Instructions for Registering as a Charitable Organization
Do I have to register online?
Yes. All filings with our office are online, including registration, renewals, amendments, and other forms.
Do I need to register?
In some cases, the specific "public benefits" a public benefit corporation (PBC) or benefit corporation identifies within its statement of business purposes in the articles of incorporation may also fit the definition of a "charitable purpose" under the Colorado Charitable Solicitations Act (CCSA). If the PBC or benefit corporation intends to solicit funds in Colorado for that purpose, the organization may fit the definition of a charitable organization soliciting contributions, so it may need to register as a charitable organization. Consult with your legal counsel if you are unsure whether the CCSA applies to the activities of your organization and requires it to register.
How do I register?
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Have you already created an account and received your user ID and password? If not, create an account first.
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Log in to your account with your user ID and password. Need help logging in?
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The first time that you log in, you will be taken directly to the beginning of the registration process.
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Review the information on the Registration page, then click on "Continue" at the bottom of the page.
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The next page will show you the steps for the registration. You don't have to complete all of the steps at once; if you click on "Save" at the bottom of any page, the information that you entered will be saved. If you leave the site and come back at a later time, the steps that you have completed will appear as links. Click on any of the linked steps to return to that page of the form.
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Otherwise, click on "Next" at the bottom of the page to continue.
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Fill out the information required on the form. Line-by-line instructions.
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When you have finished entering information, you will electronically sign the registration and then complete the payment process.
Our organization is new and we don't have financial figures yet. How do I fill out the financial report?
You can file your initial registration using estimated financial information. This information must be updated with actual financial figures by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of your fiscal year. You can update those figures by filing an amendment.
As of January 1, 2013, your organization receives an automatic 3-month extension. If you can't provide actual financial figures by the original or extended deadline, you can file for an additional 3-month extension of the deadline to remain in "Good" status and avoid late fees.
What are the most common reasons for rejecting a registration?
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All owners, officers, employees, and executive personnel not listed.
The law requires a complete list of the names and addresses of the owners, officers, and executive personnel of the applicant, if the applicant is not an individual. [1]
- Registered agent is not located in Colorado.
The law requires the name and address of a registered agent for every registrant. " Registered agent" is defined in the corporations code. [2] A foreign (outside Colorado) entity must maintain a registered agent in this state.
- Primary address of the business or individual not a physical address.
You can have a mailing address that is a private mailbox or a post office box, but you must provide a physical address as the primary address for the business or individual.
I have other questions about registration.
See our registration FAQs or contact us at 303-894-2200, option 2, or charitable@coloradosos.gov if you have other questions.