Pennsylvania State Compliance Guidelines

***Disclosure*** This information is updated periodically and subject to change. For the latest information, please contact the appropriate State Agency.

Annual Filing Requirements – For Nonprofits Operating in Pennsylvania

Currently,  it’s estimated there are more than 60,000 Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations that employ nearly 800,000 individuals. Over 15 percent of the state’s workforce is employed by a Pennsylvania nonprofit. When operating a nonprofit in Pennsylvania, you may want to also understand the rules of New York, Delaware and New Jersey if you are considering soliciting residence of those states or plan operate within those states.   These guidelines will provide you a good basic understanding. 

Charity Registrations

Required to complete and file annually. Charity Registration, sometimes called a Permit to Solicit, is required to ask people and companies for donations in the state of operation. 

Due Date:  Annually by the 15th day of the eleventh month following the close of the organization’s fiscal year. 

Annual Reports

An annual report is required for a domestic or foreign nonprofit corporation.

Due Date: Annual reports are only required in years where there has been a change in the organization’s officers.

Other Exemptions

A benefit of Pennsylvania organizations, is they  are automatically granted State Income Tax exemption and must apply for Sales Tax Exemption

Tax Returns

All organizations (except those classified as churches) are required to file annual 990 form (990N, 990EZ, 990 or 990PF) to be exempt from Income Tax.

The return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization’s fiscal year. Failure to file for 3 consecutive years could make

your organization lose tax-exempt status.

Learn More About Pennsylvania Requirements

BryteBridge Offers Annual Compliance Subscriptions to ensure you don’t miss filing and meeting your annual compliance requirements. Learn more here!