Understand the rules of charitable state solicitation registrations

Charitable solicitation registration rules exist to protect donors and charities. These registrations help donors make informed decisions about the charitable organizations they are giving to. Thirty-nine states have a registration requirement, but Indiana is not one. As a result, charitable organizations may forget about these rules when they start soliciting charitable donations outside of Indiana.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the definition for solicitation can include in-person requests, telephone calls, mailings, emails, websites, and social media. Each state has its own definition of solicitation, so it is important to review the rules before an organization starts soliciting in a particular state. Registration in each state typically requires a small initial registration fee and may require an annual fee as well. Typical items included with registration may include governing documents, IRS determination letter, audited financial statements, and copies of a recently filed Form 990.?Watch