At a Glance

South Carolina nonprofits must complete several annual filings to maintain compliance: IRS Form 990 (due 5 months after fiscal year end), state charitable registration renewal (due 4.5 months after fiscal year end), and an annual financial report to the Secretary of State. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, loss of tax-exempt status, or inability to fundraise legally in the state.

Introduction

Running a nonprofit in South Carolina comes with incredible rewards, but staying compliant with state and federal regulations is absolutely crucial to your organization’s success. Unfortunately, many nonprofits scramble at the last minute to meet deadlines or, worse yet, completely overlook essential filings until it’s too late.

Maintaining your nonprofit status requires regular attention to several key filings. From your federal Form 990 to state charitable registrations and financial reports, each submission plays a vital role in keeping your organization legally compliant. For many organizations, managing these diverse filing requirements across multiple deadlines can become overwhelming without proper tracking and support.

Fortunately, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming! This guide breaks down exactly what you need to file, when to submit it, and how to avoid costly penalties or status issues. We’ll specifically focus on the recurring requirements for established nonprofits in South Carolina, including federal tax forms, state regulatory filings, and maintaining your tax exemptions. With the right approach, nonprofit compliance can be streamlined and manageable.

File Your IRS Form 990 on Time

Filing your IRS Form 990 accurately and on time stands as the foundation of maintaining your nonprofit’s tax-exempt status. The IRS requires this annual information return from most tax-exempt organizations to ensure transparency and accountability.

Determine which version of Form 990 to file

Your organization’s financial status determines which version of Form 990 you must submit. The IRS has created several versions based on gross receipts and total assets:

• Form 990-N (e-Postcard): For organizations with gross receipts normally ≤ $50,000. This simple eight-question electronic form must be submitted online.
• Form 990-EZ: For organizations with gross receipts < $200,000 and total assets < $500,000. This four-page form requires more detailed financial information.
• Form 990: Required for organizations with gross receipts ≥ $200,000 or total assets ≥ $500,000. This comprehensive 12-page form requires extensive financial reporting.
• Form 990-PF: All private foundations must file this form regardless of financial status.

Additionally, if your nonprofit earns $1,000 or more from activities unrelated to your mission, you must file Form 990-T and pay taxes on that income.

Understand the due date based on your fiscal year

The IRS Form 990 is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after your organization’s accounting period ends. For example:

• If your fiscal year ends December 31, your form is due May 15.
• If your fiscal year ends June 30, your form is due November 15.
• If your fiscal year ends March 31, your form is due August 15.

For additional state context on financial report timing and examples, see the South Carolina Secretary of State annual financial report instructions. Need more time? File Form 8868 before the original due date to receive an automatic six-month extension. This extension applies to Forms 990, 990-EZ, and 990-PF, although Form 990-N cannot be extended. There’s no penalty for submitting Form 990-N late unless it’s the third consecutive year of non-filing.

Consequences of missing the IRS deadline

Failing to file on time carries serious repercussions for South Carolina nonprofits:

1. Financial penalties: For organizations with gross receipts under $1,208,500, the penalty is $20 per day, up to a maximum of $12,000 or 5% of gross receipts, whichever is less. For larger organizations with gross receipts over $1,208,500, the penalty increases to $120 per day, with a maximum of $60,000 (see South Carolina Department of Revenue nonprofit guidance).
2. Increased scrutiny: Late or incomplete filings may trigger additional IRS reviews of your organization’s operations and finances.
3. Loss of tax-exempt status: If you fail to file required returns for three consecutive years, your nonprofit will automatically lose its tax-exempt status. This means donors can no longer claim tax deductions, your organization may become liable for federal income taxes, you may lose eligibility for certain grants, and restoring your status requires reapplication and additional fees.

The IRS publishes a list of organizations whose tax-exempt status was automatically revoked; for related state filing guidance, review the South Carolina charitable registration statement instructions.

By understanding which form to file, when it’s due, and the consequences of missing deadlines, your South Carolina nonprofit can maintain good standing with the IRS and focus on fulfilling your mission rather than addressing preventable compliance issues.

Renew Your South Carolina Charitable Registration

Beyond federal tax filings, maintaining your South Carolina charitable status requires annual registration renewal with the Secretary of State’s office. This state-level compliance is equally crucial for continuing your fundraising activities legally.

Who must renew and who is exempt

Most charitable organizations soliciting contributions in South Carolina must register and renew annually with the South Carolina Secretary of State charities division (803-734-2170, sos.sc.gov). However, several categories of organizations may qualify for exemption:

Organizations that can file for exemption regardless of who conducts their fundraising:

• Public schools and public school districts (see the Application for Registration Exemption).
• Organizations soliciting less than $7,500 per calendar year (see the Application for Registration Exemption).

