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:

Organizations exempt regardless of who conducts their fundraising:

• 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.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Once you’ve determined that your organization needs to register in South Carolina, gathering the proper documentation becomes your next priority. Preparing these materials thoroughly will streamline your charitable solicitation registration process and help avoid delays or rejections.

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

For first-time registrants, your Articles of Incorporation serve as the foundation document that legally establishes your nonprofit. In South Carolina, these articles should include key provisions to support tax exemption, such as purpose and dissolution clauses. Your organization’s bylaws—though not filed with the state—function as internal operating rules adopted by the board.

Many organizations work with charitable registration services to ensure these foundational documents meet all legal requirements.

IRS Determination Letter

The IRS determination letter officially recognizes your tax-exempt status and is a critical document for South Carolina registration. During your first registration, you may be asked to upload this letter through the online filing system.

If you’ve applied for tax exemption but haven’t received determination yet, you can complete registration and later upload the determination letter when available.

For organizations needing copies of determination letters:

• Letters issued after January 1, 2014 can be downloaded through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool
• For letters issued before 2014, submit Form 4506-B to the IRS

Commercial registered agents with charitable solicitation expertise can assist with obtaining or replacing these documents.

List of officers and directors

South Carolina requires detailed information about your organization’s leadership. The registration statement must include names and addresses of:

• Chief executive officer
• Chief financial officer
• Directors
• Trustees
• Board members

You must also disclose any familial relationships among officers or directors by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Financial statements or budget

First-time registrants must submit financial documentation with their application. The South Carolina Secretary of State accepts:

• IRS Form 990
• IRS Form 990-EZ
• IRS Form 990-PF
• The Secretary of State’s Annual Financial Report Form

Organizations filing the IRS 990-N or those not required to file with the IRS should complete the state’s Annual Financial Report form. The form must be certified as true by both the CEO/President and CFO/Treasurer. Organizations often partner with nonprofit specialists to ensure accurate financial reporting and proper form preparation.

Preparing these documents thoroughly in advance can significantly simplify your charitable solicitation registration in South Carolina. Furthermore, professional services can help ensure your submission meets all state requirements on the first attempt.

Step 3: File the Initial Registration

After preparing all necessary documents, completing the actual registration is your next critical step. Filing your charitable solicitation registration correctly ensures your organization can legally fundraise in South Carolina while avoiding potential penalties for non-compliance.

How to complete the Registration Statement

The Registration Statement for a Charitable Organization requires specific information about your nonprofit. This form must be completed thoroughly to avoid having it returned for corrections. When filling out this document, you’ll need to provide:

• Your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Tax-exempt status confirmation (with IRS determination letter, if applicable)
• Organization type (corporation, association, or other)
• Principal address and registered agent information
• Names and addresses of all officers, directors, trustees, and board members
• States where your organization is authorized to solicit
• Purpose categories for solicited contributions
• Disclosure of any legal/administrative actions regarding solicitation

The form includes a certification statement confirming that all provided information is true and correct. Along with your Registration Statement, you must also submit a financial report using either the Secretary of State’s Annual Financial Report Form or IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF. The state does not accept IRS Form 990-N as a substitute for the financial report.

Where to file and how much it costs

You can file your charitable registration through two methods:

Online Filing: Submit through the Secretary of State’s online portal. The registration fee is $50.00, and an online processing fee of $1.85 applies when filing online.

Mail Submission: Send completed forms to:
Division of Public Charities
Office of the Secretary of State
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525
Columbia, SC 29201
Include a $50.00 check payable to the Secretary of State.

Remember that your registration must be completed before any solicitation activity begins. After initial registration, you’ll need to renew annually, typically within 4.5 months after the close of your fiscal year.

Step 4: Understand Exemptions and Special Cases

Who qualifies for exemption

South Carolina divides exempt organizations into two distinct categories. The first category includes organizations that qualify for exemption only if their fundraising activities are not conducted by professional fundraisers, professional fundraising counsel, or commercial co-venturers:

• Educational institutions soliciting contributions solely from their students, families, alumni, faculty, and supporters
• Organizations soliciting exclusively from their membership
• Veterans’ organizations with a congressional charter
• State agencies subject to Freedom of Information Act provisions
• Charitable organizations not intending to solicit or receive more than $20,000 annually with IRS tax exemption, where all functions are conducted by persons compensated no more than $500 annually and no inurement occurs

The second category includes organizations exempt regardless of whether professional fundraisers conduct their activities:

• Public school districts and public schools (Pre-K through grade 12)
• Organizations not intending to solicit or receive more than $7,500 annually from the public

Religious organizations and political candidates/groups are automatically excluded from the Act and do not have to register or file an exemption application.

How to file for exemption

Filing for exemption requires selecting the appropriate qualification basis on the Application for Registration Exemption form. This form must clearly indicate under which category your organization qualifies.

For organizations claiming exemption based on limited fundraising amounts, you must provide financial information from your previous fiscal year. This may include gross revenue figures, total expenses (for certain exemptions), and amounts paid to officers or members (for specific exemptions).

Annual Application for Registration Exemption

Most exempt organizations that solicit must maintain their status by filing an Annual Application for Registration Exemption. There is no filing fee for this application. The application includes a certification statement confirming that all provided information is true and correct. Submitting false information carries penalties—up to $2,000 in fines and one year imprisonment for first offenses, with subsequent offenses potentially resulting in felony charges with up to $5,000 fines and five years imprisonment.

Exemption applications can be filed online through the Secretary of State’s website or by mail to the Public Charities Division. If your organization’s circumstances change and you no longer qualify for exemption, you must register as a charitable organization to continue legally soliciting contributions (within 30 days where a monetary threshold is exceeded).

Step 5: Maintain Compliance and Renew Annually

Maintaining your South Carolina charity registration requires ongoing attention to renewal deadlines and requirements. Staying current preserves your nonprofit license and fundraising capabilities.

When and how to renew your registration

Renewal deadlines in South Carolina are straightforward—submit your renewal documents within 4.5 months after your fiscal year end. For organizations with a December 31 fiscal year, this means filing by May 15. To complete your renewal, you must submit:

• Registration Statement for a Charitable Organization (Renewal)
• Annual Financial Report Form or appropriate IRS Form 990

The renewal fee is $50.00 ($51.85 if filing online). Although the registration statement must be submitted by the deadline, you can request a 6-month extension for the financial report by emailing charities@sos.sc.gov (or by submitting a written extension request/copy of the IRS extension request).

Penalties for non-compliance

Organizations failing to file timely renewals face consequences including:

• Administrative fines of $10 per day for each delinquent report (maximum $2,000 per report)
• Possible injunction against further fundraising activities
• Ineligibility to renew registration until required filings are submitted

Organizations typically receive a certified letter giving them 15 days to submit required renewals before penalties are assessed.

How commercial registered agent services can help with renewals

Working with experienced charitable registration specialists offers vital assistance with renewal management, specifically:

• Tracking your exact renewal deadlines across all states
• Preparing documents that achieve regulatory guidance requirements
• Managing extension requests when needed
• Ensuring timely submissions to maintain good standing
• Providing reliable document management through a single portal

Labyrinth, Inc.’s nonprofit specialists combine expert service with secure technology to handle your organization’s registrations and renewals nationwide, freeing your team to focus on mission-critical work. We offer unique nonprofit expertise with regulatory guidance, privacy shielding, and reliable document management. Our dedicated renewal management helps prevent costly fines while maintaining your fundraising authorization in all required jurisdictions.

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.