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The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

Did you know that as of January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act enacted by Congress requires many companies to report beneficial ownership information to the US Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)? Beneficial ownership information (BOI), as defined by FinCEN, is identifying information about the individuals who directly or indirectly own or control a company. Please review the BOI links on our website to see if you are required to report to FinCEN.

Professional Fundraisers and Solicitors

Professional fundraisers are governed by the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act found in S.C. Code of Laws Title 33, Chapter 56. All professional fundraisers which intend to assist charitable organizations in the solicitation of contributions must register with the Secretary of State’s Office on an annual basis. 

Professional fundraisers can fall under three specific types:

  1. Professional solicitor: defined in §33-56-20(9) of the Act.
  2. Professional fundraising counsel: defined in §33-56-20(8) of the Act.
  3. Commercial co-venturer: defined in §33-56-20(3) of the Act.

Non-compliance with the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, including but not limited to failure to submit all forms and documents in a timely manner, will result in the assessment of administrative fines. The Secretary of State may, upon his own motion or the complaint of any person, investigate professional fundraisers.

All documents and correspondence should be mailed to:
SC Secretary of State's Office
Attn: Charities Division
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525 
Columbia, SC 29201
charities@sos.sc.gov
Telephone inquiries may be directed to (803) 734-1790