North Carolina · State Guide

Charitable Solicitation Registration in North Carolina

North Carolina requires charities to obtain a license from the Secretary of State before soliciting, and to renew it every year.

At a glance

North Carolina requirements

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Regulator	North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section
Law	Charitable Solicitation Licensure Act (Chapter 131F, N.C. General Statutes)
When to register	Before soliciting in North Carolina.
Initial filing	Form CSL 101 (Initial/Renewal License Application) · State fee $0 – $200
Annual renewal	Form CSL 101 (renewal), due 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends (extensions of up to 60 days available)

Information verified October 2026 from official North Carolina sources (listed below).

Who must register

Who needs to register in North Carolina?

Any organization that intends to solicit contributions in North Carolina, directly or through a paid fundraiser.

Exemptions: Organizations that receive less than $50,000 in contributions in a calendar year and don't compensate any officer, trustee, organizer, incorporator, fundraiser or solicitor are exempt from licensing (G.S. 131F-3(3)).

State fees

License fee (by contributions received)

Level	State fee
Less than $5,000 (with paid officers or fundraisers)	$0
$5,000 – $99,999	$50
$100,000 – $199,999	$100
$200,000 or more	$200

These are North Carolina's own fees, paid to the state. Our service fee is separate: $425 per state for 1–5 states, $375 per state for 6–13, or $4,950 flat for 14 or more (renewals from $325 per state). See pricing.

Financial reporting

Financial statement requirements

Each application includes financial information for the prior year: IRS Form 990 with Schedule A, audited financial statements, the NC Annual Financial Report form, or a budget for new organizations.
North Carolina does not require an audit.

FAQ

North Carolina registration questions

Who has to register for charitable solicitation in North Carolina?

Any organization that intends to solicit contributions in North Carolina, directly or through a paid fundraiser. Timing: Before soliciting in North Carolina.

How much does North Carolina charitable registration cost?

State fees: Less than $5,000 (with paid officers or fundraisers): $0; $5,000 – $99,999: $50; $100,000 – $199,999: $100; $200,000 or more: $200. These are the state's own fees. Our service fee is separate and shown before checkout.

When is the North Carolina renewal due?

Form CSL 101 (renewal) is due 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends (extensions of up to 60 days available).

Does North Carolina require audited financial statements?

Each application includes financial information for the prior year: IRS Form 990 with Schedule A, audited financial statements, the NC Annual Financial Report form, or a budget for new organizations. North Carolina does not require an audit.

Sources

Official sources

State rules and fees change. We confirm current requirements with the state before every filing.

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