Organizations that can file for exemption only if not using professional fundraisers:

• Organizations soliciting exclusively from members
• Veterans’ organizations with congressional charters
• State entities subject to Freedom of Information Act (see the South Carolina legislative oversight summary on exemptions)

Even exempt organizations must file an annual exemption application with no filing fee (see the legislative oversight summary). If your organization no longer qualifies for exemption, you must immediately register as a charitable organization (see the Secretary of State charities division).

How to file the renewal form

Renewal filings are due within four and one-half months after the close of your fiscal year. For organizations with a December 31 fiscal year end, this means filing by mid-May.

You must submit a Registration Statement for a Charitable Organization (renewal). We help nonprofits prepare and submit required state filings, including Annual Reports and Statements of Information, so organizations remain in good standing with state agencies. We also manage the full renewal process and track each deadline to ensure timely submission.

The renewal can be completed:

• Online through the Secretary of State website ($50 filing fee; an additional online processing fee may apply)
• By mail ($50 filing fee)

Both the CEO and CFO must sign the renewal form. While the registration renewal itself cannot be extended, you may request a six-month extension for the financial report by filing a written extension request or a copy of your IRS extension with the Secretary of State before the original due date.

Required attachments for renewal

Along with your renewal form, you must submit:

1. Annual Financial Report Form or appropriate IRS form (see the Secretary of State charities guidance and the registration statement instructions)
   • Secretary of State’s Annual Financial Report Form
   • IRS Form 990
   • IRS Form 990-EZ
   • IRS Form 990-PF

Note that Form 990-N is not acceptable for state filing purposes (see the registration statement instructions). If your financial report isn’t ready, include a copy of your IRS extension request/approval (see the instructions).

Late fees and penalties

Failing to renew on time carries significant consequences:

• Daily late fees: $10 per day for each delinquent report, up to a maximum of $2,000 per report.
• Continued non-compliance may result in administrative fines (see the Secretary of State charities division).
• Potential injunction against further fundraising activities in the state.

Your organization cannot renew until all required filings are submitted. This can create a cycle where your organization is soliciting funds while out of compliance, so prompt action is important.

Submit the Annual Financial Report to the State

Every registered charity in South Carolina must submit detailed financial information to maintain transparency and accountability. This annual financial report differs from your IRS filing, though they share similar deadlines and information requirements.

When the financial report is required

Charitable organizations must file an annual financial report with the Secretary of State’s office within 4.5 months after the close of your fiscal year. For instance, if your fiscal year ends December 31, your report is due by mid-May. For filing guidance, review the South Carolina Secretary of State online filing overview.

This requirement applies to:

• All charitable organizations registered with the Secretary of State
• Organizations soliciting contributions in South Carolina
• Both new and renewing organizations

First-time registrants must submit their most recent financial report along with their initial registration (see the Secretary of State filing overview).

Filing methods and accepted forms

South Carolina accepts multiple report formats to satisfy this requirement:

• Secretary of State’s Annual Financial Report Form – For organizations that file the IRS 990-N or are not required to file with the IRS (see the annual financial report form and instructions).
• IRS Form 990 – Standard form for larger nonprofits
• IRS Form 990-EZ – For mid-sized organizations
• IRS Form 990-PF – For private foundations (see the filing overview).

The report can be submitted in two ways:

1. Online filing: Upload through the Secretary of State’s online filing portal at sos.sc.gov (see the instructions).
2. Mail: Send to South Carolina Secretary of State, Attn: Division of Public Charities, 1205 Pendleton St., Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201 (see the instructions).

There is no filing fee required for submitting the annual financial report (see the public charity financial report and extension guidance), making this a cost-free but essential task.

If your organization held fundraising events or used professional fundraisers during the previous fiscal year, report all related revenue and expenses using the appropriate section of the state’s form (see the state form and instructions). Organizations using the online portal must still complete the state form in its entirety and upload it during filing.

Extension options and how to request them

If you need additional time, South Carolina offers a six-month extension for filing your annual financial report. To receive this extension, you must file a written extension request with the Secretary of State before the original due date or submit a copy of any extension request submitted to (or granted by) the IRS.

Non-compliance with filing deadlines can result in serious consequences:

• Administrative fines of $10 per day for each delinquent report
• Maximum penalty of $2,000 per violation
• Potential injunction from further fundraising activities in the state
• Ineligibility to renew your charitable organization registration

Maintain Your Sales Tax Exemption

Unlike federal tax exemption, South Carolina nonprofit organizations do not automatically receive state sales tax exemption after obtaining 501(c)(3) status. Maintaining this valuable exemption requires diligent attention to state-specific requirements.

When and how to file Form ST-387

To apply for or maintain sales tax exemption in South Carolina, submit Form ST-387 (Application for Sales Tax Exemption) to the South Carolina Department of Revenue (803-898-5709, dor.sc.gov). For eligibility and application details, see the South Carolina Department of Revenue sales and use tax exemptions.

SCDOR issues exemption certificates only for those nonprofit purchases the law specifically exempts. Exemptions are limited in scope; purchases for resale are generally covered by South Carolina’s resale provisions, while purchases for a nonprofit’s own use are exempt only when authorized by statute. Always review current guidance and statute to determine which transactions qualify (see the SCDOR exemptions page).

Documentation and renewal considerations

SCDOR may require documentation to substantiate eligibility (for example, proof of federal tax-exempt status and organizing documents). Retain copies of all determinations and certificates and monitor any expiration dates or renewal instructions issued by SCDOR, as renewal requirements and timeframes can vary by exemption category (see the SCDOR exemptions guidance).

If your exemption lapses, contact SCDOR immediately and follow current instructions to reapply and restore eligibility before making exempt purchases. We help nonprofits organize filing details, reminders, and agency correspondence to ensure exemptions remain current and properly maintained.

Keep Your Registered Agent Information Updated

Maintaining current registered agent information is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of nonprofit compliance in South Carolina. As your organization evolves, keeping this information updated with the state ensures you receive essential legal notices and remain in good standing.

Why a registered agent is required

Every nonprofit corporation in South Carolina must designate a registered agent—this requirement is mandatory. This individual or entity serves as the official point of contact between your organization and government authorities. Your registered agent performs two vital functions: they receive official mail from state authorities and accept service of process documents when your nonprofit faces legal action.

The registered agent must maintain a physical street address (not a PO Box) in South Carolina and be reliably available during regular business hours. As an alternative to using a board member or officer, many nonprofits opt for third-party registered agent services to ensure consistent availability.

How to update agent details with the state

To update your registered agent information, submit a “Notice of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent or Both of a Nonprofit Corporation” to the Secretary of State using the official form F0100. This form must include your organization’s exact legal name, date of incorporation, current and new registered agent details, and the physical address of the registered office.

The filing fee is $10.00 if the corporation files the statement of change. Alternatively, a registered agent may file an “Agent’s Statement of Change of Registered Office” for the corporation; the fee for that filing can be found on the South Carolina business filings forms page. If an agent files the change, include the statement “The corporation has been notified of this change” above the agent’s signature.

We handle these update filings as part of our corporate filing services, ensuring accurate preparation and timely submission when officers, directors, or registered agent information changes.

Failing to maintain current registered agent information can have serious consequences, including loss of good standing, inability to defend lawsuits, or even administrative dissolution of your nonprofit corporation.

Conclusion

Staying compliant with annual filing requirements stands as a fundamental responsibility for all South Carolina nonprofits. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the essential filings your organization must complete regularly to maintain good standing at both federal and state levels.

Your IRS Form 990 serves as the cornerstone of federal compliance, with specific versions required based on your organization’s size and financial status. Missing this crucial filing for three consecutive years will automatically revoke your tax-exempt status, making timely submission non-negotiable.

Your South Carolina charitable registration renewal demands equal attention, along with the accompanying annual financial report. These state-level filings provide transparency to donors and regulators while allowing you to legally continue fundraising activities within the state.

Sales tax exemption requires separate maintenance through Form ST-387, as this valuable benefit doesn’t automatically transfer from your federal 501(c)(3) status. Your organization must actively maintain this exemption to avoid unnecessary taxation on qualifying purchases.

Keeping your registered agent information current ensures you receive all official communications and legal notices promptly. This detail can prevent serious consequences, including potential administrative dissolution.

The calendar becomes your best ally in maintaining nonprofit compliance. Setting up reminders several months before each deadline gives your team adequate time to gather necessary documentation and complete all required forms accurately. For organizations managing multiple filing requirements across various deadlines, working with experienced professionals can provide valuable deadline tracking and ensure accurate, timely submission of all required documents.

The small investment of time spent on annual tasks protects your organization’s legal status, financial health, and reputation with donors. Rather than viewing these requirements as burdensome paperwork, consider them essential guardrails that keep your nonprofit focused on its mission while operating within legal boundaries.

Managing these various filing requirements might seem overwhelming at times. Breaking them down into a systematic annual schedule makes the process manageable. Your organization can then focus primarily on what matters most: serving your community and fulfilling your mission throughout South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions