Charitable Solicitation Registration in California

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

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

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

The filing agency is the California Attorney General, Registry of Charitable Trusts.

Governing law: California Government Code §§12580-12599.10.

What's Required

Registration form: CT-1 (Initial Registration Form)

Required attachments: Articles of Incorporation; Bylaws; IRS determination letter (if available)

Online filing: Yes — through AG's online portal

Processing time: Several weeks

Who's Exempt

Religious organizations exempt: Yes — churches and their integrated auxiliaries

Educational institutions exempt: Some (schools accredited by a recognized accrediting body)

Hospitals exempt: Some

Revenue threshold: No revenue threshold exemption — all charitable organizations must register regardless of size

*Note: California has NO small-organization exemption. Even tiny nonprofits must register with the AG.

Fees & Costs

Initial registration fee: $50

Annual renewal fee: Revenue-based sliding scale ($25-$300, see Section 4.3)

Late penalty: Late fees and potential suspension/revocation of registration

Renewal Process

Renewal form: RRF-1 (Annual Registration Renewal Fee Report)

Due date: 4 months and 15 days after fiscal year end

Unified Registration Statement (URS): No — California requires its own CT-1 form

Enforcement Agency & Contact Information

California Attorney General, Registry of Charitable Trusts

https://oag.ca.gov/charities

Related Resources

View the full California formation guide

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

Get Hands-On Help

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View all California compliance requirements

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

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