Wisconsin Nonprofits State Tax Overview

- Updated April 21, 2023 - 8.00 AM - Admin, ExpressTaxExempt

Read through this page to explore everything related to the State of Wisconsin's registration and reinstatement process of charity organizations.

To offer a comprehensive understanding, we have listed the filing methods the Wisconsin state accepts, details of the form to file, how an organization can extend its filing deadline, the penalty imposed, and other links to important resources.

1. Wisconsin Nonprofits Registration and Renewal Statement

Wisconsin Nonprofits Registration Statement (Form #296)

If a charitable organization wants to donate contributions in Wisconsin on its behalf or to receive contributions in Wisconsin, it should use Form #296 to apply for a charitable organization credential in Wisconsin. There are 12 reasons that exempts a charitable organization from registration. The organization must meet one of the 12 reasons listed for it to avoid registration with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. An organization has to complete the Charitable Organization Registration Statement (Form #296) to register.

Form: Form #296, Charitable Organization Registration Statement

Filing Fee: $15

Submit completed forms using one of the following options:

E-mail: [email protected]

Mailing Address

Mailing Address:

WI Department of Financial Institutions
PO Box 7879
Madison, WI 53707-7879
Fax: (608) 267-6813

Wisconsin Nonprofits Registration Renewal Statement

The deadline for a charitable organization to renew its registration and pay its renewal fees is on or before July 31st of each year. Login to renew your registration.

Charitable Organization Renewal Fees: $54

Due Date: On or before July 31st

Late Fee: $25

2. Annual Report Instructions for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Every charitable organization that has to register in Wisconsin must file an annual report. There are three different reporting forms to file your annual report. You must select the form that meets the needs of your organization.

The three different forms are:

Form #1943 – Affidavit in Lieu of Annual Financial Report

You should use this form to file your annual report if your organization has received contributions of $25,000 or less during the fiscal year. You should also file this form if your organization has solicited only in the county in which it is located and received contributions less than $50,000 during its most recently completed fiscal year.

Form #308 – Charitable Organization Annual Report

A copy of the Federal 990 is not required to submit this form. But the required additional schedules must be attached to the form.

Form #1952 – Wisconsin Supplement to Financial Report

This is the most commonly used form and is also shorter than Form #308. This form is the most similar of all the three forms to the first page of the Federal 990. A Federal 990 must be submitted with this form.

Due Date to file Annual Report to the State of Wisconsin

All registered charitable organizations must submit an annual report or an affidavit in lieu of the annual report to the division within 12 months after the end of their fiscal year.

Filing fee: $10

Filing Method: Postal Mail

Mailing Address

Mail To:

Wisconsin Secretary of State
Division of Corporate and Consumer Services
Corporations Bureau
PO Box 7846
Madison, WI 53707-7846

E-File Form 990-N (e-Postcard), 990-EZ, 990, 990-PF, 1120-POL, 8868
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