The Michigan Cts 02 form is a Renewal Solicitation Form required for charitable organizations seeking to renew their solicitation registration under the Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act (COSA). This form is essential for organizations whose previous registration has expired or is about to expire. Completing this form accurately is crucial for maintaining compliance and continuing fundraising activities in Michigan.
To fill out the form, please click the button below.
The Michigan CTS-02 form serves as the Renewal Solicitation Form for charitable organizations operating in Michigan. This form is essential for organizations that are renewing their solicitation registration or for those whose previous registration has expired. It is important to note that organizations filing for the first time must use a different form, specifically the CTS-01. The CTS-02 requires detailed information, including the organization’s legal name, contact details, and any changes to its charitable purposes since the last registration. Additionally, it mandates the designation of a Michigan resident agent who can receive official correspondence on behalf of the organization. The form also includes sections for reporting professional fundraisers engaged by the organization, ensuring compliance with state regulations. Furthermore, organizations must provide a financial statement for their most recently completed fiscal year and disclose any changes in tax status with the IRS. The renewal form must be submitted at least 30 days before the registration expiration date to avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted solicitation activities.
CTS - 02
AUTHORITY: MCL 400.271 et seq.
PENALTY: civil, criminal
State of Michigan Department of Attorney General
RENEWAL SOLICITATION FORM
Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act (COSA)
Who should file this form?
Charitable organizations:
•Renewing their solicitation registration;
•Whose prior solicitation registration has expired. If your registration has expired, provide copies of any changes to your organizing documents, bylaws, IRS status, or charitable purposes since your previous submission.
Who should not file this form?
•Charitable organizations filing for the first time to solicit in Michigan. Instead, use Form CTS- 01;
•Organizations exempt from registration. See Form CTS-03, Request for Exemption.
INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Extensions – Your solicitation registration will expire 7 months after the close of your fiscal year (financial accounting period). Your renewal form is due 30 days before the expiration of your registration. If you need an extension of time to file the Renewal Solicitation Form, it must be requested in writing before your registration expires. Your registration expiration date will be extended for 5 additional months.
Use of file number – The organization has been assigned a file number that must be used on correspondence and forms sent to this office. Your file number will be printed on the registration.
Fees – There is currently no fee to register to solicit in Michigan.
Filing the renewal form – You may renew your registration by email, efiling, fax, or by mail. For
faster processing, use email or efiling.
Email - Put the AG file number and legal name in the email subject line. The Form and
all required documents should be attached in PDF form.
Efile – On the Attorney General’s website, http://www.michigan.gov/agcharity, scroll down to the link for How to E-File or Mail Your Forms.
Mail - Send the Renewal Solicitation Form to:
Department of Attorney General Charitable Trust Section
PO Box 30214 Lansing, MI 48909
Telephone: (517) 335-7571
Fax: (517) 241-7074
Email: [email protected]
For additional information, visit our website at www.michigan.gov/agcharity.
Verify that we have received your filing
Search for the organization at www.michigan.gov/AGCharitySearch. The search results will state, “Application/registration pending.”
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
To avoid delays and unnecessary correspondence, answer all questions completely.
Name – Enter the organization's exact legal name on the renewal form. This will be the same name as is currently on the articles of incorporation or other organizing document. If you use any names other than the legal name, enter each name on the solicitation form in the space All other names under which you intend to solicit.
Item 2. If your charitable purposes or activities have changed since submitting your last registration form, summarize in 50 words or less the organization's current charitable purposes. This summary will be added to our database and our searchable website. Do not simply quote or refer to the articles of incorporation or provide the standard IRS 501(c)(3) language.
Item 3. A Michigan resident agent must be named for the acceptance of process issued by any court. The renewal form will not be processed without this information. You must provide a street address, not a P.O. box. The organization cannot name itself, the Michigan Attorney General, or the
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Michigan Secretary of State as its resident agent. You may designate a private individual residing in Michigan. If you need information on companies that will act as resident agent for a fee, you may wish to do your own internet research. Our office does not provide lists of such companies.
Item 9. The engagement and compensation of all professional fundraisers providing services on Michigan campaigns must be reported in the
schedule.
A professional fundraiser (PFR) is anyone who “plans, conducts, manages, or carries on a drive or
campaign of soliciting contributions for or on behalf of a charitable organization.” A consultant that only has consulting contracts does not have to be licensed as a professional fundraiser. Y ou do not have to report consulting contracts. E mployees of
a charitable organization are PFRs if they are
paid wholly or in part by commissions – including bonuses – based on funds raised.
If you are unsure if the services provided by a person or firm you contracted with are such that a PFR license is required, provide a copy of the contract with your renewal form and request to have the contract reviewed. You will be notified if you must complete Part II and if the contractor should be licensed as a PFR.
Verification of license of PFR - Michigan law requires that you verify that any PFR with which you contract for fundraising in Michigan is currently licensed with this office.
PFR Contract - You are required to provide copies of contracts with PFRs within 10 days of signing a new contract or extending an existing contract.
Campaign Financial Statement -
Campaign Financial Statements, Form CTS-10, are required for all campaigns conducted by a PFR with which you have contracted, except those who are solely consultants. The Campaign Financial Statement will be filed by the PFR, but you will be required to provide additional campaign expense information and sign the form. Campaign financial statements are due within 90 days of the conclusion of any campaign. If the campaign lasts more than a year, a Campaign Financial Statement must be filed annually.
PFR Chart on Renewal Form-
Sum of all payments to / retained by PFR during the year reported – Include all fees, reimbursements, or other payments to the PFR that were related to the campaign or activity conducted by the PFR for the organization. Any monies that were retained by the professional fundraiser before remitting the proceeds of a campaign or activity to the charity must also be
included here. If the PFR listed was engaged after the close of the fiscal year reported in Item 10, enter "N/A" in this column.
Consultants - To qualify as a consultant, all of the following conditions must be met:
•the PFR is usually retained by a charitable or religious organization for a fixed fee or rate that is not computed on the basis of funds raised or to be raised;
•the PFR does not solicit funds, assets or property, but only plans, advises, consults, or prepares materials for a solicitation or fundraising event in Michigan;
•the PFR does not receive or control funds, assets, or property solicited in Michigan; and
•the PFR does not employ, procure, or engage any compensated person to solicit, receive, or control funds, assets, or property.
Item 10. An organization registering to solicit must provide a financial statement for its most recently completed fiscal year. If an organization files Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF with the IRS, a copy must be provided with the renewal form. Organizations that do not complete a Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990- PF should complete items 11 and 12 on the form.
The IRS return must be prepared in accordance with IRS instructions. If you do not follow the instructions, we may question the return even if the IRS does not. All applicable schedules and attachments required by the IRS form or instructions must be submitted. However, if you file Form 990 or 990-EZ, do not provide a copy of Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors.
Organizations that file Form 990-EZ. Note – all expenses not in Item 10 as program services will be entered into our database and provided to the public as “Supporting services.”
Item 11. - Briefly describe the organization's activities or accomplishments during the fiscal period. Provide a sheet if additional space is needed. Do not simply restate the organization's charitable purpose.
Item 12. – Complete all lines. You must enter the end date of the accounting period. Do not leave any lines blank. Enter "0" if applicable.
On line D, enter all costs related to conducting the charitable activities and accomplishments discussed in Item 11.
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Item 13. Audited or reviewed financial statements requirement - If audited financial statements have been prepared for the year being reported, provide a copy with the renewal form. It is not necessary to complete the schedule.
For all others, complete the schedule to calculate if audited or reviewed financial statements will be required. Total support may be reduced by the amount of governmental grants received during the year.
Audited financial statements must be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
If audited or reviewed financial statements are required, but they have not been prepared:
•You may request a one-time waiver of the reviewed or audited financial statements requirement. In your request, specify the fiscal year for which the waiver is requested and state that the necessary financial statements will be provided in all future years in which reviewed or audited financial statements are required. If you have already received a waiver of the financial statements requirement for a prior year, engage an auditor and see below to request a conditional registration.
•If the required financial statements are in the process of being prepared or you have already engaged an auditor to perform the necessary review or audit, provide a letter requesting a conditional registration. In your letter, state when you expect the financial statements to be available. Also, provide a copy of the signed engagement letter agreement with the audit firm. The solicitation registration will
include the condition that the required financial statements are to be provided by a specified date.
•The financial statements requirement may be suspended for food banks and similar organizations whose contributions are substantially non-cash. However, suspension of the requirement is unlikely if the organization’s cash contributions exceed the audited or reviewed financial statements thresholds, or if donated non-cash items are
typically converted to cash. Provide your suspension request, with the reason for the request, with the registration form. This must be done each year when applicable.
Item 14. Select YES and provide the information requested on the form if you are a parent organization that directly supervises and controls a local, county, or area division or chapter that is also a separate legal entity.
Unless previously submitted, you MUST provide:
•
appropriate documentation to show that you directly supervise and control the
•chapter;
names and addresses of each chapter to
•be included in your registration; and separate financial statements for each chapter
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AUTHORITY 1975 PA 169 PENALTY: civil, criminal
State of Michigan
Department of Attorney General
Full legal name of organization
All other names under which you intend to solicit
Attorney General File Number
Telephone number
Fax number
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Organization email address
Organization website
All items must be answered. Provide additional sheets if necessary. If you have questions, see the instructions.
1.Organization addresses –
A. Street address of principal office. If you do not have a principal office, provide the name and address of the person having custody of the financial records.
B.Organization mailing address, if different.
C.Provide the address of all other offices in Michigan.
Yes No
2. Has there been any change in the organization's purposes? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If yes, summarize organization's current purposes below in 50 words or less. This summary appears on our website.
3. You must designate a resident agent located in Michigan authorized to receive official mail sent to your organization.
Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Address (Michigan street address, not PO box) _______________________________________________________________
4. Methods of solicitation. Check all that apply.
Mail
Telephone
Internet
Personal contact
Radio / television
Email
Special events
Newspaper/magazines
Other (specify) ____________________________
None (explain) ____________________________
5. Has there been a change in the organization's tax status with the IRS since your last filing? . . . .
If yes, explain and document.
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6. List all current officers and directors unless they are included on your IRS return. Mark the box to indicate whether the person is an officer, director, or both. Provide an additional sheet if necessary.
Name
Officer Director
Officer
Director
Yes
No
7.
Is there any officer or director who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? . . . .
If “yes,” provide the names and addresses on an additional sheet.
8.
Since your last registration form, has the organization or any of its officers, directors, employees or fundraisers:
A. Been enjoined or otherwise prohibited by a government agency/court from soliciting?
B. Had its solicitation registration or license denied or revoked by any jurisdiction?
. . . . . . . .
C. Been the subject of a proceeding regarding any license, registration, or solicitation?
D. Entered into a voluntary agreement of compliance with a government agency or in a case
before a court or administrative agency?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If any "yes" box is checked, provide a complete explanation on a separate sheet.
Has the organization engaged a professional fundraiser (PFR) for Michigan
9. fundraising activity for either the financial accounting period reported in item 10 or the current period? See instructions for definition of "professional fundraiser."
A consultant is not a PFR.
If no, go to question10.
If yes, in the chart below list all PFRs that your organization has engaged for Michigan fundraising activity. Provide additional sheets if necessary. Provide copies of contracts for each PFR listed if not already provided.
Note – You are required to verify that all PFRs under contract for Michigan campaigns are currently licensed.
Professional Fundraisers Under Contract for Michigan Campaigns
Is contract
in effect
Sum of all payments
now (as you
If no, enter
to / retained by PFR
complete
date contract
Mailing address
during year reported
the form)?
ended
End date:
y n
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10. All organizations must report on their most recently completed financial accounting period.
Check the box to indicate the type of return filed with the IRS and follow the instructions:
Form 990 or 990-EZ - Provide a copy of the return. Do not include Schedule B. Go to item 13 below.
Form 990-PF - Provide a copy of the Form 990-PF. Enter the amount the organization spent directly on its charitable program in the space below. Complete item 11 and go to 13.
Total program services expense: $
If your organization does not file the above returns with the IRS, check the appropriate box below to explain the reason, and follow the instructions:
Files Form 990-N. Complete 11 and 12 below, then go to 14.
Included in IRS group return. Provide a copy of the group return. Complete 11 and 12 below.
Other reason. Explain: _______________________________________________________________
Complete 11 and 12 below.
11.Briefly describe your charitable accomplishments during the period. ____________________________________
12.Complete this section only if directed to in item 10 because your organization does not complete a Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF. Complete all lines of the following schedules. You must enter the end date of the accounting period being reported. Enter “0” or “none” where appropriate or if you had no financial activity in the period.
Enter the end date of the financial accounting period reported below:
____/_____/_____
REVENUE
AContributions and fundraising received B All other revenue
C Total revenue (add lines A and B)
Expenses
DCharitable program services expense
EAll remaining expenses (supporting services) F Total expense (Sum of lines D and E)
G Revenue less expenses (subtract line F from line C)
Balance Sheet
HTotal assets at end of fiscal period I Liabilities at end of fiscal period
J Net assets (subtract line I from line H)
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13. Audited or reviewed financial statements requirement
Complete the following schedule to determine if audited or reviewed financial statements are required. If audited or reviewed financial statements are required, but they have not been prepared, see the instructions.
Item
Where to Find it:
Amount
Form 990: Part VIII, line 1h;
A.
Contributions from IRS return
Form 990-EZ: line 1;
Form 990-PF: line 1
B.
Net income from special fundraising
Form 990: Part VIII, line 8c;
events
Form 990-EZ: line 6d
C.
