Strong overall policy environment: Missouri ranks 3rd in the Broad Policy Environment, supported by limited occupational licensing requirements, moderately strong tax competitiveness, and middling economic freedom.
High nonprofit freedom: The state ranks 13th in Nonprofit Freedom, reflecting moderate filing obligations and moderate compliance requirements for nonprofits and paid solicitors. It also has no audit requirement.
Solid donor confidence: Missouri ranks 9th in this category, offering donor privacy protections, generally deductible contributions, a DAF-friendly environment and a predictable regulatory structure.
Registration and renewal requirements: Charities must register and renew annually, and file annual reports. The state also imposes a number of requirements on paid solicitors.
Limited legal protections for charitable assets: Missouri provides no donor standing and only weak UPMIFA safeguards, reducing protection for restricted gifts and endowments.
Mixed history on donor protections: While Missouri provides donor privacy protections, the state legislature has introduced donor disclosure laws in recent years.
Detailed Scorecard
1. Broad Policy Environment
1A. Occupational Freedom (rescaled 0 to 10)
9.83
1B. Tax Competitiveness (rescaled 0 to 10)
4.76
1C. EFNA (0 to 10)
6.81
2. Nonprofit Freedom
2A. Charitable Startup Regulations
Requires charitable registration?
Yes
Top Registration Fee
$0.00
Minimum Registration Fee
$0.00
Top Incorporation Fee
$25.00
Minimum Incorporation Fee
$25.00
2B. Charitable Reporting Regulations
Requires Annual Report?
Yes
Top Annual Fee
$15.00
Minimum Annual Fee
$15.00
Requires Additional Corporate Filings
Yes
Other Fees
$10.00
Tiered Fee Structure
No
Overlapping Regulators
No
2C. Paid Solicitor Requirements
Commercial Fundraisers Must Register with the State
Yes
Paid Solicitor Registration Fee
$50.00
Paid Solicitor Renewal Fee
$50.00
Surety Bond for Professional Fundraisers
$0.00
Must Paid Solicitors Required to Report to the State in Order to Start Fundraising?
Yes
Fundraising Consultant Registration Required
No
Annual Financial Reporting by Commercial Fundraisers Required
No
Must File Contracts Between Charities and Commercial Fundraisers
Yes
Individual solicitors employed by professional fundraisers must register separately?