At a Glance

Most nonprofits planning to fundraise in South Carolina must register with the Secretary of State before beginning any solicitation activities. The registration costs $50 and requires submitting a Registration Statement along with financial documentation. Annual renewals are due within 4.5 months after your fiscal year ends.

Whether you’re launching a new nonprofit or expanding fundraising activities into South Carolina, understanding the charity registration process is essential. Many organizations struggle with complex paperwork, unclear deadlines, and confusing exemption rules when seeking their nonprofit license. But navigating these requirements doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Fortunately, commercial registered agent services can simplify this process significantly, making nonprofit compliance straightforward.

This step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to know about charitable solicitation in South Carolina—from determining if registration is required to maintaining ongoing compliance. You’ll discover exactly what documents to prepare, where to file them, how much it costs, and when renewals are due. Let’s get your organization registered and fundraising legally in the Palmetto State!

Step 1: Determine If You Need to Register

Before you start fundraising in South Carolina, you must determine if registration is legally required for your organization. Understanding the state’s specific requirements saves you time, prevents legal complications, and ensures your fundraising activities remain compliant.

Who must register in South Carolina

South Carolina law states that charitable organizations intending to solicit contributions within the state must register with the Secretary of State’s Office before beginning any solicitation activities. This requirement stems from the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act in S.C. Code of Laws Title 33, Chapter 56.

The registration obligation applies to both in-state and out-of-state nonprofits. Charitable solicitation registration is separate from any requirement to obtain authority to transact business in the state; depending on your activities (for example, maintaining an office or employees), other business registrations may apply.

Organizations seeking to simplify the charitable registration process often work with specialized service providers who manage filings in all 50 states and provide personalized guidance throughout the registration process.

Exemptions from registration

Several categories of organizations are exempt from South Carolina’s registration requirements:

• Public school districts and public schools (Pre-K through grade 12)
• Organizations not intending to solicit more than $7,500 annually from the public (must register within 30 days after exceeding this amount)
• Religious organizations and congregations, and political candidates/parties as defined in statute

Organizations exempt only if they don’t use professional fundraisers, fundraising counsel, or commercial co-venturers:

• Educational institutions soliciting only from students, families, alumni, faculty, friends, trustees, and supporters
• Persons requesting contributions for named individuals when all funds go directly to the beneficiary
• Organizations with IRS tax exemption not intending to raise more than $20,000 annually, with all functions conducted by persons compensated no more than $500 annually and with no inurement to officers or members (must register within 30 days after exceeding this amount)
• Organizations soliciting exclusively from their membership
• Veterans’ organizations with congressional charters
• The State, its political subdivisions, and agencies subject to FOIA disclosure provisions

Importantly, most exempt organizations that solicit must file an annual Application for Registration Exemption with the Secretary of State. There is no filing fee for this application. Religious organizations and political candidates/groups are excluded from the Act and are not required to file.

When registration is required

Registration must be completed before any solicitation activity begins. Additionally, the law requires annual renewal. Organizations must submit:

1. A Registration Statement for a Charitable Organization each year
2. The Secretary of State’s Annual Financial Report Form or an appropriate IRS Form 990 (990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF)

If an exempt organization’s status changes—such as exceeding the $7,500 or $20,000 fundraising thresholds—it must register within 30 days of crossing the threshold.

Non-compliance can result in administrative fines. Many nonprofits partner with specialized experts who track all renewal deadlines and ensure accurate filings to maintain proper registration status and avoid penalties.

Organizations working with professional fundraisers should note that these fundraisers have their own separate registration requirements under South Carolina law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Registering for charitable solicitation in South Carolina represents a crucial step for nonprofits planning to fundraise within the state. Throughout this guide, you’ve learned the essential steps required for proper registration—from determining your eligibility to maintaining annual renewal requirements.

Most importantly, your organization must complete this registration before beginning any fundraising activities in South Carolina. Failure to register or file required annual reports can result in penalties, including $10 per day in late fees up to $2,000 per report and potential fundraising restrictions. Therefore, staying ahead of deadlines and requirements protects both your nonprofit’s legal standing and reputation.

The paperwork might seem daunting at first, especially when juggling multiple state registrations. Commercial registered agent services can significantly simplify this process by handling document preparation, submission, and deadline tracking on your behalf. These specialists help ensure your forms meet all requirements the first time, preventing costly delays or rejections.

Remember that most exempt organizations must file annual exemption applications (religious organizations and political candidates/groups are excluded). Additionally, your initial registration requires renewal within 4.5 months after your fiscal year ends. Working with experienced nonprofit specialists can help track these critical deadlines and prepare necessary documentation while you focus on your mission.

Whether you’re launching a new nonprofit or expanding your fundraising reach, proper charitable registration serves as the foundation for legal fundraising activities. After following the steps outlined in this guide—or partnering with specialized registration professionals who provide personalized guidance and nationwide coverage—your organization will be well-positioned to solicit contributions legally throughout the Palmetto State while maintaining full regulatory guidance and privacy shielding through reliable document management systems.