Washington Charity Registration
FREE GUIDE TO REGISTERING YOUR WA CHARITY
Should I register my non profit charity in Washington?
Yes. If you plan to operate in or raise money from the Washington public you are first required to register with the Washington Secretary of State, Charities Program and renew each year.
How do I register my charity in Washington?
Charitable organizations in Washington register by filing the Charitable Organization Registration/Renewal with the Charities Program, along with the registration fee, in person or by mail. Washington now offers online registration if your charity is volunteer run and raises less than $50,000 a year or if you are a church or a political organization. If you hire ‘Northwest’ as your Washington registered agent, the registration form is in your online account.
How much does it cost?
The initial registration has a $60 fee and then the yearly renewal is $40.
When do I renew my charity registration?
Renew each year eleven months after the Washington nonprofit accounting year end, so typically November 30th. The Charities Program will mail you a reminder postcard 60 days before the due date, and charge you a $50 penalty if your file it late.
What if the Washington non profit uses professional fundraisers?
Before contracting with a charity, fundraisers must register by filing a Commercial Fundraiser Registration/Renewal along with a $300 registration fee. Submit a $15,000 surety bond with the registration form to the Charities Program. They renew by the anniversary date each year for $225.
Where do I send my charity registration?
Washington Secretary of State
Corporations Division
Mail it:
P.O. Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234
Or walk it in:
Dolliver Building
801 Capitol Way South
Olympia, WA
Phone: (360) 725-0377
Email: [email protected]