Mississippi Charitable Registration — A Complete Guide
If you’re running a charitable organization in Mississippi, registering with the state is a crucial step. It ensures transparency and compliance with state regulations and builds trust with potential donors.
This article will go over the Mississippi charitable registration process, including key requirements, filing steps, and exemption guidelines. You’ll also discover how Harbor Compliance reduces the complexity of registration and helps you navigate the process with ease.
Mississippi Charitable Organization Registration Explained
Registering a charitable organization in Mississippi typically involves submitting information about the organization’s mission, leadership, financials, and fundraising activities. The secretary of state’s office oversees the process, administering filings, renewals, and exemptions. As per Mississippi Code Regulation of Charitable Solicitations, charitable organizations that meet any of the following criteria must file an online application with the Mississippi secretary of state:
- IRS recognition by the IRS as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Public solicitation for charitable causes, including:
- Health and welfare programs
- Philanthropic, benevolent, or patriotic initiatives
- Educational or scientific projects
- Humane efforts or environmental conservation
- Civic activities or public health campaigns
- Support for law enforcement, firefighters, or other public safety personnel
- Third-party solicitation and fundraising on behalf of charities
Organizations Exempt From Mississippi Charitable Solicitation Registration
Not all charitable organizations are required to register with the Mississippi secretary of state. Some groups qualify for exemptions based on their purpose, fundraising activities, or operational structure. Some of these organizations include:
- Churches, synagogues, and other religious entities focused solely on religious activities
- Accredited schools, colleges, and universities soliciting funds exclusively from alumni, parents, and students
- Groups formed primarily for political purposes, including fundraising for candidates or political action committees
- Organizations that raise less than $25,000 annually and do not employ professional fundraisers
You can find the complete list of exempted organizations in Mississippi code section 79-11-505. Note that eligible organizations still need to file the Notice of Exemption Form, a one-time filing submitted online. Here’s what you need to submit this form:
- The charity's EIN
- A current list of officers and directors
- The signature of one officer (the president or other authorized officer)
- A copy of the organization’s bylaws
- A copy of Articles of Incorporation or formation documents (if applicable)
- A copy of IRS determination letter (if applicable)
- $50 + $4 online filing fee
Once your exemption is approved, any changes or updates to the filing must be submitted online under the "Update to the Notice of Exemption" within 30 days of the change.
MS Charity Registration Requirements
To be eligible to register a charity, you must complete these essential steps:
- Form a nonprofit corporation by filing with the Business Services Division of the Secretary of State’s Office.
- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS for tax and banking purposes.
- Draft the organization’s bylaws to outline how the charity will operate.
- Hold an initial board meeting to appoint directors, elect officers, and officially adopt the bylaws.
- Set up a dedicated bank account to manage the charity’s finances.
Mississippi Charity Registration—Filing Steps
Once you’ve completed these requirements and gathered all the mandatory documents, you can use the below steps to proceed with the initial registration:
- Create a user account on the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Charities Division.
- Submit a registration statement by adding details about your organization, including:
- Organization’s name
- The purpose for which the donations will be made
- Tax-exempt status
- Names of principal officers and board members
- The organization’s fiscal year-end date
- Attach required documents like bylaws, articles of incorporation, and IRS tax-exemption letters.
- Submit a financial report and attach contracts with professional fundraisers, if applicable.
- Pay the $50 registration + $3.14 online filing fee.
Mississippi Charitable Registration Renewal
To keep your charitable organization in good standing with the state of Mississippi, you must renew the registration by the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of your fiscal year. Follow these steps for renewal:
- Have your most recent IRS Form 990 ready and provide updated financial statements. If your contributions exceed $750,000 annually, audited financial statements by an independent CPA are required. If your contributions exceed $250,000 but are under $750,000, reviewed financial statements are required.
- Log in to your account on the Mississippi secretary of state’s online portal.
- Fill out the renewal form, ensuring all details are current and accurate.
- Submit a $50 renewal fee + $3.14 online filing fee with your application.
You can extend your due date by 180 days by submitting an extension request through the online portal. Make sure to include a copy of IRS Form 8868 with your request.
You can renew your registration up to six months past the original due date. After that, you will receive a registration revocation notice, giving you 30 days to submit the late renewal. If you miss this 30-day window, your registration will be revoked, and you will need to complete the reinstatement process to resume soliciting contributions in Mississippi.
Missing the renewal deadline without following the proper extension or late renewal process can result in the suspension or revocation of your registration. You won’t be able to solicit donations in Mississippi until your registration is reinstated.
