Very weak broad policy environment: Washington ranks 47th in the Broad Policy Environment, with restrictive licensing rules, an unfavorable tax climate, and below-average economic freedom.
Heavy administrative and fee burdens: The state requires registration and annual renewal, annual audits, high fees and extensive reporting requirements, contributing to its 34th-place ranking in Nonprofit Freedom.
Poor donor and asset protections: Washington ranks 48th in Donor Confidence, offering no donor privacy protections, no donor standing, no general sales tax exemption, very weak UPMIFA safeguards, and no support for DAFs, leaving charitable assets and donor intent with limited protection.
Detailed Scorecard
1. Broad Policy Environment
1A. Occupational Freedom (rescaled 0 to 10)
1.83
1B. Tax Competitiveness (rescaled 0 to 10)
2.03
1C. EFNA (0 to 10)
6.34
2. Nonprofit Freedom
2A. Charitable Startup Regulations
Requires charitable registration?
Yes
Top Registration Fee
$60.00
Minimum Registration Fee
$60.00
Top Incorporation Fee
$80.00
Minimum Incorporation Fee
$40.00
2B. Charitable Reporting Regulations
Requires Annual Report?
Yes
Top Annual Fee
$60.00
Minimum Annual Fee
$20.00
Requires Additional Corporate Filings
Yes
Other Fees
$60.00
Tiered Fee Structure
Yes
Overlapping Regulators
Yes
2C. Paid Solicitor Requirements
Commercial Fundraisers Must Register with the State
Yes
Paid Solicitor Registration Fee
$300.00
Paid Solicitor Renewal Fee
$225.00
Surety Bond for Professional Fundraisers
$25,000.00
Are 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
Yes
Must File Contracts Between Charities and Commercial Fundraisers
Contracts required but not filed with state
Individual Solicitors Employed by Professional Fundraisers Must Register Separately?