State Charitable Solicitation Registration
Why most states require it before you accept donations, how to use the dashboard to track multi-state status, and the 9 states that exempt small nonprofits.
What is charitable solicitation registration?
Forty-one states (and DC) require nonprofits to register with the state attorney general or charity bureau before soliciting donations from residents of that state. 'Soliciting' includes online donation pages — yes, even if your nonprofit is physically based elsewhere.
The 9 states that don't require it
- Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming (some have voluntary or limited filings — check current rules)
Using the dashboard
Compliance → State Registrations shows a US map color-coded by status:
- Green — registered and current
- Yellow — registered but expiring within 60 days
- Red — required but not registered
- Gray — not required
Click any state for the registration form link, fee schedule, and your current renewal due date.
Common pitfalls
- Most states require you to register BEFORE you start fundraising — registering after the fact often triggers back-fees and (in CA, NY) civil penalties.
- The IRS Form 990 must be filed before some state renewals — sequence matters.
- Online donation pages = solicitation in most states. Even if you're not 'targeting' a state, accepting their residents' money triggers registration.