What record-keeping requirements must a nonprofit comply with?

Nonprofit organizations in California, like all organizations, must abide by certain record-keeping requirements in order to remain compliant with the law. California nonprofit organizations must keep several types of records, including financial records, such as receipts, invoices and other documents related to financial transactions; records regarding the organization’s governance, like minutes of meetings and governing documents; records about the organization’s Federal and state tax forms; and records related to the organization’s activities, such as grants and contracts. Nonprofits must also keep records related to their fundraising activities, as well as records about members, clients, and employees. Records related to fundraising activities must include information about donations and fundraising events, such as the date, amount, and name of the contributor. Records related to members, clients, and employees must include information regarding their activities, such as name and contact information, accounts or other financial documents, and contracts and agreements they have with the organization. Organizations must keep all of these records for at least seven years. If the internal revenue service or the California attorney general has requested documents, nonprofits must keep those documents until such requests have been fulfilled. In some cases, nonprofits may be required to keep records for even longer periods of time; it is important to review state and federal laws to determine any special requirements.

Related FAQs

What type of property can a nonprofit organization own?
How should a nonprofit organization handle grievances and disputes?
Are there any restrictions on the types of investments a nonprofit can make?
What type of activities must be reported by a nonprofit organization?
How can a nonprofit organization acquire grants?
What type of information must be disclosed when a nonprofit organization receives donations?
What are the laws concerning the disclosure of the sources of funding for a nonprofit organization?
What type of legal structure should a nonprofit have?
What type of activities must be disclosed when a nonprofit organization solicits funds?
What type of activities could constitute a breach of fiduciary duty by a nonprofit organization?

Related Blog Posts

How Nonprofit Organizations Law Impacts Charitable Giving - July 31, 2023
Taking Advantage of Nonprofit Organization Tax Exemptions - August 7, 2023
Tips for Establishing a Nonprofit Organization According to the Law - August 14, 2023
What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know About Compliance - August 21, 2023
A Guide to Understanding Nonprofit Organizations Law - August 28, 2023