Does a Illinois Nonprofit Need an Audit?
Illinois requires an audit when a nonprofit's contributions exceed $500,000, or exceed $25,000 if it uses a paid professional fundraiser. Contributions above $300,000 and up to $500,000 need only a reviewed financial statement.
Data as of Sep 16, 2026 · Source: Federal Audit Clearinghouse (public data)
Does a Illinois nonprofit need an audit?
Illinois requires an audit when a nonprofit's contributions exceed $500,000, or exceed $25,000 if it uses a paid professional fundraiser. Contributions above $300,000 and up to $500,000 need only a reviewed financial statement.
| Topic | Applies to | Rule | Threshold | Source | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State law — audit | contributions in excess of $500,000, where fund-raising is carried on solely by staff and volunteers | Effective January 1, 2024, a charitable organization whose fund-raising functions are carried on solely by staff and volunteers and that receives contributions in excess of $500,000 must file an audit with its annual report. | $500,000 | 225 ILCS 460/4(a); Public Act 103-0121 | Last verified: 2026-09-16 |
| State law — audit when a paid professional fundraiser is used | contributions above $25,000 where the organization uses a paid professional fundraiser | The audit threshold of $25,000 for charitable organizations that use the services of a paid professional fundraiser was not changed by the 2024 amendment and continues to apply. | $25,000 | 225 ILCS 460/4 | Last verified: 2026-09-16 |
| State law — reviewed financial statement | contributions in excess of $300,000 but not in excess of $500,000 | Effective January 1, 2024, a charitable organization whose fund-raising functions are carried on solely by staff and volunteers and that receives contributions in excess of $300,000 but not in excess of $500,000 files reviewed financial statements with its annual report in lieu of an audit. | $300,000 | 225 ILCS 460/4(b)(3) | Last verified: 2026-09-16 |
Common questions
Does a Illinois nonprofit need an audit?
Illinois requires an audit when a nonprofit's contributions exceed $500,000, or exceed $25,000 if it uses a paid professional fundraiser. Contributions above $300,000 and up to $500,000 need only a reviewed financial statement.
How does this differ from the federal single audit?
The federal single audit applies when a nonprofit spends $1,000,000 or more in federal awards in a fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 2024 ($750,000 for earlier fiscal years). State rules are separate and are listed on this page.