Last Updated: February 2026
Most nonprofits that solicit contributions from West Virginia residents must register with the state before beginning fundraising activities. West Virginia’s process includes both an initial registration and ongoing annual reporting.
Managing registrations across multiple states? Contact us
Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state
At-a-Glance Overview
Primary Regulator
West Virginia Secretary of State — Charitable Organizations Division
Initial Registration Required
Yes, prior to soliciting contributions unless an exemption applies.
Registration Term
Generally one year.
Annual Renewal Required
Yes.
Annual Financial Reporting
Required.
Estimated Processing Time
Typically several weeks depending on submission completeness.
Form Name
CHR-1
Who Must Register
Registration is generally required for any charitable organization that:
- Is located in West Virginia and requests donations
- Solicits contributions from individuals or businesses within the state
- Uses mail, online fundraising, events, or grant outreach directed to West Virginia
- Has fundraising conducted on its behalf by third parties
Out-of-state nonprofits that solicit donations from West Virginia residents are usually required to register prior to beginning activity.
Initial Registration Process
Filing Method
Initial registration filings are typically submitted online through the Secretary of State’s charitable organizations portal or by submitting required documentation directly to the state.
Typical Supporting Documentation
Organizations should expect to provide:
- Governing and formation documents
- IRS determination letter
- Officer and director information
- Most recent IRS Form 990 (or financial statements if newly formed)
- Disclosure of professional fundraising relationships
- Copies of contracts with fundraising vendors if applicable
Exemptions
West Virginia provides exemptions for certain categories of organizations, including:
- Religious organizations and churches
- Educational institutions
- Government entities
- Organizations that receive limited contributions and use only volunteers
- Certain membership-based organizations
Even when exempt, some nonprofits elect to file voluntarily to demonstrate transparency with donors.
Nationwide state exemption comparison
Annual Renewal and Reporting
Renewal Requirement
Registered charities must renew annually to maintain active registration status.
Renewal Typically Includes
- Updated registration information
- Current IRS Form 990 series return
- Updated disclosure of fundraising relationships
- Applicable filing fee
Due Date
The renewal is generally due several months after the end of the organization’s fiscal year.
Extensions may be available when an IRS extension has been filed.
Multi-state deadline planning resource
Financial Reporting & Audit Thresholds (West Virginia-Specific)
West Virginia applies financial documentation requirements based on the organization’s level of contributions:
- Organizations below the audit threshold typically satisfy reporting through the IRS Form 990 or internally prepared financial information.
- An independent CPA audit is generally required once annual contributions exceed approximately $1 million.
- Mid-range organizations may be required to provide reviewed financial statements depending on revenue levels.
Larger nonprofits operating across multiple states should coordinate audit preparation timelines with renewal deadlines to avoid compliance gaps.
Professional Fundraisers
If a nonprofit works with:
- Professional solicitors
- Fundraising counsel
- Commercial co-venture partners
Those relationships must typically be disclosed to the state and may require separate contract filings or registrations.
West Virginia in a Multi-State Compliance Strategy
West Virginia is considered a standard charitable registration state with:
- Pre-solicitation registration requirements
- Annual renewal and reporting
- Financial documentation thresholds
- Oversight of third-party fundraising activity
Multi-state fundraising compliance guide
Need Help Managing West Virginia Registration?
Ironwood Registrations assists nonprofits with:
- Coordinating multi-state filings
- Tracking annual renewal obligations
- Managing audit and financial reporting requirements
- Reducing administrative burden for finance and development teams
Or contact us directly