Charitable Solicitation Registration in Alabama

Heads Up: Alabama requires charitable solicitation registration before you fundraise.

Before your nonprofit can solicit donations in Alabama, you'll need to complete the registration process with the state. This guide walks you through the requirements, fees, and timeline.

Alabama requires charitable solicitation registration before your nonprofit can solicit donations in the state.

The filing agency is the Alabama Attorney General's Office, Consumer Interest Division.

Governing law: Code of Alabama §§13A-9-70 through 13A-9-84.

What's Required

Registration form: Charity Self-Registration (online portal)

Required attachments: Charter, articles of incorporation, or other organizational documents (initial registration only); Bylaws (initial registration only); IRS determination letter; Most recent Form 990

Online filing: Yes — Charity Self-Registration portal via the AG's website

Who's Exempt

Religious organizations exempt: Yes — 501(c)(3) religious organizations are exempt

Educational institutions exempt: Yes — schools, colleges, and educational institutions with defined curriculum, student body, and faculty

Revenue threshold exemption: Yes — organizations receiving less than $25,000 in contributions per fiscal year AND all fundraising is conducted by unpaid volunteers

Other exemptions:

Fraternal, patriotic, benevolent, social, educational, alumni, health care foundation, historical, and civil rights organizations

Persons requesting contributions for the relief of a named individual (up to $10,000)

Must file for exemption: Yes — exempt organizations must still apply to the AG's office for the exemption; it is NOT automatic

Note: Yes — exempt organizations must still apply to the AG's office for the exemption; it is NOT automatic

Fees & Costs

Initial registration fee: $25

Annual renewal fee: $25

Renewal Process

Renewal form: Annual Financial Report (filed via online portal)

Due date: Within 90 days of the close of the organization's fiscal year

Required for renewal: Annual financial report, current Form 990

Unified Registration Statement (URS): Yes — Alabama accepts either the URS or the state-specific registration form

Enforcement Agency & Contact Information

Alabama Attorney General's Office, Consumer Interest Division

https://www.alabamaag.gov/licensing-registration/charitable-organizations/

Civil penalties: The AG can pursue civil enforcement actions

Criminal penalties: Violations of the charitable solicitation statutes are criminal offenses under Title 13A (Criminal Code)

Related Resources

View the full Alabama formation guide

Complete step-by-step guide to forming and registering a nonprofit in Alabama

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View all Alabama compliance requirements

Annual filings, tax obligations, charitable solicitation registration, and more

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