District of Columbia Fundraising Registration

Nonprofit Fundraising Registration

District of Columbia Charitable Registration Requirements

Unless exempt, a charitable organization must obtain a charitable solicitation basic business license (“BBL”) from the District of Columbia before soliciting funds in the District of Columbia.

Out-of-state nonprofits must register to do business in the District of Columbia by obtaining a Certificate of Authority from the Corporations Divisions of the DCRA. To obtain a Certificate of Authority, file a Foreign Registration Statement (Form FN-1) online at https://corponline.dcra.dc.gov/Account.aspx/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2f. An agent for service of process must be appointed to obtain a Certificate of Authority. For nonprofits located in the District of Columbia, a Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained from the Corporations Divisions of the DCRA.

Nonprofits must also apply for an exemption from local franchise and property taxes from the Office of Tax and Revenue (“OTR”). To obtain the exemption, file Form FR-500, Combined Business Tax Registration Application, the general tax registration form, and Form FR-164, Application for Exemption online at https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/new-business-registration/

Initial Nonprofit Fundraising Registration in District of Columbia

The following is a summary of the initial charitable solicitation registration requirements in District of Columbia:

District of Columbia Charitable Registration Agency: District of Columbia
District of Columbia Exempts the Following from Charitable Solicitation Registration:
  • Religious organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Membership organizations
District of Columbia Charitable Registration Form: Basic Business License Application (BBL EZ-Form)
District of Columbia Requires the Following Supporting Documents for Charitable Solicitation Registration:
  • IRS determination letter
  • Certified Resolution that certifies person authorized to file BBL EZ-Form on behalf of the nonprofit
  • Evidence of tax exemption in District of Columbia
  • Evidence of corporate registration in District of Columbia
District of Columbia Charitable Registration Filing Fee: $412.50. Make check payable to the District of Columbia or pay online
Registered Agent: A registered agent is required to qualify to do business in District of Columbia.
District of Columbia Charitable Registration Filing Method: Initial District of Columbia Charitable Registration is submitted online at https://mybusiness.dc.gov/#/ or by mail:
Wells Fargo Bank
7175 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
Law Governing District of Columbia Charitable Registration:
  • District of Columbia Code §§ 44-1701–44-1714, 47-2851
  • District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Title 16, Chapter 13.

Renewal of Nonprofit Fundraising Registration in District of Columbia

A District of Columbia charitable solicitation registration must be renewed every two years. The following is a summary of the charitable solicitation registration renewal requirements in District of Columbia:

District of Columbia Charitable Registration Renewal Agency: District of Columbia
District of Columbia Charitable Registration Renewal Due Date: Last day of 23rd month after initial issuance
District of Columbia Charitable Registration Renewal Form:
  • District of Columbia renewal Notice
  • Clean Hands Self Certification form
District of Columbia Requires the Following Supporting Documents for Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal: None
District of Columbia Charitable Registration Renewal Filing Fee: $412.50. Make check payable to the District of Columbia or pay online
District of Columbia Charitable Registration Renewal Filing Method: District of Columbia Charitable Registration renewal is submitted online at https://mybusiness.dc.gov/#/ or by mail to:
Wells Fargo Bank
DC Government Wholesale Lockbox 91360
7175 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046

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Contact a District of Columbia Charitable Registration Expert at NPSS Corporation Today!

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