Last Updated: February 2026
Texas is one of the few states that generally does not require charitable solicitation registration for most nonprofit organizations. However, certain types of organizations and fundraising activities are regulated and may require filings.
If your organization fundraises nationally, Texas still needs to be evaluated carefully to confirm whether any specialized registration rules apply.
At-a-Glance
State Registration Required:
Not required for most charitable nonprofits.
Primary Filing Agency (If Applicable):
Texas Secretary of State (for certain regulated solicitation categories)
Annual Renewal:
Only applies to organizations that fall under specific regulated solicitation laws.
Financial Reporting Requirements:
Limited; depends on the type of regulated organization.
Estimated Registration Processing Time:
Varies depending on the specific statutory filing.
Who Must Register in Texas
Most charitable organizations soliciting donations in Texas do not have a general charitable registration requirement.
However, registration and ongoing filings are required for organizations that solicit contributions on behalf of:
- Law enforcement–related charitable causes
- Public safety organizations
- Veterans organizations
These organizations must file registration and annual statements and maintain a registered agent within Texas. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
The applicable regulatory framework includes statutes governing telephone solicitation and fundraising for specific public safety–related charitable purposes. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
Filing Agency and Oversight
When registration is required:
- Filings are submitted to the Texas Secretary of State.
- Enforcement authority typically rests with the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
The Secretary of State provides guidance and FAQs for organizations operating under the relevant public safety and veterans solicitation laws. nonprofitfundraisingregistratio…
Organizations That Typically Do Not Register
Most 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits that solicit donations—whether located inside or outside Texas—are not required to complete a general charitable solicitation registration.
However, organizations may still have other obligations, such as:
- Registering to do business in Texas if they maintain offices, employees, or other in-state operations.
- Complying with federal and state consumer protection and disclosure rules.
Because Texas operates differently from most states, multi-state fundraising programs should confirm that no specialized category applies before assuming no filing is needed.
Financial Reporting and Audit Considerations
Texas does not impose a broad financial reporting requirement tied to a standard charitable registration program for most nonprofits.
For organizations subject to the specific regulated solicitation laws noted above, financial disclosures may be required as part of filings depending on the nature of the solicitation activities.
Practical Compliance Notes for Multi-State Fundraising
Texas is frequently misunderstood in national registration planning:
- Many compliance calendars still include Texas as a review state even when no filing is ultimately required.
- Organizations working with professional fundraisers or conducting specialized telephone campaigns should confirm whether any regulated category applies.
- Maintaining documentation supporting your “no registration required” determination is considered a best practice during audits or donor due diligence.
Need Help Evaluating Texas as Part of a National Registration Strategy?
If your organization is managing registrations across multiple jurisdictions, coordinating determinations for states like Texas can still require ongoing monitoring.
- Schedule a consultation
- Contact us with questions about your specific fundraising footprint
Managing registrations across many states—even where filings are limited—often benefits from centralized tracking and documentation.