Free Wisconsin Form in PDF

Guidelines on Utilizing Wisconsin

When the time comes to share your charitable organization's impact over the past year with the State of Wisconsin, completing the annual financial report accurately is essential. This document not only helps maintain your organization's good standing but also provides transparency to donors, stakeholders, and the public. Below are detailed steps on how to navigate through the Wisconsin Form #1952I, ensuring your organization's annual financial revelations are thoroughly and correctly presented.

1. Start with the ORGANIZATION INFORMATION - SECTION A. Fill in:
   • The legal name of your charitable organization.
   • Any trade names or DBA (Doing Business As) names.
   • Your Wisconsin Charitable Organization Number.
   • The Federal Employer Identification Number.
   • Contact information of the individual who can be contacted about this form, including name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address.
   • Indicate whether your organization used a professional fundraiser, funds-raising counsel during the fiscal year in Wisconsin, and provide their contact information if applicable.
   • Check Yes or No if any previously submitted information has changed and attach explanations and amended documents if necessary.
2. Proceed to FINANCIAL INFORMATION - SECTION B. Input:
   • The organization’s fiscal year-end date.
   • Detailed amounts for contributions, other revenues, total revenue, and expenses allocated to various categories like program services, management and general, fund-raising, payments to affiliates, and total expenses.
   • Calculate and enter the excess or deficit, net assets at the beginning and end of the year, and other changes in net assets or fund balances.
3. Under ATTACHMENTS, tick the boxes next to the required items. Ensure to attach:
   • A list of all officers, directors, trustees, and principal salaried employees, including their name, address, and title.
   • A list of states that have issued a license, registration, permit, or other formal authorization to the organization to solicit contributions – if this isn't included in the IRS 990 form.
   • Your organization’s IRS Form #990, 990EZ, or 990-PF excluding Schedule B.
   • Depending on your organization's received contributions:
     • Audited Financial Statements for contributions in excess of $500,000.
     • Reviewed Financial Statements for contributions more than $300,000 but not exceeding $500,000.
     • Or, apply for a waiver if applicable and provide supporting documentation.
4. Lastly, choose the submission method that works best for your organization:
   • Email the complete form and attachments to DFICharitableOrgs@wi.gov.
   • Or mail them to: WDFI/Charitable Orgs PO Box 7879 Madison, WI 53707-7879.
   Remember, stapling your documents is not allowed.

Once these steps are followed thoroughly, rest assured that your charitable organization's annual financial reporting requirements for Wisconsin are fulfilled. This process, while detailed, helps ensure the continued trust and generosity of your supporters and compliance with state regulations.

Who needs to file Form #1952 in Wisconsin?

Charitable organizations registered to solicit contributions in Wisconsin are required to file an annual report using Form #1952. This requirement applies to those organizations that file an IRS 990, 990EZ, or 990-PF. Organizations filing an IRS Form 990-N are excluded and must use Form #1943 or Form #308 instead.

What is the submission deadline for the annual financial report?

The annual financial report must be submitted to the Division of Corporate and Consumer Services within 12 months following the end of the organization’s fiscal year.

What documents should be included with Form #1952?

Submissions should include Form 1952 WISCONSIN – Supplement to Financial Report, relevant IRS forms excluding Schedule B, a comprehensive list of the organization’s board members, and a list of states where the organization is authorized to solicit contributions. If applicable based on contributions received, audited or reviewed financial statements prepared according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles should also be included.

How can Form #1952 be filed?

Form #1952 can be filed via email at DFICharitableOrgs@wi.gov, through mail to the provided PO Box address in Madison, WI, by phone, or by fax. It's essential to choose the method most convenient and reliable for the organization to ensure timely compliance.

Are audited financial statements always required for filing?

Audited financial statements are mandatory for organizations that have received $500,000 or more in contributions during the fiscal year. For those receiving between $300,000 and $499,999, a reviewed or audited financial statement is needed. Waivers for these requirements may be available under certain conditions.

What should be done if organization information previously submitted has changed?

Any changes to the organization's information previously submitted must be reported along with the annual filing. This includes modifications to the organization's name, address, officers, or by-laws. An explanation of the changes and copies of amended documents should be attached to the filing.

Is it necessary to include a list of all officers and directors with the annual report?

Yes, including a list of all officers, directors, trustees, and principal salaried employees with their respective titles, addresses, and contact information is required. This requirement is part of ensuring transparency and accountability in the operation of charitable organizations.

When filling out the Wisconsin Form #1952, charitable organizations often encounter several common mistakes. These errors can delay the processing of the form, affect the organization's compliance status, and potentially lead to penalties. Understanding these mistakes is crucial for ensuring the accurate and timely submission of the form.

One of the frequent mistakes is not including all required attachments. This form necessitates a variety of documents, such as the IRS 990, 990EZ, or 990-PF (excluding Schedule B), a full list of the organization’s board of directors, officers, and trustees, and financial statements, depending on the contributions received. Failing to include any of these can result in an incomplete submission.

Another common issue is using the wrong form. Organizations that file an IRS Form 990-N are not eligible to use Form #1952 and must opt for Form #1943 or Form #308 instead. Overlooking this requirement can lead to the rejection of the submission.

