most comprehensive in the country, and organizations fundraising nationally often need ongoing compliance management here.
Explore all charitable solicitation state requirements
If your organization is expanding fundraising activity or evaluating multi-state obligations, you may also find the Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide helpful.
If you would like help evaluating or completing your California registration, schedule a consultation.
California Charitable Registration — At a Glance
Primary Regulator
California Attorney General — Registry of Charities and Fundraisers
Who Must Register
Most nonprofit organizations that:
- Receive charitable assets within California
- Conduct fundraising activity directed toward California residents
- Operate programs or maintain organizational presence within the state
California’s trigger is unusual — registration is typically required shortly after charitable funds or property are first received rather than only before solicitation activity begins.
Registration Term
Annual
Initial Filing Method
Mail filing required for the initial registration.
Initial Fee
$50 filing fee.
Form Name
Form CT-1 – Initial Filing
Form RRF-1 – Renewal Filing
Processing Time
30-90 Days
Initial Registration Requirements
A nonprofit must submit an initial registration package to the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers within approximately 30 days after first receiving charitable funds or property connected to California.
Organizations located outside the state must also register if they conduct activities such as:
- Soliciting donations from California residents
- Maintaining an office or personnel in California
- Conducting program services within the state
- Holding charitable assets located in California
Certain limited contacts—such as only making grants into California or maintaining investment accounts—may not trigger registration.
Typical Initial Filing Includes:
- Formation documents
- Bylaws
- IRS determination letter
- Organizational leadership information
- IRS exemption application materials (if available)
Additional California Compliance Requirements (Often Overlooked)
California is one of the states where charitable registration frequently intersects with other regulatory filings.
Qualification to Do Business
Out-of-state nonprofit corporations conducting ongoing activities in California generally must separately qualify with the Secretary of State and appoint an in-state agent for service of process.
State Tax Exemption
Organizations receiving funds or property in California may also need to obtain recognition of state tax-exempt status to avoid minimum franchise tax obligations.
These parallel requirements are a common reason multi-state nonprofits seek coordinated compliance support.
Managing registrations across multiple jurisdictions? Contact Ironwood Registrations
Exemptions From Registration
California recognizes exemptions for certain organization types, including:
- Religious entities
- Educational institutions
- Government organizations
- Certain healthcare or cemetery organizations
Unlike many states, California generally does not provide a broad exemption based solely on low fundraising revenue.
You can also view a nationwide overview of exemption eligibility.
Annual Renewal and Financial Reporting
Registered charities must file an annual renewal and financial reporting package.
Renewal Due Date
Approximately 4½ months after the organization’s fiscal year end.
Extension Availability
An extension is typically allowed if the organization has obtained additional time to file its IRS Form 990.
Annual Filing Typically Includes:
- Annual renewal report
- IRS Form 990 series return
- Financial statements (audited statements may be required for larger organizations)
California enforces renewal requirements aggressively, and missed filings can affect both charitable status and tax treatment.
View nationwide renewal timing comparisons
Filing Office
Registry of Charities and Fundraisers
California Department of Justice
Sacramento, California
Public Charity Search
California maintains a public database of registered charities and fundraising professionals.
How California Fits Into a National Registration Strategy
Because California’s regulatory structure includes charitable registration, corporate qualification, and tax compliance considerations, it is typically treated as a priority state for organizations fundraising nationally.
Learn how California compares with nationwide multi-state requirements.
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
California requires audited financial statements if revenue exceeds $2,000,000. However most other states have a lower threshold.
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.
Need Help Coordinating California and Multi-State Filings?
California filings often involve multiple agencies, annual reporting obligations, and document coordination across jurisdictions.
If your organization is fundraising across several states and wants centralized management of registrations and renewals:
Or contact Ironwood Registrations directly.