Top State Charitable Solicitation Registration Myths

Forty-five states and the District of Columbia regulate charitable solicitation. Charitable organizations are required to register and submit annual report/registration in forty-two (including DC) of those jurisdictions.

Many organizations are not aware that this requirement to register exists and some organizations are under the impression that they are exempt from such requirements. For those that are aware of the registration requirements, there are a number of points that many nonprofits are confused about.

For those that were unaware, these points will help create an understanding of the registration requirements and aid the organization in compliance.

Understanding Registration Requirements

Exemptions are not automatic.

While almost all states grant exemptions from registration for certain types of charitable organizations, each state’s registration requirements will need to be closely reviewed to determine if a particular organization qualifies. In addition, most states require a formal request for exemption, whether it be on a form provided by the state or simply sending a letter with a copy of supporting documents.

Some states do not follow the Charleston Principles.

A non-exempt charitable organization engaged in any fundraising activities is required to register in each state in which it requests a donation. One method of fundraising that is often problematic for charities is online solicitation social media, a donate button on the organization’s website, and online cause-related marketing promotions.

Whether these types of solicitation trigger national registration or simply registration in a couple of states is a question many charities have. If the organization’s offline activities don’t trigger registration, in most instances, the Charleston Principles can be applied.

However, there are now at least 4 states that have defined their registration threshold based on a repeated and ongoing basis and/or substantial basis, which would likely trigger registration requirements for online solicitations.

Minimum receipts thresholds are based on charities’ total gross receipts.

Another common mistake among charitable organizations is failing to understand the minimum receipts threshold. In most states, charities that raise more than $25,000 dollars are required to register. Many organizations assume the threshold applies solely to receipts within the state.

However, the threshold is based on total national revenue as reported in Part I, line 12 of the organization’s Form 990. The only state that has an exemption provision based on the amount raised from within its borders is New York. New York exempts a charitable organization that raises less than $25,000 in the state and did not utilize the services of an outside paid fund-raiser.

Penalties can amount to more than a financial penalty.

States are increasingly imposing late fees and fines on organizations that conduct fundraising activity without proper registration. In addition to the fines and fees, failing to register can lead to an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance or Settlement Agreement that would need to be disclosed in other states.

Failure to register can also lead to investigations that expand beyond the registration issue and that lead to an examination of overall operations.

Formal grant requests are solicitations.

Many nonprofits seem to think their out-of-state grant solicitations do not trigger registration requirements. Unless an exemption applies and has been approved by the State, grant applications are solicitations that trigger registration under the law.

States actively search for charities that do not comply.

Our clients have received notices from the California Attorney General based on grants reported on grantmaker’s Form 990s. All the AG has to do to generate a list of nonprofits that are out of compliance is to cross-reference the registration database with Schedule B of Form 990. The growth of electronic filing and information sharing among state regulators and the IRS makes it increasingly likely that the failure to register will be discovered and enforced.

Related read: Arizona Abolished Solicitation Registration


Ellis Carter is a nonprofit lawyer with Caritas Law Group, P.C. licensed to practice in Washington and Arizona. Ellis advises nonprofit and socially responsible businesses on corporate, tax, and fundraising regulations nationwide. Ellis also advises donors with regard to major gifts. To schedule a consultation with Ellis, call 602-456-0071 or email us through our contact form.

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