July 1, 2024

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is reminding all charitable organizations in our state of some favorable updates to the Charitable Solicitations Act that will benefit these entities — starting today.

Notably, the reduced $10 filing fee for all charitable organizations remains in place for the fourth consecutive year. Charitable filing fees typically range from $50 to $240.

“Tennesseans generously give to their favorite charitable organization, and they expect their donation to support these entities by strengthening the services they provide to citizens and communities,” said Secretary Hargett. “We are grateful to Sen. Art Swann, Rep. Jake McCalmon, and the General Assembly for their continued support and trust in forgoing the nearly $2 million in fees once again to help strengthen the outreach of these impactful organizations.”

Tennessee is home to more than 15,000 charitable organizations. In addition to the fee reduction, the Charitable Solicitations Act clarifies parameters on how charities are defined within state law to now include any entity determined to be tax-exempt. Other updates include provisions that provide enhanced transparency as to how funds were raised and spent by charitable organizations. The updated law also improves the accuracy of reporting through an enhanced certification process to ensure all information submitted by a charitable organization is true and correct.

The Act also places restrictions on any organization or professional fundraiser from operating while under investigation, and it strengthens disclosure requirements on individuals or entities that place or maintain donation bins in Tennessee. 

The Charitable Solicitations Act was passed with unanimous support in both the Senate and House in 2024. Additional information about Public Chapter 533 can be found by clicking here.

For more information about the Secretary of State’s Division of Business and Charitable Organizations, visit sos.tn.gov/charities.

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