Do you need to register?

Updated June 2026

This page is for organisations thinking about becoming registered charities.

Registration is voluntary. Before you apply, take time to understand what registration involves and whether it is the right option for your organisation.

Learn about the benefits and obligations of registration to help decide whether it is right for your organisation. Registration may not suit every organisation. For some, especially smaller groups, the ongoing obligations may outweigh the benefits.

Why organisations choose to register

Organisations choose to register as charities for different reasons. Registration may help your organisation:

  • access income tax exemptions
  • receive donee status, where eligible
  • meet the requirements of some funders
  • increase public trust and confidence by being listed on the public Charities Register.

Before applying, consider why your organisation wants to register and whether registration will help you achieve your charitable purpose.

Registration may not be necessary

Depending on your organisation's circumstances, you may still be able to access some benefits without being registered as a charity. For example, some organisations may qualify for tax exemptions or donee status through Inland Revenue, and not all funders require applicants to be registered charities.

If access to funding, tax benefits, or donee status is important to your organisation, check the requirements with the relevant funders or Inland Revenue before deciding whether to register.

Things to consider before you decide

Before you register, you should be confident that your organisation:

  • has a charitable purpose and provides public benefit
  • has considered whether it could work with, or join an existing charity doing similar work
  • is set up with a legal structure, such as a trust, society or company
  • can operate in line with the Charities Act 2005
  • has people who can take on officer or governance roles
  • can report annually to Charities Services, including financial information and details about your people and activities.

If your organisation cannot meet these requirements, registration may not be the right option at this time.

NZ Navigator self-assessment tool

NZ Navigator is a free online self-assessment tool for community organisations. It can help your organisation understand its strengths, identify areas to improve, and decide whether it is ready to register as a charity.

The tool looks at your organisation’s:

  • governance and leadership
  • finances and administration
  • people and relationships
  • direction and planning.

After you complete an assessment, you receive a report with feedback and an action plan.

Next steps

If you decide that registering is right for your organisation, visit our prepare to register page to learn what you need to have in place before you apply.