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Charitable Solicitation Registration in South Carolina

South Carolina requires charities to register with the Secretary of State's Division of Public Charities before soliciting and every year after that, and to file an annual financial report.

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At a glance

South Carolina requirements

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RegulatorSouth Carolina Secretary of State, Division of Public Charities
LawSouth Carolina Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act (S.C. Code Title 33, Chapter 56)
When to registerBefore any solicitation activity, and annually after that.
Initial filingRegistration Statement for a Charitable Organization · State fee $50
Annual renewalAnnual Registration Statement plus financial report, due Each year before your current registration expires (it can be filed up to six weeks early)

Information verified October 2026 from official South Carolina sources (listed below).

Who must register

Who needs to register in South Carolina?

Organizations that solicit contributions in South Carolina, or have contributions solicited on their behalf, unless exempt under S.C. Code § 33-56-50.

Exemptions: Organizations with an IRS determination letter that don't expect more than $20,000 a year in public contributions (and pay no one more than $500 a year) can file for exemption, as can any organization under $7,500 a year. Exemptions are renewed every year. A pending bill (H.4662) would raise these limits; it hadn't become law as of October 2026.

State fees

Fees

LevelState fee
Annual registration$50
Application for exemption$0
Late or missing filingsAdministrative fines

These are South Carolina's own fees, paid to the state. Our service fee is separate: $425 per state for 1–5 states, $375 per state for 6–13, or $4,950 flat for 14 or more (renewals from $325 per state). See pricing.

Financial reporting

Financial statement requirements

  • File the Secretary of State's Annual Financial Report or your IRS Form 990, 990-EZ or 990-PF. Form 990-N isn't accepted.
  • If your financial report isn't ready, include a copy of your IRS extension request.

FAQ

South Carolina registration questions

Who has to register for charitable solicitation in South Carolina?

Organizations that solicit contributions in South Carolina, or have contributions solicited on their behalf, unless exempt under S.C. Code § 33-56-50. Timing: Before any solicitation activity, and annually after that.

How much does South Carolina charitable registration cost?

State fees: Annual registration: $50; Application for exemption: $0; Late or missing filings: Administrative fines. These are the state's own fees. Our service fee is separate and shown before checkout.

When is the South Carolina renewal due?

Annual Registration Statement plus financial report is due Each year before your current registration expires (it can be filed up to six weeks early).

Does South Carolina require audited financial statements?

File the Secretary of State's Annual Financial Report or your IRS Form 990, 990-EZ or 990-PF. Form 990-N isn't accepted. If your financial report isn't ready, include a copy of your IRS extension request.

Sources

Official sources

State rules and fees change. We confirm current requirements with the state before every filing.

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