Last Updated: February 2026
Texas does not maintain a general charitable solicitation registration requirement for most nonprofit organizations.
However, Texas is not entirely unregulated. Certain organizations and fundraising structures are subject to registration or filing requirements, even though traditional charitable organizations are generally not required to register before soliciting contributions.
This page explains when registration is not required — and when it may be.
For an overview of how state registration systems typically operate, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
General Rule: Most Charitable Organizations Do Not Register
Unlike most states, Texas does not require standard charitable organizations to:
- File an initial charitable solicitation registration
- Submit annual renewal filings
- Pay charitable registration fees
- Apply for exemption from registration
This applies to:
- Texas-based 501(c)(3) organizations
- Out-of-state nonprofits soliciting Texas donors
- Organizations receiving online donations from Texas residents
For comparison with states that require registration:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Important Exceptions: When Texas Filing Requirements May Apply
Although Texas does not impose a broad registration regime, certain organizations must register or file notices.
1. Public Safety Organizations (PSOs)
Organizations representing or supporting:
- Law enforcement officers
- Firefighters
- Public safety personnel
may be required to register with the Texas Secretary of State if they engage in certain types of fundraising activity.
These rules are specific and do not apply to general charitable organizations.
2. Veterans Organizations
Certain veterans organizations soliciting in Texas may be subject to state oversight or filing requirements depending on structure and fundraising method.
3. Commercial Co-Ventures (Cause-Marketing Campaigns)
Texas regulates certain commercial co-venture arrangements.
If your nonprofit partners with a for-profit business that advertises that a portion of sales will benefit your organization, disclosure and contract requirements may apply.
For more detail:
Commercial Co-Ventures & Cause-Marketing Campaigns
4. Professional Fundraisers
While charities themselves are generally not required to register, paid professional fundraisers operating in Texas may have independent legal obligations.
Organizations engaging third-party fundraising firms should evaluate those contracts carefully.
For broader context:
Using Professional Fundraisers or Solicitors
Online Fundraising in Texas
Accepting online donations from Texas residents does not trigger a charitable solicitation registration requirement for most nonprofits.
However, online fundraising frequently triggers registration obligations in other jurisdictions.
If your organization:
- Maintains a donation-enabled website
- Conducts national email campaigns
- Uses third-party fundraising platforms
you may still need to register in many other states.
For digital compliance analysis:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Other Texas Compliance Considerations
Even though most charities are not required to register for solicitation purposes, nonprofits operating in Texas may still need to address:
- Foreign qualification (if conducting business activities in Texas)
- Sales tax or franchise tax matters
- Consumer protection laws
- Charitable trust oversight
These obligations are separate from charitable solicitation registration.
For broader planning context:
Multi-State Charitable Registration Complexity
Strategic Planning for National Nonprofits
For most national nonprofits:
- Texas is typically excluded from the charitable solicitation registration matrix.
- Neighboring states such as Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico do require registration.
- Texas still requires careful contract review when using paid fundraisers or commercial co-venture arrangements.
To determine where your organization must register:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
If your organization is conducting a national compliance review and needs clarity on whether Texas filing obligations apply to your structure or fundraising model: