Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that intend to solicit contributions in Arkansas are generally required to register with the state before beginning fundraising activities, unless a specific exemption applies. Arkansas also requires ongoing financial reporting even though the state does not use a traditional annual renewal structure.
If your organization is fundraising across multiple jurisdictions, coordination across states can become complex quickly. Managing registrations in multiple states? Contact Ironwood Registrations
Who Must Register
Most charitable organizations must register prior to soliciting donations from Arkansas residents. This includes organizations located in Arkansas and those based elsewhere that plan to solicit contributions within the state.
Out-of-state nonprofits typically do not need to separately qualify under corporate law solely because of charitable registration. However, conducting broader business operations in Arkansas may trigger additional filings outside the charitable registration process.
Initial Registration Overview
Registration Effective Period
- Registration is valid for one year following approval.
How to File
- Initial filings may be submitted by mail or electronically to the Secretary of State’s office.
Filing Agency
- Arkansas Secretary of State
Business and Commercial Services Division
Little Rock, Arkansas
Primary Forms
- Charitable Organization Registration Form (CR-01)
- Unified Registration Statement (URS) (optional)
State Filing Fee
- Arkansas does not currently charge a registration fee.
Signature Requirements
- An officer or director must sign the filing, and notarization is required (remote notarization is accepted).
Required Supporting Documentation
Organizations typically must submit documentation such as:
- Governing documents (articles of incorporation or formation)
- IRS determination letter (or exemption application if pending)
- IRS Form 990 series return
- Financial reporting information
- Details regarding officers, directors, and executive leadership
- Contracts with professional fundraisers or commercial partners (if applicable)
Out-of-state charities must also provide a consent for service of process form.
Exemption Eligibility
Arkansas provides several exemption categories, but organizations generally must apply for exemption recognition through the Secretary of State.
Common exemption categories include:
- Organizations raising relatively small amounts annually using only volunteer fundraising
- Religious organizations
- Accredited educational institutions and certain related entities
- Governmental organizations
- Political organizations
- Certain nonprofit hospitals
- Chapters covered under a registered parent organization’s consolidated filing
Organizations seeking exemption must submit an exemption verification form with supporting documentation.
To evaluate whether your organization qualifies, see the chraritable solicitation exemption overview.
Ongoing Reporting Requirements
Arkansas does not require a traditional annual registration renewal. However:
Annual Financial Reporting
- Organizations must submit financial reporting information each year.
- Reports are generally due approximately six months after the end of the organization’s fiscal year.
Extensions
- An extension may be requested from the Secretary of State if financial records are not yet finalized.
Updates
- If any registration information changes (such as fundraising relationships or organizational details), updated filings must be submitted.
For broader deadline planning across multiple states see the state renewal deadlines calendar.
Registered Agent Requirement
- Domestic Arkansas nonprofits do not need to appoint a separate agent for charitable registration.
- Out-of-state entities typically designate the Secretary of State for service of process.
Public Charity Search
Arkansas maintains a publicly accessible registry where donors and stakeholders can verify whether an organization is registered.
Multi-State Fundraising Considerations
If your organization solicits in multiple jurisdictions, Arkansas reporting obligations must be coordinated with other state registrations and annual filings.
Review broader multi-state fundraising compliance considerations here.
Or explore the full directory of state registration requirements.
Need Help Managing Arkansas Registration?
Ironwood Registrations assists nonprofits with initial registrations, multi-state coordination, exemption analysis, and annual reporting management.