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As charitable organizations expand their fundraising efforts, Georgia law requires greater financial transparency to help protect donors and strengthen public confidence. For nonprofits receiving significant charitable support, that includes obtaining independently audited financial statements prepared by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

If your Georgia nonprofit receives more than $1 million in annual charitable contributions, state law generally requires an independent financial statement audit as part of the organization’s charitable registration filing. These filings are submitted to the Georgia Secretary of State – Securities and Charities Division, which oversees charitable organizations soliciting contributions within the state. (O.C.G.A. § 43-17-5; Georgia Secretary of State, How-To Guide: Charities)

Unlike states that measure total revenue or assets, Georgia bases its reporting requirements on annual charitable contributions. Organizations experiencing rapid fundraising growth should monitor contribution levels throughout the year to determine when the audit requirement will apply.

Whether your organization serves Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Macon, Athens, Roswell, or communities throughout Georgia, understanding these requirements before your annual filing deadline can help avoid compliance issues and reporting delays.

Georgia Audit Requirements at a Glance

Quick Answer

If your Georgia charitable organization receives more than $1 million in annual charitable contributions, Georgia generally requires audited financial statements prepared by an independent CPA. These financial statements are filed with the organization’s charitable registration through the Georgia Secretary of State. Organizations receiving more than $500,000 but not more than $1 million must submit financial statements reviewed by an independent CPA. (O.C.G.A. § 43-17-5; Georgia Secretary of State, How-To Guide: Charities)

When Does Georgia Require a Nonprofit Audit?

Georgia measures its financial reporting requirements using the amount of annual charitable contributions received during the organization’s fiscal year.

Organizations receiving:

This graduated reporting structure allows organizations time to prepare for increased financial reporting responsibilities as fundraising grows. Once annual charitable contributions exceed $1 million, however, an independent CPA audit becomes required under Georgia law. (O.C.G.A. § 43-17-5)

Georgia’s Annual Registration Process

One aspect that makes Georgia’s compliance process different from many other states is the documentation submitted with the annual charitable registration.

Most registered charities are required to file a copy of their IRS Form 990 or Form 990-EZ with the Georgia Secretary of State. Organizations that file IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) instead generally submit Georgia Form C-200 because Georgia does not accept Form 990-N for the state filing. (Georgia Secretary of State, How-To Guide: Charities)

When an organization exceeds the statutory audit threshold, the required audited financial statements become an additional component of the annual registration package. Because these documents are reviewed together, nonprofits should coordinate audit completion well before their registration renewal deadline.

Georgia Law at a Glance

Georgia’s charitable solicitation laws are administered by the Securities and Charities Division of the Georgia Secretary of State. The Charitable Solicitations Act governs registration and financial reporting for organizations soliciting charitable contributions in the state. (Georgia Secretary of State, About the Charities Division; O.C.G.A. § 43-17-5)

Rather than using gross revenue, public support, or total assets, Georgia’s filing thresholds focus on the amount of charitable contributions received or collected during the fiscal year. This means organizations should carefully distinguish donations from other revenue sources when evaluating whether they have reached the audit threshold. (O.C.G.A. § 43-17-5; Georgia Secretary of State, How-To Guide: Charities)

Many nonprofits first exceed the reporting threshold after a successful capital campaign, major donor initiative, or unusually strong year-end fundraising season. Tracking contribution activity throughout the year can help organizations prepare for an audit before it becomes legally required.

Preparing for a Georgia Nonprofit Audit

Organizations approaching the $1 million contribution threshold should begin audit planning several months before fiscal year-end.

Your CPA will commonly request:

• General ledger
• Trial balance
• Contribution schedules
• Major donor records
• Grant documentation
• Bank reconciliations
• Board meeting minutes
• Investment statements
• Fixed asset schedules
• Internal control documentation
• IRS Form 990
• Prior-year financial statements

Organizations should also reconcile annual contribution totals early in the planning process to confirm whether the statutory audit requirement applies.

Common Reasons Georgia Nonprofits Reach the Audit Threshold

Many organizations exceed Georgia’s audit threshold because of a single year of exceptional fundraising rather than gradual growth.

Examples include:

• Capital campaigns
• Large individual gifts
• Community fundraising initiatives
• Foundation grants
• Corporate sponsorship campaigns
• End-of-year giving drives

Reviewing projected contribution totals before the fiscal year closes allows nonprofit leadership to engage an auditor early and avoid delays in completing the annual registration.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

Although Georgia law requires audited financial statements for larger charitable organizations, an audit also provides meaningful operational benefits. Independent audits of nonissuer financial statements are performed under applicable AICPA Statements on Auditing Standards. (O.C.G.A. § 43-17-5; AICPA, Statements on Auditing Standards)

An independent audit can help:

• Increase donor confidence
• Improve board oversight
• Strengthen internal financial controls
• Enhance grant competitiveness
• Improve financial reporting processes
• Build credibility with lenders and funding organizations
• Demonstrate long-term financial accountability

Many nonprofits discover that these benefits continue well beyond satisfying Georgia’s reporting requirements.

Why Choose ELT CPA LLC?

ELT CPA LLC provides independent nonprofit financial statement audit services for charitable organizations throughout Georgia.

Our professionals understand nonprofit accounting standards, charitable registration requirements, and the reporting expectations of the Georgia Secretary of State. We work closely with nonprofit leadership to perform efficient audits while minimizing disruption to daily operations.

Whether your organization is preparing for its first required audit or has completed audits for years, ELT CPA LLC can help you navigate Georgia’s nonprofit reporting requirements with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Georgia use contributions or revenue?

Georgia bases its reporting requirements on annual charitable contributions received or collected, rather than total organizational revenue. (O.C.G.A. § 43-17-5)

What happens between $500,000 and $1 million in contributions?

Organizations receiving more than $500,000 but not more than $1 million must submit financial statements reviewed by an independent CPA. (O.C.G.A. § 43-17-5; Georgia Secretary of State, How-To Guide: Charities)

What additional documents are filed with Georgia’s annual registration?

Most charities submit a copy of their IRS Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. Organizations filing IRS Form 990-N generally submit Georgia Form C-200 instead, along with any required financial statements. (Georgia Secretary of State, How-To Guide: Charities)

Who regulates charitable organizations in Georgia?

Charitable organizations are regulated by the Georgia Secretary of State – Securities and Charities Division. (Georgia Secretary of State, About the Charities Division)