Before collecting a single dollar, most Utah nonprofits must register with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection under the Charitable Solicitations Act.

• Raffles and drawings. Treated as games of chance and may require local approval.
• Crowdfunding campaigns. Must identify the charitable entity that benefits from the funds.
• Professional fundraising events. If you hire outside fundraisers, file contracts with the Division of Consumer Protection before solicitation begins.

• Include your organization’s legal name and purpose on solicitation materials.
• State that your organization is registered with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection and how donors can contact the agency for verification.
• Make it clear on donation pages whether gifts are tax-deductible.
• If you raise money for a specific purpose, use those funds accordingly.

• Professional fundraisers must be licensed in Utah.
• Written contracts are required and must specify fees, payment structure, and duties.
• Third-party fundraisers must submit copies of agreements to the Division of Consumer Protection before starting work.

Your organization remains responsible for legal compliance even when others solicit on your behalf.

Proper donor receipts, also called acknowledgments, are essential for donors who claim tax deductions.

• In-kind donations. Describe the gift but do not assign a dollar value. The donor determines fair market value.
• Online donations. Use a secure payment platform clearly linked to your nonprofit.
• Anonymous gifts. Keep internal records even if the donor declines public recognition.

Maintain records of all donations, receipts, and expenditures for at least three years. Keep digital and paper copies of acknowledgment letters, tax receipts, and registration renewals.

Annual renewal filings with the Division of Consumer Protection typically include financial statements or IRS Form 990, updated officer and board information, and a description of fundraising methods used.