Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that solicit contributions from Georgia residents are generally required to register with the state before beginning fundraising activity. Georgia’s framework includes both initial registration and ongoing annual reporting, and organizations conducting national campaigns frequently need to incorporate Georgia into their multi-state compliance strategy.
If you are evaluating where your organization must register or coordinating filings across multiple jurisdictions, you can contact Ironwood Registrations for guidance.
Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state.
At-a-Glance Overview
Regulating Agency
Georgia Secretary of State — Securities & Charities Division
Who Must Register
Most charitable organizations that solicit donations from Georgia residents, including out-of-state nonprofits.
Registration Timing
Registration must be completed prior to soliciting contributions in the state.
Registration Term
One year.
Renewal Requirement
Annual renewal required.
Filing Method
Online or paper submission.
Financial Reporting
Financial information must be included with both initial and renewal filings.
Registration Form
C-100
Who Needs to Register in Georgia
Registration is generally required if a nonprofit:
- Requests donations from individuals or businesses located in Georgia
- Conducts online fundraising that reaches Georgia donors
- Uses professional fundraisers, consultants, or commercial co-venturers to solicit on its behalf
- Hosts fundraising events or campaigns that include Georgia residents
These requirements apply to both Georgia-based organizations and nonprofits headquartered elsewhere that solicit within the state.
Organizations fundraising nationally should evaluate Georgia early in their compliance planning to avoid delays or enforcement issues.
Managing registrations across multiple states? Ironwood Registrations can coordinate filings and ongoing compliance.
Initial Registration Process
Filing Agency
Georgia Secretary of State — Securities & Charities Division
Filing Options
- Online filing through the state’s charity portal
- Paper submission by mail
Typical Information and Documents Required
- Articles of incorporation or formation documents
- Bylaws
- IRS determination letter
- Most recent IRS Form 990 (if available)
- List of officers, directors, and key executives
- Copies of contracts with professional fundraisers or fundraising counsel (if applicable)
An authorized organizational representative must certify the filing.
Financial Statement and Audit Considerations
Georgia requires financial reporting as part of the registration and renewal process. As contribution levels increase, additional documentation may be required.
For organizations with larger annual revenue (including many nonprofits above the $1M level):
- Independently prepared financial statements may be required
- A CPA review or audit may be necessary once specified contribution thresholds are exceeded
- The state may require submission of audited financial statements when revenue reaches higher tiers
Because these thresholds can affect both timing and cost, many nationally fundraising nonprofits plan audit schedules in conjunction with their registration calendar.
Exemption Eligibility
Certain organizations may qualify for exemption from full registration, including:
- Religious organizations
- Educational institutions
- Government entities
- Organizations that meet limited fundraising and compensation criteria
Organizations seeking exemption generally must submit an exemption request rather than assuming exempt status automatically.
For a nationwide comparison of exemption categories.
Annual Renewal Requirements
Georgia registrations must be renewed each year.
Renewal Typically Includes
- Updated organizational information
- Financial reporting based on the most recent fiscal year
- Disclosure of any professional fundraising relationships
Timing
Renewal is generally due several months after the close of the organization’s fiscal year. Organizations should plan filing timelines around completion of their Form 990 and any required audit or review.
Failure to renew on time can result in late fees or a lapse in authorization to solicit.
See multi-state renewal timing comparisons.
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
Georgia requires audited financial statements if revenue, exceeds $1,000,000 in the year being reported. Reviewed financial statements are required if the revenue was between $500,000 and $1,000,000.
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.
Additional Compliance Considerations
Out-of-state nonprofits conducting ongoing programmatic or operational activity in Georgia may also need to qualify with the Secretary of State as a foreign nonprofit corporation. This corporate filing is separate from charitable solicitation registration.
Organizations using professional solicitors or commercial co-ventures must ensure those parties are properly registered as well.
Georgia in a Multi-State Fundraising Strategy
Georgia is commonly included in national registration footprints due to its annual reporting requirements and financial documentation thresholds. Coordinating Georgia with other jurisdictions helps reduce duplicate work and missed deadlines.
Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
Need Help Managing Georgia Registration?
Ironwood Registrations supports nonprofits that fundraise across multiple states by coordinating initial filings, renewals, and audit-driven reporting schedules.
Or contact our team directly.