Last Updated: February 2026
Arizona is structurally different from most states in the charitable solicitation landscape. The state does not require general charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions. Instead, registration requirements are limited to a specific category of organizations.
Understanding this distinction is important for national nonprofits evaluating multi-state compliance exposure.
For a broader overview of how state registration systems typically function, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
Does Arizona Require Charitable Registration?
Arizona repealed its general charitable registration requirement. As a result:
- Most 501(c)(3) organizations do not register in Arizona.
- There is no general annual charitable filing requirement.
- There is no general exemption application process.
However, there is one key exception.
Veterans Organizations – Registration Required
Arizona requires registration for charitable veterans organizations that solicit funds in the state.
If an organization solicits contributions in the name of, or for the benefit of, veterans or veterans organizations, registration with the Arizona Secretary of State is required.
This requirement applies regardless of whether the organization is based in Arizona or outside the state.
Organizations that do not solicit in connection with veterans causes are not required to register.
Are There Exemptions?
Because Arizona does not require general charitable registration, the traditional exemption analysis seen in other states does not apply.
There is no:
- Small charity revenue exemption
- Religious exemption (because registration is not required for most organizations)
- Educational institution exemption
- Volunteer-only exemption
Instead, the legal framework is limited:
Only charitable veterans organizations must register.
If your nonprofit does not fundraise in connection with veterans services or veteran-focused appeals, Arizona registration is typically not required.
Multi-State Implications
Arizona’s limited approach often creates confusion for national nonprofits.
Key points:
- Exemption (or non-registration status) in Arizona does not eliminate registration requirements in other states.
- Most other states require registration before solicitation begins.
- Online fundraising may trigger registration obligations elsewhere even if Arizona does not require it.
For broader guidance, see:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Multi-State Registration Complexity
Online Fundraising Considerations
Even though Arizona does not generally require charitable registration:
- Online fundraising campaigns targeting multiple states may trigger obligations outside Arizona.
- National digital campaigns should be evaluated under multi-state standards.
Related guidance:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Governance Considerations
Boards and finance teams should document:
- Whether the organization engages in veterans-related solicitation
- Whether any campaigns could be construed as fundraising in the name of veterans
- The organization’s multi-state registration footprint
Failure to properly assess veterans-related solicitation can create unexpected compliance exposure.
Evaluating Arizona in a Multi-State Compliance Plan
Arizona is one of the few jurisdictions where most nonprofits do not need to register. However, national compliance planning should treat Arizona as part of a broader risk analysis rather than an isolated exception.
If your organization is expanding fundraising activities nationally or reassessing its state registration footprint, you may schedule a consultation