Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that solicit charitable contributions from Mississippi residents are generally required to register with the Mississippi Secretary of State before beginning fundraising activities. Mississippi’s compliance structure includes annual reporting and tiered financial documentation requirements that can impact organizations with larger fundraising programs.
Organizations raising funds nationally should plan for Mississippi’s reporting thresholds as part of their overall compliance strategy.
Managing registrations in multiple states? Contact Ironwood Registrations
Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state.
At-a-Glance Overview
Regulating Agency
Mississippi Secretary of State — Securities and Charities Division
Initial Registration Required
Yes, unless a qualifying exemption applies.
Registration Term
Valid for one year.
Annual Renewal Required
Yes.
Renewal Due Date
Generally tied to the anniversary of the initial registration.
Financial Reporting Required
Yes, with documentation based on contribution levels.
Who Must Register in Mississippi
A charitable organization is typically required to register if it:
- Solicits contributions from Mississippi residents
- Conducts fundraising campaigns that reach donors located in the state
- Uses professional fundraisers or third-party solicitation arrangements
These requirements apply regardless of whether the nonprofit is headquartered inside or outside Mississippi.
Out-of-state nonprofits that maintain offices, employees, or ongoing operational activity in Mississippi may also have separate corporate qualification requirements.
Initial Registration Process
Initial registration is typically filed with the Secretary of State through the charitable organization registration system.
Organizations should expect to submit:
- Formation documents
- Governing documents
- IRS determination letter
- Most recent IRS Form 990 or financial information
- Officer and director listings
- Professional fundraiser contracts, if applicable
The filing must be certified by an authorized officer or representative.
Financial Reporting & Audit Thresholds
Mississippi applies financial documentation requirements based on total annual contributions:
- $200,000 to $500,000 in contributions: CPA-reviewed financial statements required
- Over $500,000 in contributions: Audited financial statements prepared by an independent CPA required
Organizations below these thresholds typically submit their IRS Form 990 or equivalent financial information.
Because Mississippi’s audit threshold is lower than several other states, nonprofits fundraising nationally often schedule audit preparation based on Mississippi’s requirements to ensure multi-state compliance.
Exemption Overview
Mississippi recognizes several exemption categories, including:
- Religious organizations and affiliated entities
- Educational institutions
- Certain membership organizations that solicit only within their own membership
- Organizations receiving limited public contributions under defined thresholds
- Government entities
Some exemptions require submission of documentation confirming eligibility.
Nationwide comparison of exemption requirements
Annual Renewal Requirements
Registered organizations must renew their registration annually.
Typical renewal submissions include:
- Updated organizational information
- Current IRS Form 990 or financial documentation
- Applicable renewal fee
Renewals are generally due on or before the anniversary of the organization’s most recent registration.
Nationwide renewal deadline comparisons
Mississippi in a Multi-State Compliance Strategy
Mississippi’s financial reporting thresholds frequently influence the timing of audit or review preparation for organizations registered in multiple jurisdictions.
Maintaining a coordinated compliance calendar across states can help prevent lapses in registration status.
For broader planning guidance: Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
Need Help Managing Mississippi Registration?
Ironwood Registrations assists nonprofits with multi-state charitable solicitation filings, renewal tracking, and financial documentation coordination.
Or contact our team directly.