How to Keep Your Nonprofit Compliant in New York
Complete guide to charitable solicitation registration requirements in New York (NY). Learn about filing deadlines, fees, and required documents.
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- Regulatory Agency
- Attorney General, Charities Bureau
- Registration Required
- Yes
Fee Schedule
| Revenue Range | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All organizations | $25 | EPTL fee: fund balance < $50,000 |
| All organizations | $50 | EPTL fee: fund balance $50,000 - $249,999 |
| All organizations | $100 | EPTL fee: fund balance $250,000 - $999,999 |
| All organizations | $250 | EPTL fee: fund balance $1M - $9.99M |
| All organizations | $750 | EPTL fee: fund balance $10M - $49.99M |
| All organizations | $1,500 | EPTL fee: fund balance >= $50M |
| $0 - $24,999.99 | $0 | Article 7-A fee: exempt if contributions from NY <= $25k and no professional fundraiser |
| Over $25,000 | $25 | Article 7-A flat fee for contributions > $25k from NY |
Renewal Deadline
4 months after your fiscal year end
Extensions available: up to 180 days
Due 4.5 months after fiscal year end (approximately 135 days)
Required Documents
Always Required
- IRS Form 990
Conditionally Required
- Schedule 4a(Used professional fundraisers)
- Schedule 4b(Received government grants)
Exemptions
- educational
Educational institutions filing with NY Dept of Education
- membership
Membership organizations not soliciting from public
- religious
Houses of worship and charities run by religious organizations
- small org
Organizations with gross contributions under $25,000/year and no professional fundraisers
Threshold: $25,000 (contributions)
New York Dual Filing Requirements Guide
Understanding New York's Dual Filing Requirement
New York requires most charitable organizations to register under two separate legal frameworks: Article 7A of the Executive Law (charitable solicitation) and the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL). This dual filing requirement confuses many nonprofits because the two registrations serve different purposes, have different forms, and are administered by different divisions within the Attorney General's office. Failing to complete both registrations can result in penalties and restrictions on fundraising activities.
Article 7A: Charitable Solicitation Registration
Article 7A registration is required for organizations that solicit contributions from New York residents. This includes direct mail, online donations, phone solicitations, and in-person fundraising. Organizations must file Form CHAR410 for initial registration and Form CHAR500 for annual renewals. The filing fee is based on gross revenue, ranging from $25 to $750 depending on your organization's size. Article 7A focuses on protecting donors by ensuring transparency in how solicited funds are used.
EPTL: Charitable Trust Registration
The Estates, Powers and Trusts Law requires registration for organizations that hold charitable assets in New York. This applies regardless of whether you actively solicit donations. EPTL registration is filed through Form CHAR410 (combined with Article 7A for convenience) but exists independently. Organizations holding property, investments, or endowment funds for charitable purposes must maintain EPTL registration. The EPTL ensures proper stewardship of charitable assets held for the public benefit.
Why This Confuses Organizations
Many organizations assume a single registration covers all requirements, or confuse New York's requirements with simpler single-registration states. The combined CHAR410 form creates an illusion of a single filing, but the annual CHAR500 must address both frameworks. Organizations incorporated outside New York often miss the EPTL requirement entirely, believing Article 7A alone suffices. The consequences include registration rejection, late penalties, and potential fundraising restrictions until both registrations are current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York require charitable solicitation registration?
Yes, New York requires nonprofits to register before soliciting donations from residents. Registration is handled by the Attorney General, Charities Bureau.
How much does New York charitable registration cost?
Annual renewal fees in New York range from $0 to $1,500, depending on your organization's annual revenue. Specifically: $25 for organizations with revenue all organizations; $50 for organizations with revenue all organizations; $100 for organizations with revenue all organizations.
When is the New York charitable registration renewal deadline?
In New York, the annual renewal deadline is 4 months after your fiscal year end. Extensions of 180 days are available upon request. Note: Due 4.5 months after fiscal year end (approximately 135 days)
What documents are required for New York charitable registration?
For New York charitable registration renewal, you typically need: Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation, IRS Form 990. Additional documents may be required based on your organization's size or activities, such as: Schedule 4a, Schedule 4b.
Are there any exemptions from New York charitable registration?
Yes, New York provides exemptions for certain organizations. Common exemptions include: Educational institutions filing with NY Dept of Education; Membership organizations not soliciting from public; Houses of worship and charities run by religious organizations; Organizations with gross contributions under $25,000/year and no professional fundraisers. You must verify if your organization qualifies before relying on an exemption.
Where do I file New York charitable registration?
New York charitable registration filings can be submitted through the Attorney General, Charities Bureau's online portal. The official registration portal provides access to required forms and online filing capabilities.
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