As of 2026-07-22 · verified against primary sources
South Carolina charitable solicitation registration: requirements, fees, and deadlines
| Registration | Required |
| Agency | South Carolina Secretary of State — Division of Public Charities |
| Initial fee | $50 |
| Renewal fee | $50 |
| Renewal / report due | 4 months and 15 days after fiscal year end |
| Filing channel | Electronic filing available |
Who must register
South Carolina generally requires charitable organizations to register with the South Carolina Secretary of State — Division of Public Charities before soliciting contributions there, unless an exemption applies. Requirements attach to out-of-state charities soliciting South Carolina residents as well as local ones.
S.C. Code § 33-56-30(A) · official source
Exemptions we check for
Likely exempt if it is a church, synagogue, mosque, or other congregation (or integrated auxiliary), or an IRS-recognized religious organization not required to file Form 990/990-EZ/990-N — such organizations are outside South Carolina's definition of charitable organization entirely (S.C. Code § 33-56-20(1)(b)).
S.C. Code § 33-56-20(1)(b)(i), verbatim in sc-primary-sources.md. Definitional exclusion — no exemption claim filing applies (the § 33-56-50(C) annual claim …
Likely exempt if its gross revenue does not exceed $10,000 during the fiscal year (S.C. Code § 33-56-50(B)(2) as amended by 2026 Act No. 170) — the exemption must be claimed annually with the Secretary of State at no fee, and registration is required within 30 days if gross revenue exceeds the threshold.
2026 Act No. 170 (S.715), SECTION 1, effective 2026-05-18, rewriting § 33-56-50(B)(2) · a filing is required to claim this exemption
Likely exempt if its gross revenue does not exceed $25,000 for the fiscal year, it holds an IRS tax-exemption letter, and it uses no professional fundraiser (S.C. Code § 33-56-50(A)(3) as rewritten by 2026 Act No. 170) — the exemption is claimed annually with the Secretary of State at no fee. Note: registration IS required, despite this exemption, if any individual is paid more than $500 per year in connection with fundraising or if any funds inure to the benefit of an officer or member — South Carolina's registry cannot show us compensation, so confirm neither applies before relying on this row. Registration is due within 30 days once gross revenue exceeds $25,000.
2026 Act No. 170 (S.715), SECTION 1, effective 2026-05-18, rewriting § 33-56-50(A)(3) · a filing is required to claim this exemption
The state, not Steadworthy, decides whether an exemption applies.
Is your charity registered in South Carolina? Check free.
Citations
- S.C. Code § 33-56-30(A) · source · verified 2026-07-22
- S.C. Code § 33-56-150 (Division of Public Charities in the office of the Secretary of State) · source · verified 2026-07-22
- S.C. Code § 33-56-30(A) · source · verified 2026-07-22
- Same $50 annually (§ 33-56-30(A) via § 33-56-40's 'annual registration fee'). Late ANNUAL-FINANCIAL-REPORT fine: $10/day capped $2,000 per delinquent report,… · source · verified 2026-07-22
- S.C. Code § 33-56-60(A) · source · verified 2026-07-22
- Online at scsos.com/Charities OR mail (fax/email prohibited for the AFR) — e-filing available for all filings but NOT mandatory (sos.sc.gov/before-you-file-o… · source · verified 2026-07-22
- S.C. Code § 33-56-20(1)(b)(i), verbatim in sc-primary-sources.md. Definitional exclusion — no exemption claim filing applies (the § 33-56-50(C) annual claim … · source · verified 2026-07-22
- 2026 Act No. 170 (S.715), SECTION 1, effective 2026-05-18, rewriting § 33-56-50(B)(2) · source · verified 2026-07-22
- 2026 Act No. 170 (S.715), SECTION 1, effective 2026-05-18, rewriting § 33-56-50(A)(3) · source · verified 2026-07-23
Statuses and requirements reflect public records and cited sources as of the dates shown. Informational, not legal advice.