Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that engage professional solicitors or fundraising counsel in Louisiana are generally required to register with the Louisiana Attorney General prior to conducting charitable solicitations. Louisiana’s framework differs from many states because organizations that conduct all fundraising internally without outside solicitors are often exempt from registration.
Organizations fundraising nationally should still evaluate Louisiana carefully, particularly when third-party fundraising relationships are involved.
Managing registrations in multiple states? Contact Ironwood Registrations
Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state
At-a-Glance Overview
Regulating Agency
Louisiana Department of Justice — Public Protection Division
Who Must Register
Charitable organizations that use professional solicitors or fundraising counsel in Louisiana.
Registration Term
Valid for one year.
Renewal Requirement
Annual renewal required.
Filing Method
Initial and renewal filings are typically submitted by mail using the Unified Registration Statement.
Financial Reporting Required
Louisiana does not generally require an annual financial report as part of the charitable registration process.
Extension Availability
Extensions are typically not available for renewal filings.
Who Must Register in Louisiana
A nonprofit generally must register if it:
- Engages a professional fundraiser or commercial partner to solicit contributions within Louisiana
- Conducts fundraising campaigns in the state through third-party solicitation arrangements
Organizations that conduct all fundraising activities internally, without compensated solicitation assistance, are often not required to register.
Even when exempt from charitable registration, nonprofits must still ensure fundraising materials are accurate and compliant with consumer protection requirements.
Initial Registration Process
Filing Agency
Louisiana Department of Justice — Public Protection Division
Typical Initial Filing Includes
- Unified Registration Statement
- Organizational formation documents
- IRS determination letter
- Bylaws
- Copies of contracts with professional solicitors
- List of other states where the organization is registered
An officer or director generally certifies the filing.
No registered agent designation is typically required for charitable registration purposes.
Exemptions
Louisiana provides broader exemption availability than many states.
Organizations commonly exempt include:
- Charities that do not use professional solicitors
- Religious organizations primarily supported by internal membership
- Certain educational institutions
- Hospitals and voluntary health organizations
Some organizations may voluntarily file documentation confirming exempt status for recordkeeping purposes.
For a nationwide comparison of exemption eligibility:
https://www.ironwoodregistrations.com/resources/charitable-solicitation-registration-exemptions/
Annual Renewal Requirements
Louisiana registrations must be renewed each year.
Renewal Typically Includes
- Updated Unified Registration Statement
- Current professional solicitor contracts
- Updated list of states where the organization is registered
Due Date
Renewals are generally due based on the anniversary of the organization’s initial registration or most recent renewal.
Extensions
Louisiana typically does not provide extensions for annual renewal filings.
Late Fees
Late penalties are generally not imposed, but timely filing remains important to maintain active registration status.
Nationwide charitable renewal deadlines
Financial Reporting & Audit Considerations
Unlike many jurisdictions, Louisiana does not usually require submission of annual financial statements solely for charitable solicitation registration.
However, organizations fundraising nationally often maintain audited or CPA-reviewed financial statements to satisfy requirements in other states within their registration footprint.
When professional fundraisers are used, contract disclosure requirements become a central compliance element in Louisiana rather than financial statement thresholds.
Additional Compliance Considerations
Out-of-state nonprofits that establish offices, employees, or ongoing operational activity in Louisiana may also need to register with the Secretary of State to transact business. This filing is separate from charitable solicitation registration.
Charitable registration status may not be publicly searchable online, so verification is often handled directly through the Attorney General’s office.
Louisiana in a Multi-State Fundraising Strategy
Because Louisiana’s registration trigger is tied primarily to the use of professional solicitors, it is sometimes treated differently than other states in national compliance planning.
Organizations that transition from internally managed fundraising to outsourced campaigns should reassess Louisiana requirements promptly.
For broader planning guidance: Multi-state fundraising compliance guide
Need Help Determining Whether Louisiana Registration Is Required?
Ironwood Registrations works with nonprofits to evaluate whether registration is necessary, coordinate filings across multiple jurisdictions, and manage annual renewal tracking.
Or contact our team directly