State Matrix

UPDATES

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The following guidelines provide background information on the most common types of filings and the related exemptions in Virginia.

Fundraising in this State

how to know (and what to do) if you're fundraising in this state

Charitable organizations generally must register with the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs within the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before soliciting any money. Virginia defines the terms “solicit” and “solicitation” very broadly. Charitable organizations also must resubmit a Registration Statement annually and are subject to recordkeeping requirements.

Virginia excludes churches, with specified caveats, and political parties  from the definition of a “charitable organization.” Those entities are not required to seek an exemption from the registration requirement. Depending on their activities in the state, other religious organizations may need to complete a charitable registration, despite their religious identity or affiliation.

Virginia also exempts certain charitable organizations from the registration requirement, but the eligible organizations must apply for the exemption. Exempt entities remain subject to other statutory duties, such as maintaining fiscal records. More information regarding registration and exemption is available at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.

if you're Fundraising in Multiple states, make sure you Understand the URS.

In this state, organizations that are required to register have the option of registering through the Unified Registration Statement, which is a standardized charitable registration accepted in many states. Using the URS, rather than a  state-specific registration form, has pros and cons. The URS typically must be submitted by mail. If the state has an online filing system, it may be more efficient to use that system, rather than complete and mail the URS manually.

Additionally, states that require charitable organizations to submit annual reports often use information from the state-specific initial registration to auto-populate annual reports, which could save the organization time in the future.

evaluate whether you'll need a Registered agent

Some states require organizations to appoint a “registered agent” in the state as part of the organization’s charitable registration. This state does not currently have this requirement. However, foreign corporations and limited liability companies, including nonprofits, which transact business in the state are required to register with the Secretary of State and to maintain registered agents. Va. Code Ann. § 13.1-757; Va. Code Ann. § 13.1-925; Va. Code Ann. § 13.1-1051.

follow the rules about communicating with the public

This state requires non-exempt charitable organizations to include specific statements whenever  the  organizations  are requesting  donations  (also  called  “charitable solicitation”). Below is sample language to use with charitable solicitations in this state:

You may obtain a copy of *ORG*’s financial statement by contacting the Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Charitable REgistration statute

Charitable registration exemption statute

Va. Code Ann. § 57-48 (excluding churches and political parties from definition of “charitable organization”); Va. Code Ann. § 57-60 (specifying exemptions from registration requirement)

After you've registered–the Annual report requirement

Conducting Activities or Programs in this State

UNDERSTAND THE Business Registration REQUIREMENTS

Depending on the type and volume of activities an organization has in this state, the organization may also need to register as an out-of-state business (sometimes called a “foreign business”) with the secretary of state or another state agency and to file annual reports. These foreign business registration requirements are separate from the charitable organization registration.

Foreign businesses must register trade names with local circuit courts in which they transact business. Several Virginia counties, cities, and towns also require nonprofit and charitable organizations that do business within their borders to obtain a business license. Some Virginia counties, cities, and towns require charitable organizations that wish to solicit donations to provide the county, city, or town with evidence of registration with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Not every out-of-state nonprofit organization needs to register or to obtain a license. An attorney can assist the organization in determining whether its connections with this state are significant enough to trigger the foreign business registration and licensing requirements. Examples of activities that might trigger these requirements include having employees physically located in the state, conducting programs in the state, and having an office in the state.

Business registration statute

Va. Code Ann. § 13.1-919 (corporations); Va.Code Ann. § 13.1-1051 (limited liability companies)

Get Acquainted with State and Local Tax Exemptions

State and local taxes

In Virginia, organizations that have received recognition of federal income tax exemption under IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) are automatically exempt from state income tax, except on unrelated business income. Some organizations may choose to send a copy of their IRS determination letter to the state department of revenue to indicate the organization’s position that it qualifies for the exemption. Note that, although an organization may be exempt, if it has unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) that is subject to federal taxation, that UBTI also may be subject to state income tax and local business taxes. [See Va. Code Ann. § 58.1-401(5).] Consult with an accountant or attorney if you have questions about your organization’s tax liability.  

Nonprofit organizations are not automatically exempt from local real  estate and property taxes and license fees. Although the Virginia Code exempts many organizations from local taxes (Va. Code Ann. § 58.1-3600 et seq.) and license fees (Va. Code Ann. § 58.1-3703(c)(18)), organizations must affirmatively seek an exemption from local tax authorities.

Certain nonprofit organizations are exempt from paying sales and use taxes. Va. Code Ann. § 58.1-609.11. More information about the exemption application is available at the Virginia Department of Taxation website. An accountant or attorney can provide specific answers to your organization’s eligibility for the exemption.

Corporate Income Tax Statute

CORPORATE FRANCHISE TAX STATUTE

This state does not have a corporate franchise tax on entities other than banks.

what you need to know about sales tax

What This State Says about Nonprofits

A FINAL NOTE: OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

background

state nonprofit corporation law

Corporate governance

For Religious Nonprofits

Understanding Religious Liberty in this State

Case Study

Religious Liberty Protections

Other Relevant State Laws and regulations

KEy employment Laws and regulations

BEFORE YOU GO: OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

useful links

Reviewed by

a Volunteer Attorney in Virginia

Legal disclaimer

This resource contains general educational information related to legal concepts, but this information does not constitute legal advice. Anyone seeking legal advice is strongly encouraged to consult with a licensed attorney regarding any of the matters discussed herein. Although licensed attorneys work with Napa Legal, Napa Legal is not a law firm and does not undertake legal representation on behalf of any clients. Further, no licensed attorney working with or on behalf of Napa Legal agrees to undertake legal representation on behalf of any client unless the terms of such representation are set forth in a separate, written representation agreement.