Last Updated: February 2026
Washington requires most charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions from residents of the state. The state also imposes annual reporting requirements, disclosure obligations, and oversight of professional fundraising activity, making Washington a key compliance jurisdiction for nationally active nonprofits.
For organizations conducting multi-state fundraising, Washington should be treated as a core registration state requiring centralized tracking and ongoing compliance oversight.
For broader national context, see:
When Registration Is Required in Washington
A nonprofit must register with the Washington Secretary of State before soliciting charitable contributions in the state.
Registration is generally required if an organization:
- Solicits donations from Washington residents
- Conducts online fundraising accessible to Washington donors
- Uses professional fundraisers or commercial fundraisers
- Conducts direct mail, email, or advertising campaigns directed into the state
These requirements apply to both Washington-based and out-of-state nonprofits.
For digital fundraising implications, see:
- Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
- Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Initial Registration Overview
Registration must generally be completed prior to beginning solicitation activities.
Typical filing components include:
- Charitable organization registration application
- IRS determination letter
- Governing documents
- IRS Form 990 or financial statements
- Officer and director information
- Disclosure of professional fundraising relationships
- Filing fee
Washington registrations typically remain active for one year and must be renewed annually.
For registration timing strategy, see:
Exemptions
Washington provides several exemptions, though most mid-sized and large nationally fundraising nonprofits must still register.
Common exemptions include:
- Religious organizations
- Educational institutions
- Governmental entities
- Certain healthcare organizations
- Organizations raising below defined contribution thresholds
Because exemption criteria are relatively narrow, most national nonprofits must register.
For broader exemption strategy, see:
Annual Renewal Requirements
Washington requires annual renewal of charitable registration.
Renewal generally requires:
- Updated organizational information
- IRS Form 990
- Financial statements when applicable
- Filing fee
Renewal deadlines are typically tied to the organization’s fiscal year.
For coordinated multi-state renewal planning, see:
Financial Reporting and Audit Considerations
Washington requires annual financial reporting and may impose additional documentation requirements based on contribution levels.
Organizations exceeding certain thresholds may need to provide audited financial statements prepared by an independent CPA.
These thresholds apply to total organizational contributions, not Washington-specific fundraising.
For broader audit coordination, see:
Disclosure Requirements
Washington requires specific charitable solicitation disclosures in certain fundraising communications.
Disclosure obligations may include:
- Identification of the charitable organization
- Disclosure of commercial fundraiser involvement
- Notice of how donors can obtain financial information
These rules are a key compliance consideration for nationwide fundraising campaigns.
For a national comparison, see:
Professional Fundraisers and Commercial Co-Ventures
Washington has detailed regulatory oversight of third-party fundraising relationships.
Organizations engaging:
- Commercial fundraisers
- Fundraising counsel
- Cause-marketing partners
must comply with contract filing, registration, and reporting requirements.
See:
Governance and Risk Considerations
Washington maintains publicly searchable charity records. Noncompliance may:
- Affect grant due diligence reviews
- Raise board oversight concerns
- Create Form 990 disclosure inconsistencies
- Impact fundraising platform certifications
For broader risk analysis, see:
- What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
- Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Washington in a National Compliance Strategy
Washington is considered a core compliance jurisdiction due to its:
- Mandatory registration requirement
- Annual reporting obligations
- Disclosure rules for solicitations
- Oversight of professional fundraising activity
Organizations fundraising nationally should include Washington within centralized compliance tracking systems.
For structured planning, see:
If your organization is fundraising in Washington as part of a multi-state strategy, coordinated compliance oversight can reduce administrative burden and governance risk.