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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 3Pt. 2Ch. 6Art. 7§ 12585 Initial Charity Registration

§ 12585 Initial Charity Registration

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12585 Initial Charity Registration

Key Takeaways

  • •If you start a charity or group that helps others, you must tell the Attorney General about it within 30 days of getting money or property.
  • •You have to fill out a special form with honest info about your charity and send it in.
  • •If you're in charge of a trust that helps others, you only need to register once the trust starts actually giving money or help to people.

Example

You and your friends start a group to collect toys for kids in the hospital. You get your first big donation of $1,000.

You have 30 days to tell the Attorney General about your group by filling out a form. You can't wait longer or skip this step.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12585 Initial Charity Registration

(a) Every charitable corporation, unincorporated association, and trustee subject to this article shall file with the Attorney General an initial registration form, under oath, setting forth information and attaching documents prescribed in accordance with rules and regulations of the Attorney General, within 30 days after the corporation, unincorporated association, or trustee initially receives property. A trustee is not required to register as long as the charitable interest in a trust is a future interest, but shall do so within 30 days after any charitable interest in a trust becomes a present interest. (b) The Attorney General shall adopt rules and regulations as to the contents of the initial registration form and the manner of executing and filing that document or documents. (Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 567, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2007.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

charitable corporationunincorporated associationtrusteeinitial registration formfuture interestpresent interest

Related Statutes

  • § 12586.1 Late Fee Assessment
  • § 12582.1 Charitable Corporation Definition
  • § 12583 Exemptions From Registration
  • § 12597 State Recovery Of Enforcement Costs
  • § 12580 Charitable Trustee Oversight Act

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 12585.
View Official Source