Charitable Registration vs. Corporate Registration

It is easy for nonprofits to confuse charitable registrations and corporate registration. Both are required state filings, and, generally, both need to be renewed annually. However, these two types of filings have distinct purposes. 

Charitable Registrations

Initial registration gives a nonprofit access to solicit contributions in a state. Annual registration renewal filings preserve that permission from the state.

Trigger

It's time to file a state charitable registration when your nonprofit wants to start soliciting donations in the state.

States

41 states have laws requiring charitable registration for nonprofits soliciting in the state.

Filings

Your initial registration (or, sometimes, filing an exemption) gains the authority to solicit donations. Registrations are typically renewed each year. Exemptions sometimes also require filing a renewal.

Agency

Attorney General or Charities Bureau, sometimes part of the Secretary of State's office

Corporate Registration

Foreign qualification registers your nonprofit corporation to operate in a state. Then annual reports renew that registration.

Trigger

You registered your nonprofit corporation in the state where you are incorporated. Additional registrations are usually required where your nonprofit has physical locations, employees, and where you regularly conduct activity. They may be required to participate in state employee campaigns.

States

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have corporate registration requirements. 

Filings

To create a nonprofit corporation, you file articles of corporation in your home state. To register in a new state, you file a foreign qualification. Typically annually, you file an annual report (or other periodic report).

Agency

Secretary of State or other corporate registrar

Many nonprofits need charitable registration in many or all states and must submit corporate annual reports in several states.  Labyrinth, Inc. can file charitable registrations, foreign qualifications, and corporate annual reports on behalf of your organization.