Alabama Nonprofit Compliance

• Charities that do not intent to solicit and receive and do not actually receive more than $25,000 in contributions during a fical year and do not use professional fundraisers
• Educational institutions and their authorized and related foundations
• Religious organizations
• Political organizations
• Fraternal, patriotic, benevolent, social, educational, alumni, health care foundation, historical, and civil rights organizations, including fraternities and sororities and any auxiliaries associated with any such organizations
• Civic leagues and civic organizations which solicit contributions solely from their own membership
• Appeals for individuals that raise $10,000 or less
• Any charitable organization receiving an allocation from an incorporated community chest or united fund, provided the chest or fund is complying with this section relating to registration and filing of annual reports with the Attorney General, the charitable organization does not actually receive, in addition to an allocation, contributions in excess of $25,000 during the fiscal year, and all of the fundraising functions of the charitable organization are carried on by persons who are not paid for such services
• A local post, camp, chapter, or similarly designated element, or a county unit of such elements of a bona fide veterans organization, which issues charters to local elements throughout this state, or a bona fide organization of volunteer firefighters, ambulance companies, or rescue squads, or a bona fide auxiliary or affiliate of such organizations, provided all of its fundraising activities are carried on by members of the organization, family members of the members of the organization, volunteers, or an affiliate of the organization and the members receive no compensation, directly or indirectly

Online

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Alabama Code § 13A-9-71

Exemptions do not expire as long as the organization continues to qualify under the exemption criteria.

Charitable Organization Registration Form

Online

$25

2-3 weeks

• One authorized officer must sign the registration. Alabama does not have a specific title requirement. 
• Some Alabama counties and municipalities may require charities that solicit in-person to register prior to fundraising.

All Applicants:

• Check the available exemptions to see if your charity is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement.
• Look through the list of required attachments and make sure that you have each required document in hand before starting the registration application.

Domestic Applicants:

1. File entity formation documents with the Alabama Secretary of State.
2. Submit the online form or Charitable Organization Registration Form and all required attachments to apply for registration with the Alabama Attorney General - Consumer Interest Division.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Determine whether or not your charity will need to foreign qualify based on your activity in Alabama. If not required, skip to number 3.
2. File foreign qualification documents with the Alabama Secretary of State.
3. Submit the online form or Charitable Organization Registration Form and all required attachments to apply for registration with the Alabama Attorney General - Consumer Interest Division.

• Articles of incorporation or organization
• A copy of any agreement of association, instrument of trust, constitution, or other organizational instrument
• A copy of the bylaws adopted by the applicant
• Organizational Charter
• IRS determination letter
• List of officers and directors including phone numbers and addresses
• List of other states where the applicant is registered to solicit donations
• Names and addresses of any professional fundraisers and commercial coventurers who are acting or have agreed to act on behalf of the applicant

Online

$25

• Annually within 90 days after the close of your organization's fiscal year. So if your fiscal year ends December 31, then the report is due March 31.

Due dates can be extended for 180 days beyond the original due date by submitting a request for extension through the online portal.

There are no late fees if a charity does not renew its registration. The Attorney General will mail the organization a 15-day notice of registration cancellation. The organization will have that period to cease solicitation and if the solicitation is ceased, then no penalties apply.

One authorized officer must sign the renewal. Alabama does not require a specific title. 

• Either IRS form 990 or audited financials
• Only if amended: IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation, and bylaws

Online

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The organization must notify the Attorney General within 10 days of any change in the information required for registration.

Email to consumerinterest@alabamaag.gov

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1-2 business days

To update your fiscal year submit a letter to the Attorney General's office requesting the change. Make sure to include the full name of the charity and either the Alabama License number or your organization's FEIN. 

Charitable Organization Notice of Non Renewal

Online

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To close out your registration, submit a notice of non-renewal on the state's portal. It will require a reason for withdrawal and the date that solicitations will be discontinued.