Last Updated: February 2026
Washington maintains a well-defined charitable solicitation registration and reporting system. Most nonprofits that request contributions from Washington residents must register and file ongoing annual reports.
Managing registrations across multiple jurisdictions? Contact us
Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state
At-a-Glance Overview
Primary Regulator
Washington Secretary of State — Charities Program
Initial Registration Required
Yes, before soliciting contributions in Washington unless exempt.
Registration Term
Typically valid for one year.
Annual Renewal Required
Yes.
Annual Financial Reporting
Required with renewal.
Estimated Processing Time
Often several weeks depending on submission completeness.
Who Must Register
Organizations generally must register if they:
- Are located in Washington and solicit contributions
- Fundraise from Washington residents by mail, online, events, or grant requests
- Have fundraising conducted on their behalf by another entity
- Conduct ongoing digital fundraising that reaches Washington donors
Out-of-state nonprofits fundraising into Washington are also typically required to register before solicitation begins.
Initial Registration Process
Filing Method
Registration is usually completed through the state’s online charitable registration system. Paper submissions may be available in certain circumstances.
Typical Supporting Documentation
Organizations should expect to provide:
- Governing and formation documents
- IRS determination letter
- Officer and director information
- Current financial information or most recent IRS Form 990
- Disclosure of professional fundraising relationships
Exemptions
Washington recognizes several exemption categories, such as:
- Certain religious organizations
- Governmental entities
- Organizations receiving minimal contributions and using only volunteers
- Membership organizations fundraising solely within their own membership
Even when exempt, some organizations choose to file voluntarily for transparency or donor confidence.
Nationwide exemption comparison
Annual Renewal and Reporting
Renewal Requirement
Registered charities must renew annually to remain in good standing.
Renewal Filing Typically Includes
- Updated registration information
- Current IRS Form 990 series return
- Updated fundraising relationships
- Applicable filing fee
Due Date
The renewal is generally due several months after the close of the organization’s fiscal year.
Extensions may be available when IRS filing extensions are in place.
Charitable solicitation renewal deadlines
Financial Reporting & Audit Thresholds (Washington-Specific)
Washington applies financial reporting requirements based on contribution and revenue levels:
- Most organizations must submit IRS Form 990 or equivalent financial reporting annually.
- An independent CPA audit is required when annual gross revenue exceeds approximately $3 million.
- Organizations below that threshold typically satisfy reporting through the IRS return and supplemental state disclosures.
Larger, nationally fundraising nonprofits should coordinate audit timing with state renewal deadlines to avoid registration lapses.
Professional Fundraisers
Organizations that use paid solicitors, fundraising counsel, or commercial co-venture arrangements must disclose those relationships as part of their registration filings.
Separate filings and contract reporting obligations may apply to those vendors.
Washington in a Multi-State Compliance Strategy
Washington is considered a standard full-registration state with:
- Pre-solicitation registration requirements
- Annual reporting expectations
- Financial documentation thresholds
- Oversight of professional fundraising relationships
Need Help Managing Washington Registration?
Ironwood Registrations helps nonprofits:
- Coordinate multi-state filings
- Track audit and financial reporting thresholds
- Maintain ongoing compliance calendars
- Reduce administrative burden on finance and development teams
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