Challenges of DIY Charitable Registration
Handling charitable registration on your own can be time-consuming and requires close attention to detail. You need to fully understand your state’s requirements and keep up with annual renewal deadlines.
Errors or omissions in your application can lead to delays, penalties, or even loss of the ability to solicit donations legally. Additionally, since compliance is an ongoing responsibility, missing a deadline can result in fines or administrative actions against your organization.
Partnering with a trusted provider can simplify the process. A reliable service like Harbor Compliance can streamline registrations and renewals, reducing complexities and saving valuable time.
Delegate Your Charity Registration to Harbor Compliance
With extensive experience managing tens of thousands of registrations each year, Harbor Compliance leads the industry in charitable compliance services.
Our Charitable Registration Service allows organizations to confidently solicit donations through various channels—such as letters, phone calls, emails, social media, and grant applications—while we handle all aspects of compliance management, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
Following the acquisition of Labyrinth, Inc. (the largest provider of charitable registration services in the U.S.), we now support over 60% of charitable registrations across at least 38 states.
When you choose our services, a dedicated registration specialist will manage all your filings from start to finish. Additionally, you have the option to appoint a Power of Attorney, allowing us to sign applications on your behalf for a fully streamlined registration process.
We also provide customized services for professional fundraisers, fundraising consultants, and commercial co-ventures, including:
- Registered Agent Service—We manage your legal communications securely and ensure prompt delivery when you appoint us as your registered agent.
- Foreign Qualification Service—If you’re looking to expand into a new state, we oversee the entire foreign qualification process, from securing certificates of good standing to obtaining approvals.
- Tax Exemption Status—Our specialists help secure state tax exemptions, saving your nonprofit time and resources while simplifying compliance.
How To Order Charitable Registration Service
To connect with our team and learn about your state’s charitable registration requirements, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Charitable Registration Service page.
- Enter your contact details, legal business name, and structure.
- Submit the completed form.
For deeper insights into charitable registration rules, download our free white papers: Charitable Solicitation Compliance and Charitable Registration - Navigating the Complexities.
Additional Services by Harbor Compliance
Beyond charitable registration, we offer a wide range of services designed to help organizations meet legal obligations and stay compliant with state regulations. Explore the details in the table below:
Category | Services |
---|---|
Entity lifecycle management | Name reservation DBA registration Amendments Initial and annual reports |
Beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting | BOI reporting Records Manager |
Licensing support | General business licenses Industry-specific licenses, such as construction, engineering, and architecture |
Document filing and retrieval | Drop-off filing Articles of reinstatement Certificates of good standing Certificates of authority Certified copies |
Nonprofit formation | Incorporation 501(c) tax exemption |
Tax services | Payroll tax registration Sales and use tax registration Employer Identification Number (EIN) |
Charitable Registration in Mississippi FAQs
In this section, you can find answers to common questions about registering a charitable organization in Mississippi. For more detailed information, explore our Information Center.
Required documents include your IRS determination letter confirming tax-exempt status, bylaws outlining your organization’s operating procedures, and articles of incorporation that establish your nonprofit’s legal existence.
You must notify the secretary of state’s office within 30 days of any changes. These updates may include modifications to your board of directors, officers, or trustees, changes in financial records, amendments to bylaws or articles of incorporation, or updates to your principal address or contact details.
You can submit your application and supporting documents online through the Mississippi secretary of state’s online filing system. The process involves creating an account on the portal, completing the required forms, and uploading all supporting documents, such as your IRS determination letter, bylaws, articles of incorporation, and financial statements.
For annual renewal, you must submit your most recent IRS Form 990, detailing your organization’s financial activities. If your annual contributions exceed $750,000, you’re also required to provide an audited financial statement prepared by an independent certified public accountant.
Harbor Compliance—Your Trusted Partner for Charitable Registration
Charitable registration demands careful attention to deadlines, understanding of complex requirements, and management of financial resources. With ongoing renewals, varying fees, and state-specific regulations, the process can become overwhelming.
Harbor Compliance simplifies this journey, allowing you to focus on your mission while confidently soliciting donations. Choose our Charitable Registration Service, and you’ll gain expert support, tailored solutions, and efficient systems. From initial registrations to renewals and state tax exemptions, we handle every detail seamlessly.
To explore our full range of services, connect with our team. You can also schedule a demo of our Software Suite to see how its modules can streamline and enhance your operations. Additionally, don’t forget to try the FREE Harbor Compliance Score™ tool to assess your organization’s current regulatory status.
