State guides · Wisconsin
How to register (and renew) a charity in Wisconsin
Wisconsin charitable solicitation registration is handled by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Charitable Organizations. Here is how the filing works, from the state’s own forms and instructions.
- Agency
- Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Charitable Organizations
- Forms
- Form 296 to register, then an online renewal (June 1 to July 31) and an annual financial report.
- How you file
- Renewals are online only. The initial registration and the financial report go by mail.
- Who signs
- The financial report is signed by the chief financial officer and another officer, and electronic signatures are accepted. The renewal itself has no signature.
- What to attach
- A certificate of good standing, charter, bylaws and IRS determination letter, plus Forms 1952, 308 and 1943 as they apply.
- State fee
- $15 to register, $54 to renew.
- Deadline
- Renew between June 1 and July 31 (credentials expire September 30). The financial report is due within 12 months after your fiscal year ends.
- Audit or review
- An audit above $1 million; a review above $500,000.
- If you file late
- $25.
Sources
Researched October 2026 from the agency’s forms, instructions and statutes. Fees and deadlines change; we confirm the current rules each time we file. This page describes how the filing works and is not advice on whether your organization must register.
We can file this for you
We can prepare and file your Wisconsin registration and renewals for $95 a year, plus the state fee at cost. This is covered by the one batch of officer signatures we collect from you each year.