Net income from gaming activities
Form 990: Part VIII, line 9c
D.
Total contributions and fundraising
Add lines A, B, and C
E.
Governmental grants
Form 990: Part VIII, line 1e;
Form 990-EZ: enter governmental
grants included above on line A.
F.
Subtract line E from line D
After completing the schedule:
•If line F is $550,000 or more, audited financial statements are required. They must be audited by an independent certified public accountant and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
•If line F is greater than $300,000, but not greater than $550,000, financial statements either reviewed or audited by a certified public accountant are required.
14. Do you have chapters in Michigan that are to be included in the solicitation registration?
Tip: If you have offices in Michigan with no separate reporting or filing requirements, answer “no.”
If yes, provide the following:
•a listing of the names and addresses of all Michigan chapters to be included
•a financial report for each chapter (see instructions)
•a copy of your organization's IRS group return (if applicable)
Note – if you have chapters but have not previously informed us of your intent to include them, see the instructions.
15. I certify that I am an authorized representative of the organization and that to the best of my knowledge and belief the information provided, including all accompanying documents, is true, correct, and complete. False statements are prohibited by MCL 400.288(1)(u) and MCL 400.293(2)(c) and are punishable by civil and criminal penalties.
Type or print name (must be legible):
________________________________________________________
Title:
Date: ______________________
Check here if you would like to request an automatic 5-month extension to your expiration date (this will not be reflected in your registration document, but can be verified online on our website at michigan.gov/charity).
THIS IS A PUBLIC RECORD, COPIES OF WHICH ARE SENT, UPON REQUEST, TO ANY INTERESTED PERSON.
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CHECKLIST:
Have all parts of the form been fully completed unless instructed otherwise?
Have you provided the name and Michigan street address of a resident agent in item 3? Is a list of the officers and directors provided or included with the IRS return?
Have you provided a complete IRS 990, 990-EZ, OR 990-PF?
If you file Form 990-PF, did you complete item 11?
If you file Form 990-N, did you complete items 11 and 12?
If audited or reviewed financial statements are required, are they provided? If not, have you requested a conditional registration or one-time waiver? (See instructions.)
Are the Form 990 and financial statements prepared for the same reporting period?
Have you submitted contracts and addenda to contracts with professional fundraisers that have not been previously submitted?
Have you typed or printed your name, date, and title in Item 15 to certify the form?
If you are requesting a 5-month extension, have you checked the box below item 15?
Revised
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2/20/2020
Completing the Michigan CTS-02 form is a crucial step for charitable organizations looking to renew their solicitation registration. Once the form is filled out accurately and submitted, the organization can expect to receive confirmation of its renewed status. Following the instructions carefully will help ensure a smooth process.
After completing the form, it can be submitted through various methods such as email, e-filing, fax, or traditional mail. For quicker processing, consider using email or e-filing options. Ensure all required documents are attached, and keep a copy for your records. Once submitted, you can verify the status of your filing online.
The Michigan CTS-02 form, also known as the Renewal Solicitation Form, is designed for charitable organizations that are renewing their solicitation registration in Michigan. Organizations must file this form if they are renewing their registration or if their previous registration has expired. If your registration has expired, you’ll need to provide updated documents, such as changes to your organizing documents, bylaws, or IRS status since your last submission. However, if you are filing for the first time, you should use the CTS-01 form instead.
Your solicitation registration will expire seven months after the close of your fiscal year. To avoid any lapse in your registration, you must submit the CTS-02 form 30 days before your registration expiration date. If you require more time, you can request a written extension before your registration expires, which will grant you an additional five months to file.
You have several options for submitting the CTS-02 form. You can file it via email, e-filing, fax, or traditional mail. For quicker processing, email or e-filing is recommended. When emailing, include your Attorney General file number and legal name in the subject line, and attach the completed form and any required documents in PDF format. If you prefer to mail the form, send it to the Department of Attorney General, Charitable Trust Section, at the specified address. Remember to verify that your filing has been received by checking the organization’s status online.
When completing the CTS-02 form, it’s essential to provide comprehensive and accurate information. This includes:
Completing all sections thoroughly will help avoid delays in processing your renewal application.
Incomplete Information: Many individuals fail to answer all questions completely. Each section must be filled out, and leaving items blank can lead to processing delays. Ensure that every line is addressed, even if the answer is "0" or "not applicable."
Incorrect Legal Name: Using a name that differs from the organization's legal name can cause issues. The exact legal name must match the articles of incorporation or other organizing documents. Double-check this detail before submission.
Missing Resident Agent: A Michigan resident agent is required for the form to be processed. Failure to designate a resident agent with a physical address, rather than a P.O. box, will result in rejection of the application.
Neglecting Financial Statements: Organizations must provide a financial statement for their most recently completed fiscal year. If audited financial statements exist, they must be included. Not adhering to this requirement can lead to complications in the registration process.
The Michigan Cts 02 form is essential for charitable organizations looking to renew their solicitation registration. However, several other forms and documents often accompany it to ensure compliance with state regulations. Understanding these documents can help organizations navigate the renewal process more smoothly.
By familiarizing themselves with these forms and documents, charitable organizations can better prepare for the renewal process and maintain compliance with Michigan's regulations. Each document plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in charitable solicitations.
The Michigan CTS-02 form, known as the Renewal Solicitation Form, shares similarities with several other important documents related to charitable organizations. One such document is the IRS Form 990. Both the CTS-02 and Form 990 require organizations to provide detailed financial information about their activities and sources of funding. While the CTS-02 focuses specifically on the renewal of solicitation registration in Michigan, Form 990 serves as an annual information return required by the IRS for tax-exempt organizations. The information submitted in both forms helps maintain transparency and accountability, ensuring that organizations adhere to regulations and fulfill their charitable purposes.
Another document that is similar to the CTS-02 is the CTS-01 form, which is used by charitable organizations filing for the first time in Michigan. Like the CTS-02, the CTS-01 requires organizations to disclose their legal name, purpose, and financial information. However, the CTS-01 is specifically designed for new applicants, while the CTS-02 is for those renewing their registration. Both forms aim to ensure that organizations meet the necessary requirements to solicit donations legally within the state.
The CTS-03 form, which requests an exemption from registration, is also akin to the CTS-02. Organizations that qualify for exemption must still provide certain information, similar to what is required in the CTS-02. For example, both forms require organizations to clarify their charitable purposes and provide contact information. The CTS-03 serves as a means for organizations to demonstrate their eligibility for exemption, while the CTS-02 focuses on maintaining compliance for those already registered.
Next, the Campaign Financial Statement, or CTS-10, is another document that parallels the CTS-02. Both forms require organizations to report financial details about their fundraising activities. The CTS-10 specifically focuses on the financial outcomes of campaigns run by professional fundraisers, while the CTS-02 serves as a renewal form for the overall solicitation registration. Both documents ensure that organizations maintain proper financial practices and transparency in their fundraising efforts.
The Michigan Charitable Organizations Act (COSA) itself can be compared to the CTS-02 form. COSA outlines the legal framework governing charitable solicitations in Michigan, including registration and reporting requirements. The CTS-02 form is a practical application of COSA, requiring organizations to comply with its stipulations. Both aim to protect the public and promote ethical fundraising practices, ensuring that charitable organizations operate transparently and responsibly.
Additionally, the annual financial statements required for many charitable organizations also bear resemblance to the CTS-02. These statements provide a comprehensive overview of an organization’s financial health, similar to the financial disclosures made in the CTS-02. While the CTS-02 specifically addresses the renewal of solicitation registration, the annual financial statements help organizations maintain accountability and transparency in their operations, reinforcing the trust of donors and the public.
Lastly, the Professional Fundraiser (PFR) Contract is another document that shares characteristics with the CTS-02. Both require organizations to disclose information about their fundraising practices. The CTS-02 mandates that organizations report on their engagement with professional fundraisers, while the PFR Contract outlines the terms of that engagement. Both documents work together to ensure that organizations are transparent about their fundraising efforts and comply with Michigan's regulations.
When filling out the Michigan CTS-02 form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth process. Below is a list of things to do and avoid.
This is incorrect. The CTS-02 form is specifically designed for charitable organizations that are renewing their solicitation registration or for those whose previous registration has expired. First-time applicants should use Form CTS-01 instead.
Many people believe that there is a registration fee associated with filing the CTS-02 form. However, currently, there is no fee required to register to solicit in Michigan, making the process more accessible for organizations.
Some organizations think they can submit the renewal form whenever they want. In reality, the renewal form must be submitted 30 days before the registration expiration date, which occurs seven months after the close of the organization’s fiscal year.
This is not entirely true. Only changes that have occurred since the last registration submission need to be included. For example, if there have been changes to the organizing documents, bylaws, or IRS status, those should be submitted. However, routine updates are not necessary.
This is a common misunderstanding. The renewal form requires a physical street address for the resident agent in Michigan. A P.O. box is not acceptable, as the resident agent must be able to accept official mail.
Here are some key takeaways for filling out and using the Michigan CTS-02 form: