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Registering as a Charity in Washington State: Guidelines & Requirements

Learn when nonprofits need to register as charities in Washington State and the process for initial registration, renewals, and common reasons for rejections. Find resources and contact information for assistance.

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Registering as a Charity in Washington State: Guidelines & Requirements

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  1. When does a Nonprofit have to register as a Charity? Washington Secretary of State Charities Program

  2. Why do I have to register twice with the Secretary of State? • The law administered by the Charities Program is separate from the Non-Profit Corporations Act. The applicable laws for a soliciting charitable organization are: • Charitable Solicitations Act - 19.09 RCW • Washington Administrative Code - 434-120

  3. Who is required to register with the Charities Program? CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS: Any entity that solicits or collects contributions from the general public to be used to support a charitable purpose COMMERCIAL FUNDRAISERS: Any entity that solicits or receives contributions on behalf of a charitable organization for compensation

  4. Exemptions from Registration • Political organizations • Charities raising less than $25,000 a year when all activities are conducted by volunteers • Churches and their integrated auxiliaries • Appeals on behalf of a specific, named individual

  5. Initial Registration Requirements • Register prior to fundraising in Washington • Submit either: • -An Application to Register as a Charitable Organization • or • -A Unified Registration Statement with Addendum • Provide all required attachments listed on application • $20 initial filing fee • Registrations accepted by mail or in person • Expedited Service available

  6. Registration Renewals • Renewals required annually • Due date determined by fiscal/accounting year • Use Charitable Solicitations Renewal Form or Unified Registration Statement with WA State Addendum • Provide required attachments listed on renewal form • $10 renewal fee • Filings accepted by mail or in person • Expedited Service available

  7. Common Reasons for Registration Rejections • Incomplete form • Missing required attachments • Financial inconsistencies with IRS return • Missing filing fee or late fee • Missing IRS Determination Letter

  8. Consequences of Not Registering • Late fees • File closure • Attorney General involvement • Legal action, legal fees and/or civil penalty • Actions posted to Charities Program website • Violating chapter is a gross misdemeanor

  9. Resources for Charities • Free Management Library: www.managementhelp.org • Independent Sector: 1-202-467-6100 http://www.independentsector.org/ • Internal Revenue Service: 1-877-829-5500 www.irs.gov • King County Bar Association: 1-206-267-7100 www.kcba.org • Nancy Bell Evans Center on Nonprofits & Philanthropy: 1-206-221-4629 http://tools.evans.washington.edu/research/nbec/index.php • National Association of State Charity Officials: www.nasconet.org • The Nonprofit Center: 1-253-272-5844 www.npcenter.org • Nonprofit Risk Management Center: 1-202-785-3891 www.nonprofitrisk.org • Nonprofit Source: 1-877-892-6273 http://www.boardsource.org/ • Panel on the Non Profit Sector: 1-202-467-6120 www.nonprofitpanel.org • Seattle University, Non Profit Leadership: 1-206-296-6000 www.seattleu.edu/artsci/npl/

  10. Washington State’s Charitable Solicitations Laws If you would like more information, please contact the Charities Program directly at: Office of the Secretary of State Charities Program PO Box 40234 Olympia, WA 98504 360-725-0378 1-800-332-4483 (toll-free in WA) charities@secstate.wa.gov www.secstate.wa.gov Office location: 801 Capitol Way S Olympia, WA 98501

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