In models based on valence bond theory for predicting nonlinear optical properties of push-pull molecules, the wave functions representing resonance structures are assumed to be orthogonal. We have extended the two-state valence bond charge-transfer model to include non-zero overlap integrals. The resulting model leads to analytic formulae for the polarizability and hyperpolarizabilities, which are related to the overlap and other molecular parameters. In particular we report, as a function of the overlap: (i) relatively weak dependence of the first-order polarizability; (ii) significant variations in both the magnitude and the shape of the response curves corresponding to the second- and third-order polarizabilities. This result may be of relevance in the context of optical switching effects induced by chemical changes (related to the overlap) rather than the more conventional field-induced effect. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.