Last Updated: February 2026
Montana is one of the states that does not require most charitable organizations to complete a formal charitable solicitation registration before requesting donations. While nonprofits may generally solicit contributions from Montana residents without registering, fundraising activities remain subject to consumer protection laws and other applicable regulations.
Organizations fundraising nationally should still include Montana in their compliance review to confirm whether any additional filings or business registrations are required based on operational activity.
Managing registrations in multiple states? Contact Ironwood Registrations
Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state.
At-a-Glance Overview
Primary Oversight Authority
Montana Department of Justice — Office of Consumer Protection
General Charitable Solicitation Registration Required
No, most nonprofits are not required to register prior to soliciting contributions.
Annual Renewal Requirement
Not applicable for charitable solicitation purposes.
Financial Reporting Requirement
No centralized charitable registration reporting system.
Registered Agent Requirement
Not required solely for fundraising activity.
Regulatory Environment in Montana
Although Montana does not maintain a traditional charitable solicitation registration program, organizations soliciting donations must still comply with state laws governing deceptive or misleading fundraising practices.
Nonprofits should ensure that:
- Solicitation materials accurately describe the organization’s mission and activities
- Donor communications are truthful and not misleading
- Funds are used in accordance with stated charitable purposes
Oversight is typically handled through the state’s consumer protection authority.
When Additional Filings May Be Required
Even without a charitable solicitation registration requirement, some organizations may still have obligations in Montana.
Out-of-state nonprofits may need to:
- Register as a foreign nonprofit corporation if maintaining offices, employees, or ongoing operational activity
- Obtain any applicable state or local business registrations
- Comply with disclosure requirements related to commercial co-venturer or fundraising partnerships
These filings are separate from charitable solicitation compliance.
Financial Reporting & Audit Considerations
Montana does not impose audit, review, or financial statement submission requirements tied specifically to charitable solicitation activity.
However, organizations fundraising across multiple jurisdictions may still need:
- CPA-reviewed financial statements
- Audited financial statements
- IRS Form 990 submission
These requirements are typically driven by other states within the organization’s registration footprint rather than Montana itself.
Exemption Considerations
Because Montana does not require charitable solicitation registration for most nonprofits, formal exemption filings are generally not necessary.
Organizations should still maintain internal documentation demonstrating their charitable status and eligibility to solicit funds.
Charitable solicitation registration exemption requirements
Montana in a Multi-State Fundraising Strategy
Even though Montana does not require registration, it remains part of a comprehensive multi-state compliance evaluation. Organizations expanding fundraising nationwide should confirm which states impose filing or reporting obligations.
For broader planning guidance: Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
Need Help Determining Where Registration Is Required?
Understanding which states require charitable registration—and which do not—can be complex for organizations fundraising across multiple jurisdictions.
Ironwood Registrations works with nonprofits to evaluate registration obligations, coordinate filings, and maintain ongoing compliance tracking.
Or contact our team directly.