Connecticut CPC-63 Charitable Registration Compliance Checklist

Why Connecticut Compliance Is Worth Calendaring Now

Connecticut accepts the federal Form 990 in lieu of a separate state financial schedule, which simplifies the renewal package considerably. Every Connecticut nonprofit that solicits contributions has the same three obligations: an initial registration filed before solicitation begins, a recurring CPC-63 Annual Renewal renewal at the cadence the CT Department of Consumer Protection sets, and the financial schedules and disclosures the statute requires. None of those are dramatic on their own. They become dramatic when one slips and a foundation grantmaker checks public registry status before approving an award.

The governing law in Connecticut is Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-175 et seq.. The administrative portal is https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Public-Charities-Unit/Charitable-Organizations. Fees, deadlines, and forms can change between fiscal years - confirm against the source before each cycle.

This checklist is structured the way the work actually flows: confirm your registration trigger, complete the initial registration, calendar the recurring renewal, manage the audit threshold, and handle closeout. Each step links to the form name and authority so you can hand it to a colleague without re-explaining context. For broader grant compliance scope beyond charitable registration, see our Grant Compliance 101 for Nonprofits guide and the Connecticut nonprofit software overview.

Step 1: Confirm Whether You Must Register

• Determine the registration trigger. Most Connecticut 501(c)(3) charities that solicit contributions from Connecticut residents must register with the CT Department of Consumer Protection under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-175 et seq..
• Check exemption categories. Religious organizations, accredited educational institutions, certain government-affiliated entities, and small organizations under specific revenue thresholds may be exempt. Read the statute, do not rely on assumption.
• Document any claimed exemption. If you believe you are exempt, keep written documentation of the category and supporting facts. Some exemptions require an affirmative filing with the CT DCP Public Charities Unit; others apply automatically but still require records if questioned.
• Confirm out-of-state solicitation rules. A nonprofit headquartered outside Connecticut that runs an email campaign or direct mail to Connecticut residents is generally soliciting in Connecticut for registration purposes.