Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that solicit contributions from residents of Hawaii are generally required to register with the state’s charitable oversight authority before or shortly after beginning fundraising activity. Hawaii maintains an ongoing reporting system rather than a traditional annual registration renewal, which makes it especially important for organizations fundraising nationally to track financial reporting obligations carefully.
If your organization is evaluating its multi-state registration footprint, Ironwood Registrations can help coordinate filings and ongoing compliance.
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Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state
At-a-Glance Overview
Regulating Agency
Hawaii Department of the Attorney General — Tax & Charities Division
Who Must Register
Most nonprofit organizations that solicit contributions from Hawaii residents or hold charitable assets connected to the state.
Registration Term
Registration remains active as long as required annual reporting is maintained.
Annual Reporting Requirement
Yes — an annual financial report must be filed.
Renewal Requirement
No separate annual renewal filing; compliance is maintained through financial reporting.
Registered Agent Requirement
Not required.
Who Must Register in Hawaii
Organizations generally must register if they:
- Conduct fundraising directed toward Hawaii residents
- Maintain charitable funds or assets associated with activities in the state
- Use third parties or commercial partnerships to solicit donations
Both Hawaii-based and out-of-state nonprofits may be subject to registration when fundraising activity involves Hawaii donors.
National nonprofits running online or recurring donor campaigns should include Hawaii in their compliance review.
Managing registrations across multiple states? Contact Us.
Initial Registration Process
Initial registration is completed through the Hawaii Attorney General’s charitable registration system.
Typical filing requirements include:
- Organizational formation documents
- IRS determination letter
- Organizational leadership information
- Most recent IRS Form 990 or equivalent financial information
Electronic signatures from authorized officers are typically required as part of the submission process.
Organizations entering into charitable sales promotions or commercial co-venture arrangements may also need to file additional documentation related to those activities.
Exemptions
Hawaii recognizes several exemption categories, including:
- Small organizations below a defined annual contribution threshold
- Religious organizations
- Certain educational institutions
- Membership organizations that receive funding exclusively from dues
- Government agencies
Even when exempt from full registration, organizations should confirm eligibility and document their status before conducting fundraising activity.
Nationwide comparisons of exemption rules
Annual Financial Reporting Requirements
Hawaii does not require a traditional annual renewal filing. Instead, registered organizations must submit an annual financial report each year to maintain compliance.
Typical Due Date
Approximately four and a half months after the organization’s fiscal year end.
Extensions
An automatic extension is generally available when the organization obtains a federal filing extension.
Annual submissions are completed electronically through the state’s charity portal.
Failure to file timely financial reports can result in daily penalties and administrative enforcement actions.
Nationwide comparison of renewal timing
Financial Reporting & Audit Considerations
Hawaii applies tiered financial reporting expectations based on organizational revenue.
Organizations exceeding certain revenue levels may be required to submit audited financial statements prepared by an independent CPA.
Annual filings typically include:
- IRS Form 990 or Form 990-EZ
- A state transmittal or financial reporting form
- Supporting financial documentation
Because audit requirements are triggered at relatively moderate revenue levels, nonprofits with expanding fundraising programs should plan audit timing in conjunction with annual reporting deadlines.
Fees
Annual filing fees are scaled based on revenue, with smaller organizations paying minimal fees and larger organizations paying higher tiered amounts.
Public Charity Search
Hawaii maintains an online search system allowing donors and regulators to confirm registration status.
Hawaii in a Multi-State Fundraising Strategy
Because Hawaii uses an ongoing reporting model rather than a traditional annual renewal, organizations fundraising across multiple jurisdictions often need to track its deadlines separately from other states.
Coordinated management can help ensure annual financial reporting aligns with federal filings and audit schedules.
Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
Need Help Managing Hawaii and Multi-State Compliance?
Ironwood Registrations assists nonprofits that fundraise nationally with coordinated registration, annual reporting, and audit-driven filing schedules.
Or contact our team directly