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Wisconsin Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements

Last Updated: February 2026

Charitable organizations that solicit donations connected to Wisconsin must evaluate whether state registration is required before fundraising activity begins. The information below provides a practical overview of how Wisconsin’s charitable solicitation rules typically apply to nonprofits conducting multi-state fundraising.

At-a-Glance

State Regulator
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) — Division of Corporate & Consumer Services

Initial Registration Required?
Yes, unless a specific exemption applies.

Registration Term
Generally valid for one year.

Renewal Frequency
Annual.

Typical Filing Method
Online or mail.

Estimated Registration Processing Time
Often several weeks depending on completeness of submission.

Who Must Register

Most charitable organizations must register if they:

  • Are located in Wisconsin and solicit donations
  • Conduct fundraising campaigns directed toward Wisconsin residents
  • Use third-party fundraising professionals or online fundraising that reaches donors in the state
  • Receive contributions resulting from solicitations connected to Wisconsin

This applies to both Wisconsin-based and out-of-state nonprofits.

Initial Registration Overview

Initial registration generally requires submitting:

  • State registration application
  • IRS determination letter
  • Organizing documents (articles and bylaws)
  • Current IRS Form 990 (or financial statement for new organizations)
  • Officer and director information
  • Fundraising contracts, if applicable

A filing fee is assessed based on contribution levels.

Registration should be completed before soliciting contributions.

Form Name: Form #296

Exemption Eligibility Overview

Certain organizations may qualify for exemption from registration, including:

  • Religious organizations
  • Certain educational or governmental entities
  • Organizations receiving limited contributions and using only volunteers
  • Some membership-based organizations that solicit only internally

Wisconsin typically requires documentation supporting exemption eligibility. Even when exempt, organizations should maintain records demonstrating qualification.

For broader eligibility guidance across jurisdictions, see:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions

Financial Reporting & Audit Thresholds (Wisconsin)

Wisconsin imposes financial statement requirements tied to contribution levels:

  • Over $1,000,000 in contributions: Audited financial statements generally required
  • $500,000–$1,000,000: CPA review typically required
  • Below $500,000: IRS Form 990 or internally prepared financials may be sufficient

These thresholds are based on contribution activity, not total organizational revenue.

For organizations fundraising nationally at higher levels, coordinating audit timing with multi-state renewal requirements can significantly reduce administrative burden.

Annual Renewal Requirements

Registered organizations must:

  • Renew registration each year
  • Submit updated financial information
  • Provide IRS Form 990 or equivalent
  • Update changes in leadership or fundraising activity

Typical Due Date:
Generally tied to the organization’s fiscal year end (commonly within 12 months after the close of the fiscal year).

Extensions may be available if the IRS filing is extended.

Form Name: Form #308 and Form #1952

Additional Compliance Considerations

  • Contracts with professional fundraisers may require separate filings.
  • Changes to organizational structure or fundraising methods must be reported.
  • Online fundraising that reaches Wisconsin donors can trigger registration obligations.

Managing Multi-State Compliance

Wisconsin is frequently one of many states requiring active annual registration for nationally fundraising nonprofits. Coordinating filings across multiple jurisdictions helps:

  • Align renewal cycles
  • Synchronize audit preparation
  • Reduce duplicate documentation work

Managing registrations in multiple states? Contact Ironwood Registrations for coordinated filings.

You may also review the broader planning resource:
Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide

Explore Additional State Requirements

To compare obligations across jurisdictions:
Explore All Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements by State

Need Help Determining Wisconsin Filing Obligations?

Registration scope can vary depending on how contributions are solicited and received.

Schedule a consultation to review your organization’s specific fundraising footprint