If you’re interested in how charitable registration works in other U.S. states and territories, explore our other guides in the table below:

- Jump To:
- Mississippi Nonprofit & Fundraising Company Licenses
- Mississippi Individual Nonprofit & Fundraising Licenses
Company Licenses
Mississippi Nonprofit & Fundraising Company Licenses
Mississippi Bingo and Pull-Tab Licenses
Game Type: | Bingo and pull-tabs |
Agency: | Mississippi Gaming Commission - Charitable Gaming Division |
Initial Registration
Agency: | Mississippi Gaming Commission - Charitable Gaming Division |
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $50 |
Registration Renewal
Agency: | Mississippi Gaming Commission - Charitable Gaming Division |
Form: | Application for License to Conduct Charitable Bingo (Renewal) |
Agency Fee: | $50 |
Due: | Triennially by the date of issuance. License renewals are due 6 months before the expiration date. |
Mississippi Charitable Gift Annuity Registration
Initial Registration
Notes: | Mississippi charities must provide notice on the day they first enter into a charitable gift annuity agreement. Notices must identify the organization, certify that the organization is a charity and that the annuities issued are qualified charitable gift annuities, and be signed by an officer or director. |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
Mississippi Charitable Organization Registration
Agency: | Mississippi Secretary of State - Charities Division |
Law: | |
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Yes |
Automatic Exemption
Exemption Eligible Organizations: | Bona fide duly constituted religious institutions and such separate groups or corporations which form an integral part of religious institutions, provided that:
|
Law: | |
Notes: | Religious organizations that meet the definition in Miss. Code Ann. Section 79-11-501(a)(iii) are excluded from registration requirements. |
One-Time Exemption Registration
Exemption Eligible Organizations: |
|
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $50 + $4 online filing fee. |
Law: | |
Notes: | Notices of exemption do not expire, but charities must update their exemption within 30 days if any information changes. |
Required Attachments: |
|
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $50 + $3.14 online filing fee. |
Turnaround: | 1 week |
Original Ink: | Not Required |
Notarization Required?: | Not Required |
Notes: |
|
Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
Required Attachments: |
|
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $50 + $3.14 online filing fee. |
Due: |
|
Due Date Extension: | Due dates can be extended for 180 days beyond the original due date by submitting a request for extension through the online portal. A copy of IRS form 8868 must be included when requesting an extension. |
Original Ink: | Not Required |
Notarization Required?: | Not Required |
Notes: |
|
Required Attachments: |
|
Reinstatement
Instructions: |
|
Filing Method: | Mail and online |
Agency Fee: |
|
Penalties: | Charities suspected of violating Mississippi Code §79-11-501 - §79-11-527 are subject to investigation(s) by the Secretary of State and/or Attorney General. Upon application from either one of these agencies, the court can issue the following judgments:
The Secretary of State, in addition to other remedies authorized by the law, may issue one or more of the following remedies:
A conviction of knowingly violating this Act is a misdemeanor charge and is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year in county jail. In connection with any solicitation, any attempt to defraud or obtain money or property using false pretenses is a felony conviction and is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years. |
Notes: | Organizations can renew a registration up to 6 months past its due date. After this point, they will receive a registration revocation notice from the Secretary of State which gives them 30 days to submit the late renewal. Once the registration is revoked, an organization must undergo the reinstatement process. |
Required Attachments: |
|
Change of Fiscal Year
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Turnaround: | 1-2 business days |
Notes: | Fiscal year can be changed during the standard renewal process. |
Cancelation
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Notes: | To close out your registration, file a final report and attach the necessary documents. |
Required Attachments: |
|
Commercial Co-venturer shall mean any person or entity who is regularly and primarily engaged in the production, trade, sale or commerce of goods other than in connection with the raising or solicitation of funds, assets, or other property for charitable organizations or charitable purposes, who for indirect compensation (including contractually arranged fees, commissions or other monetary remuneration), conducts, promotes, underwrites, arranges, markets, sponsors or advertises a sale, performance, or event of any kind which will benefit, to any extent, a Charitable Organization, or
A person or entity who contracts with a Charitable Organization to benefit that charity to any extent, and who receives only indirect compensation limited to goodwill or tax benefits as a result of that contractual agreement, is considered neither a commercial co-venturer nor a professional fund-raiser so long as neither the person (or entity) nor the Charitable Organization conducts, promotes, underwrites, arranges, markets, sponsors, or advertises the relationship to the public during the contract period.
Mississippi Commercial Co-Venturer Registration
Agency: | Mississippi Secretary of State - Charities Division |
Law: |
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Turnaround: | Immediately online. |
Bond Amount: | None |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
Commercial co-venturer registrations do not need to be renewed, however, contact information should be kept up to date.
Contract Filing
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Turnaround: | Immediately online. |
Due: | A Commercial Co-venturer engaging in a charitable sales promotion is required to file with the Secretary of State notice of the promotion no less than seven (7) days prior to the start of said promotion. Such notice must include a copy of the contract between the Co-venturer and the Charitable Organization. |
Original Ink: | Not Required |
Notarization Required?: | Not Required |
How to Apply: | The charity must be registered to solicit charitable contributions or otherwise exempt for the contract to be accepted. |
Contract Amendment
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Due: | An amendment filing should be made before the expiration date of a campaign in order to extend the campaign. |
Notes: | To report an extension of a campaign or another change to a campaign agreement, submit a cover letter describing the change and include a copy of the amended agreement. |
Financial Reporting
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Turnaround: | Immediately online. |
Due: | A financial accounting must be filed no later than thirty 30 days after the conclusion of the promotion if the charitable sales promotion is less than 1 year and no later than thirty 30 days after the anniversary date of the first notice of promotion filing if the promotion is greater than 1 year, and shall file a final financial accounting of the charitable sales promotion no later than thirty 30 days after the conclusion of said promotion. |
Fund-raising counsel means a person (i) who for a fixed fee or rate under a written agreement plans, manages, advises or consults with respect to the solicitation in this state of contributions by a charitable organization, (ii) who neither solicits contributions nor directly or indirectly employ, procure or engage any person compensated to solicit contributions, and (iii) who does not at any time, whether directly or indirectly, receive or have custody or control of contributions. A bona fide nontemporary salaried officer or employee of a charitable organization shall not be deemed to be a fund-raising counsel. No attorney, accountant or banker who renders professional services to a charitable organization or advises a person to make a charitable contribution during the course of rendering professional services to that person shall be deemed, as a result of the professional service or advice rendered, to be a fund-raising counsel.
Mississippi Fund-Raising Counsel Registration
Agency: | Mississippi Secretary of State |
Law: |
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $250 |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $250 |
Due: | Annually by June 30. |
Contract Filing
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Due: | All contracts entered into between fund-raising counsels and charitable organizations shall be in writing and a true and correct copy of such contract shall be filed by the fund-raising counsel who is a party thereto with the Secretary of State at least ten (10) days prior to the performance by the fund-raising counsel of any service. |
Professional fund-raiser means any person who for compensation or other consideration is retained by a charitable organization to solicit in or from this state contributions for charitable purposes directly or in the form of payment for goods, services or admission to fund-raising events, whether such solicitation is performed personally or through his agents, servants or employees or through agents, servants or employees especially employed by or for a charitable organization who are engaged in the solicitation of contributions, the sale of goods or services or the production of fundraising events under the direction of such person, or a person who plans, conducts, manages, carries on, advises or consults, whether directly or indirectly, in connection with the solicitation of contributions, sale of goods or services or the production of fundraising events for or on behalf of any charitable organization, but does not qualify as a fund-raising counsel within the meaning of Sections 79-11-501 through 79-11-529, or who engages in the business of or holds himself out as independently engaged in the
business of soliciting contributions for such purposes.
A bona fide officer or employee of a charitable organization shall not be deemed a professional fund-raiser unless his salary or other compensation is paid as a commission which is computed on the basis of funds to be raised or actually raised.
Mississippi Professional Fund-Raiser Registration
Agency: | Mississippi Secretary of State |
Law: | |
Bond Requirements: | $10,000 |
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $250 |
Before you Apply: |
|
Required Attachments: |
|
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $250 |
Due: | Annually by June 30. |
Required Attachments: |
|
Contract Filing
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Due: | All contracts entered into between professional fund-raisers and charitable organizations shall be in writing and a true and correct copy of such contract shall be filed by the professional fund-raiser who is a party thereto with the Secretary of State at least ten (10) days prior to the performance by the professional fund-raiser of any service. |
Financial Reporting
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Due: | Within 90 days after a campaign has ended and on the anniversary of commencement for campaigns lasting more than a year. |
Individual Licenses
Mississippi Individual Nonprofit & Fundraising Licenses
Professional solicitor means any person who is employed or retained for compensation by a professional fund-raiser to solicit contributions for charitable purposes from persons in this state.
Mississippi Professional Solicitor Registration
Agency: | Mississippi Secretary of State |
Law: |
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Notes: | To register, professional fundraisers must provide the names and email addresses of individuals to be registered as professional solicitors on their account. Emails containing applications and instructions will then be sent to these individuals. |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Due: | Annually by June 30. |
Notes: | To renew, professional fundraisers must provide the names and email addresses of individuals to be registered as professional solicitors on their account. Emails containing applications and instructions will then be sent to these individuals. |
