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Charitable Solicitation Registration in Wisconsin

Wisconsin requires charities that solicit in the state to register with the Department of Financial Institutions, renew every year by July 31, and file an annual financial report.

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At a glance

Wisconsin requirements

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RegulatorWisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
LawWis. Stat. ch. 202 and Wis. Admin. Code ch. DFI-CCS
When to registerBefore soliciting in Wisconsin.
Initial filingCharitable Organization Registration Statement (Form 296) · State fee $15
Annual renewalOnline renewal registration, due Before July 31 each year; the annual financial report is due within 12 months after your fiscal year ends

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

Who must register

Who needs to register in Wisconsin?

Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Wisconsin, or have contributions solicited for them, unless exempt.

Exemptions: Organizations that don't raise or receive more than $25,000 in contributions in a fiscal year, have no paid staff and rely entirely on volunteers are exempt, as are certain religious organizations and political committees.

State fees

Fees

LevelState fee
Initial registration$15
Annual renewal$54
Late renewal+$25

These are Wisconsin'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

  • Contributions over $1,000,000: audited financial statements with an independent CPA's opinion.
  • More than $500,000 up to $1,000,000: financial statements reviewed by an independent CPA (or audited).
  • Waivers (Form 1953) may be available when one large gift pushes contributions over the threshold.

FAQ

Wisconsin registration questions

Who has to register for charitable solicitation in Wisconsin?

Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Wisconsin, or have contributions solicited for them, unless exempt. Timing: Before soliciting in Wisconsin.

How much does Wisconsin charitable registration cost?

State fees: Initial registration: $15; Annual renewal: $54; Late renewal: +$25. These are the state's own fees. Our service fee is separate and shown before checkout.

When is the Wisconsin renewal due?

Online renewal registration is due Before July 31 each year; the annual financial report is due within 12 months after your fiscal year ends.

Does Wisconsin require audited financial statements?

Contributions over $1,000,000: audited financial statements with an independent CPA's opinion. More than $500,000 up to $1,000,000: financial statements reviewed by an independent CPA (or audited). Waivers (Form 1953) may be available when one large gift pushes contributions over the threshold.

Sources

Official sources

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

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