Submitting Annual Filings
Charities with an AG Number must now prepare and submit their annual filings (Form PC and attachments) through the AGO's online Charity Portal. The process involves creating a free Charity Portal account, which is linked to individual email addresses. Filers will then use their accounts to complete the online Form PC, provide electronic signatures, and make necessary payments. For those organizations using a CPA firm to prepare their annual filings, the preparation of the MA PC will need to be coordinated with them as they can no longer use their tax software to satisfy the annual filing.

What Can You Do with the Online Charity Portal?
- Initial Charity Registration: First-time registrants can use the portal to submit their initial charity registration electronically.
- Annual Filings (Forms PC):
Charities are required to submit their Annual Filings, including Forms PC and any necessary attachments, through the portal. These filings are due 4.5 months after the charity's fiscal year end; an automatic 6 month extension is available for organizations that are in compliance with the MA AGO.
- Payments: The portal also facilitates payments for both initial charity registration and annual filings.
- PDF Document Submission:
Charities can upload through the portal PDFs of certain documents such as financial statements (if required), address updates and revised governing documents.
- Note:
The portal does not interact with existing tax software so information that could potentially be automatically pulled from the 990 is not an option and must be re-entered or separately uploaded where appropriate.
- A draft of the MA PC annual filing can be saved and can be shared for others to review.
- The MA PC can now be electronically signed via the portal which will make completing this step much easier to coordinate.
It's important to note that starting from September 1, 2023, the AGO will exclusively accept charitable registration and annual filings through the Charity Portal, discontinuing the acceptance of paper submissions.
What Cannot Be Submitted via the Online Charity Portal?
Certain types of filings and requests should be sent via email to the designated addresses:
Getting Started on the Online Charity Portal
To get started with the Online Charity Portal, new users can refer to the provided resources:
Additionally, there are short training videos available to support users in navigating the portal, covering various aspects like submitting a charity registration, creating an account, starting a Form PC, obtaining signatures, and making payments. If you still require assistance after reviewing these resources, you can contact
CharitiesPortal@mass.gov for further guidance.

Registering with the AGO for the First Time
Organizations that have never filed with the Attorney General's Office and do not have an assigned Attorney General Account Number (AG Number) can follow these steps:
- Submit the Registration eForm, available here.
- Upload supporting documents such as Articles of Organization or Trust Instrument, Bylaws, and an IRS determination letter (if available).
- Await an email reply from the AGO, which will contain your AG Number if the registration is approved.
- Follow the emailed instructions to finalize your registration and make any required payments through the Charity Portal.
Once your registration is complete, you will receive a Certificate of Solicitation if requested.
In conclusion, paper filing of the MA PC is no longer allowed as of September 1, 2023. Instead, all charitable submissions must be made through the MA AGO portal, marking a transition away from paper-based submissions. The switch to online filing will most likely take longer in this initial year as organizations and CPA firms learn to navigate this new portal system and all it entails.
