Connecticut Nonprofits - A Guide to Registration and Tax Compliance
Understanding the guidelines and requirements set by the relevant state agency is essential for successfully establishing and operating a nonprofit organization.
Here, you can find how to start and register a nonprofit in Connecticut, obtain tax-exempt status, understand the periodic report filing requirements for nonprofits in the state, and more.
Requirements | Registration | Annual Filing | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
With the State of Connecticut | With the Department of Consumer Protection | Charity Annual Renewal | Annual Report | |
Required Forms |
Initial Charity Registration Application & Copy of IRS |
|||
Due Date |
Before establishing a Nonprofit entity | Before soliciting any contributions | 11 months after the end of organization's fiscal year | Various for each organization |
Filing Fee |
$50 | $50 | $50 | $50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Start a Nonprofit in Connecticut?
To start a nonprofit in the State of Connecticut, you must follow these registration procedures.
Article of Incorporation registration with Connecticut Secretary of State:
To register your nonprofit in Connecticut, you need to submit the organization's name and Certificate of Incorporation to the Connecticut Secretary of State along with the incorporation filing fee of $50.
Typically, this submission must include the following information:
- Name of the corporation
- Membership Information
- Purpose of the formation
- Name and address of Incorporators
Nonprofits are also required to file the Organization and First Report within 90 days of filing the certificate of incorporation.
Initial Charity Registration with Connecticut Secretary of State:
The State of Connecticut mandates nonprofits to register as charitable organizations with the Department of Consumer Protection before soliciting contributions.
To complete the registration, the organization can use this application, attach a copy of IRS Form 990, and pay the registration fee of $50.
How to Obtain Tax-Exempt Status from the State of Connecticut?
Connecticut law allows nonprofit organizations to automatically qualify as tax-exempt with the state if they filed Form 1023/1024 and obtained 501(c) tax-exempt status from the IRS.
The state also accepts a Federal determination letter or a Connecticut exemption permit (E-Number Permit) issued prior to 1995 as proof of exemption.
What are the Annual Filing Requirements for Nonprofits in Connecticut?
Charitable Organization Renewal Notice:
The state of Connecticut mandates that nonprofit organizations renew their registration annually. They can file Form CPR-80, along with a copy of IRS Form 990.
Annual Report:
In addition to the charity annual renewal, Connecticut law also requires nonprofit organizations to file an Annual Report electronically each year with the Connecticut Government.
When is the Deadline for Charitable Organizations to Submit Annual Renewal and Annual Report?
Charitable Organization Renewal Notice:
The charitable organization renewal notice is due 11 months after the end of the organization's accounting period. This means if the organization follows the calendar tax year, the deadline for annual renewal is November 30.
Annual Report:
The due date to submit an annual report to the state of Connecticut will vary for each organization. The state will send an email or postcard one month before your due date.
Are there any Penalties for Late Filing of the Annual Renewal and Annual Report?
Charitable Organization Renewal Notice:
Failure to file the charitable organization renewal notice will result in a penalty of $25 for each month after the due date.
Annual Report:
Failure to file the annual report by the due date will result in the organization being administratively dissolved, and they will also be unable to obtain a certificate of legal existence.
How do I file an annual renewal and annual report form with the state of Connecticut?
Charitable Organization Renewal Notice:
Charitable Organization Renewal Notice can be filed either electronically or on paper with the state of Connecticut.
- You can renew electronically through the online portal http://www.ct.gov/dcp provided by the Connecticut state.
-
If not, you can complete the renewal Form CPR-80 and mail it to the address shown below:
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION,
450 Columbus Blvd, Ste 801,
Hartford, CT 06103.
Annual Report:
Organizations can file the Annual Report electronically through the online portal provided by the state of Connecticut.