From the California Office of the Attorney General –
Last month, the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers released its new Online Filing Service effective August 25, 2026. The new Online Filing Service allows registrants to submit filings and payments electronically. Charity registrants have been sent information via U.S. Mail for the new Online Filing Service. Charities are advised to retain the letter for their records as it contains an organization-specific registration code. Registrants are encouraged to review the Registry’s program pages and related Frequently Asked Questions for valuable information on how to use the new system features.
The Online Filing Service allows charitable organizations and fundraisers to submit filings to the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Use the Online Filing Service to apply for registration, complete and submit annual renewal filings, file reports and other notifications, upload required supporting documents, and pay fees online. Registrants can also respond to requests for additional information and manage their registration through the Online Filing Service.
To create an account, visit the Online Filing Service and select “Sign up now.” Enter an email address to receive a verification code, then verify your email. After that, enter your name and create a password.
For registrants with an existing registration with the Registry, link your Online Filing Service account to your organization’s registration record. If you have your organization’s registration code, navigate to the My Registrations section, and select “Don’t see your registration? Click here to find it.” You will be prompted to enter the organization’s registration code and an identifying number associated with the organization, such as the FEIN, to link the registration to your account.
If you cannot locate your organization’s registration code, submit a support request in the Online Filing Service. Navigate to the My Registrations section and select “Click here if you need help accessing your registration.” The Registry will review your request and, if appropriate, assist you with accessing the organization’s registration record or obtaining a new registration code.
Every charitable corporation, unincorporated association, charitable trustee, and other legal entities holding property for charitable purposes must register with the Attorney General as required under Government Code section 12585 [and subject to the exceptions listed in the Supervision of Trustees and Fundraisers for Charitable Purposes Act, including for religious organizations, educational institutions, and hospitals]. Registration must occur within 30 days of first receiving charitable assets. Assets include public donations, property, government grants, noncash donations, and/or any contribution of value. Use the Online Filing Service to begin the initial registration process. NOTE: after the initial registration, there are also annual registration renewal and reporting requirements.
Initial registration and annual renewal reporting also apply to all foreign charitable organizations (i.e., corporations formed under the laws of other states) doing business or holding property in California for charitable purposes. Doing business in California includes, active solicitation, such as soliciting donations in California by mail, by advertisements in publications, or by any other means of targeting California residents for donations. Other examples of doing business in California include engaging in any of the following activities: holding meetings of the board of directors or corporate members in California, maintaining an office in California, having officers or employees who perform work in California, and/or conducting charitable programs in California.