Last Updated: February 2026
Nonprofits that solicit charitable contributions from South Carolina residents are generally required to register with the South Carolina Secretary of State before beginning fundraising activities. South Carolina is considered a moderate-to-high complexity state due to its annual reporting expectations, contribution-based fee tiers, and financial statement requirements.
Managing registrations across multiple jurisdictions? Contact Us
Explore all charitable solicitation registration requirements by state
At-a-Glance Overview
Regulating Agency
South Carolina Secretary of State — Division of Public Charities
Initial Registration Required
Yes, prior to soliciting contributions in the state.
Registration Term
One year.
Annual Renewal Required
Yes.
Annual Financial Reporting
Required as part of the renewal.
Filing Method
Online or mailed submission options are available.
Registered Agent Requirement
Not required solely for charitable solicitation registration.
Who Must Register in South Carolina
Registration is generally required if a nonprofit:
- Solicits donations from individuals or businesses located in South Carolina
- Conducts direct mail, digital fundraising, or events targeting South Carolina residents
- Uses professional solicitors, fundraising counsel, or commercial co-ventures
- Holds charitable assets or operates programs within the state
Out-of-state organizations fundraising nationally typically include South Carolina as part of their compliance footprint.
Initial Registration Process
Filing Agency
South Carolina Secretary of State — Division of Public Charities
Typical Filing Components
Initial filings generally include:
- Charitable organization registration application
- IRS determination letter
- Most recent IRS Form 990 (or financial statement if newly formed)
- Governing documents
- List of officers and directors
- Copies of contracts with professional fundraisers, if applicable
An authorized officer must sign the submission.
Registration Fees
South Carolina applies a graduated fee schedule based on the organization’s total contributions for the prior fiscal year. Organizations with higher fundraising totals pay higher registration and renewal fees.
Annual Renewal & Reporting
Registration must be renewed annually to maintain authorization to solicit.
Renewal Requirements
- Updated organizational and financial information
- Current IRS Form 990 or equivalent financial report
- Updated fundraiser disclosures
Due Date
Typically tied to the organization’s fiscal year reporting cycle and aligned with submission of updated financial documentation.
Late Filings
Late renewals may result in penalties or administrative enforcement actions.
Charitable solicitation renewal deadlines
Financial Statement & Audit Thresholds (South Carolina)
South Carolina applies contribution-based financial reporting thresholds:
- $500,000–$1,000,000 in contributions: CPA review generally required
- Above $1,000,000 in contributions: Independent CPA audit typically required
Organizations below these thresholds may submit internally prepared financial information or IRS Form 990 schedules.
For multi-state organizations, aligning South Carolina’s financial reporting with broader audit planning helps avoid duplicate work across jurisdictions.
Exemptions
Common exemption categories include:
- Religious organizations
- Educational institutions
- Government entities
- Certain small charities that meet contribution and volunteer-fundraising criteria
Organizations claiming exemption must generally file documentation supporting eligibility.
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemption Guide
Estimated Processing & Planning Considerations
- Processing time depends heavily on submission completeness.
- Professional fundraiser relationships increase disclosure requirements.
- Financial statement preparation timelines often drive renewal scheduling.
Organizations fundraising in many states benefit from coordinated filing calendars to prevent lapses.
South Carolina in a Multi-State Compliance Strategy
South Carolina’s financial reporting thresholds and annual renewal requirements make it an important state to include in coordinated multi-state registration planning, particularly for nonprofits approaching or exceeding $1M in contributions.
Multi-state fundraising compliance guidance
Need Help Managing South Carolina Registration?
Ironwood Registrations supports nonprofits with:
- Initial registration and renewal filings
- Multi-state compliance coordination
- Financial reporting tracking
- Ongoing regulatory monitoring