The omission of updated information represents a further mistake. Organizations occasionally neglect to report changes in their previously submitted information, such as amendments in the organization's name, address, or board of directors. It's important to attach an explanation and a copy of the amended document if there have been any changes.

In addition to these errors, many organizations staple the documents despite the instructions explicitly stating not to do so. This seemingly small oversight can cause logistical issues for the Department of Financial Institutions – Division of Corporate and Consumer Services.

Improper listing of officers, directors, trustees, and principal salaried employees is yet another frequent mistake. The form requires detailed information, including names, addresses, and titles, which is sometimes incompletely filled. If this information is already included in an attached IRS 990, noting that can help avoid redundancy.

Lastly, incorrect financial reporting is a common pitfall. The financial information section requires accurate data about contributions, other revenues, expenses, and net assets. Misreporting these figures not only jeopardizes the organization's compliance but can also affect its financial transparency.

Correcting these mistakes before submission can significantly streamline the filing process:

1. Ensure all required attachments are included.
2. Use the appropriate form based on the IRS filing status.
3. Report any updates or changes in organizational information.
4. Avoid stapling documents.
5. Provide complete and accurate lists of key individuals associated with the organization.
6. Accurately report all financial information.

Filing financial reports and registering charitable organizations in Wisconsin is a critical process involving several documents besides Form #1952. Understanding these documents ensures compliance and smooth operation for organizations aiming to make a positive impact. Let's explore other necessary documents and their purposes.

• Form #1943 or Form #308: These forms are alternatives to Form #1952 for charitable organizations that file an IRS Form 990-N. They cater to different sizes and types of organizations, ensuring that all entities can comply with state regulations.
• IRS Form 990, 990EZ, or 990-PF: These forms are required by the IRS for tax-exempt organizations to report their annual financial information. The specific form used depends on the organization's size and type of activities.
• Amended Documents: If any information previously submitted to the Division has changed, organizations must attach an explanation and a copy of the amended document, ensuring that records are current and accurate.
• Audited Financial Statement: This is mandatory for organizations receiving $500,000 or more in contributions during their fiscal year. It provides a comprehensive overview of financial health and operations.
• Reviewed Financial Statement: Required for organizations receiving between $300,000 and $499,999 in contributions, this statement is a less comprehensive version of an audit but still offers valuable financial insights.
• List of Board of Directors, Officers, and Trustees: This list includes names, addresses, and titles, providing transparency about who is in charge of the organization.
• List of States with Authorization to Solicit: Organizations must include a list of states where they have been granted permission to solicit contributions, demonstrating compliance across jurisdictions.
• Professional Fund-Raiser or Fund-Raising Counsel Information: For organizations that employ these services, contact information for each entity must be included, ensuring accountability in fundraising activities.

Completing and submitting the Wisconsin Form along with these associated documents is essential for charitable organizations. By adhering to these requirements, organizations not only comply with legal obligations but also build trust with donors, beneficiaries, and the general public. Proper documentation fosters transparency and accountability, laying the groundwork for successful operations and contributions to the community.

The Wisconsin form, with its comprehensive approach to gathering financial and operational information from charitable organizations, bears a resemblance to the IRS Form 990. Like the Wisconsin form, the IRS Form 100 demands detailed disclosures about an organization's financial activities, board of directors, and administrative expenditures. Both forms serve a regulatory function intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of charitable funds, detailing expenses, revenues, and net assets to provide a clear picture of an organization's financial health and operational focus.

Similarly, the California Form RRF-1 Annual Registration Renewal Fee Report shares objectives with the Wisconsin form, requiring charitable organizations to submit financial information and maintain their registration status. Both documents necessitate disclosure of revenue, including income sources and amounts, to a governmental oversight body. By mandating the submission of financial statements, lists of officers or directors, and other relevant documents, these forms help to guarantee that organizations operate in compliance with state regulations, reinforcing their commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Another related document is the New York CHAR500 Annual Filing for Charitable Organizations form. This form, akin to the Wisconsin requirement, calls for charitable organizations to submit a comprehensive report that includes financial statements, list of current officers and directors, and a breakdown of fundraising and operational expenses. The focus on providing detailed financial and operational information aims to ensure transparency and accountability among nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of governance and the ethical use of donations in advancing their missions.

Finally, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Charitable Organizations Financial Statement is analogous to Wisconsin's form in its pursuit to monitor the financial practices of nonprofits. Similar to the Wisconsin form, it requires detailed financial reporting, including a breakdown of revenue sources, operational expenses, and the impact of fundraising efforts. Both aim to protect the public's interest by ensuring that charitable contributions are used efficiently, furthering the organization's purpose and maintaining public trust in charitable works.

When it comes to filling out the Wisconsin Form #1952 for charitable organizations, it's crucial to pay attention to detail and follow the instructions carefully. Here are seven dos and don'ts to help guide you through the process:

• Do ensure that you're eligible to use Form #1952. This form is designated for organizations that file an IRS 990, 990EZ, or 990-PF. If your organization files an IRS Form 990-N, you'll need to use a different form.
• Don't staple any part of your submission. This can cause issues with processing and might delay the review of your documents.
• Do include the necessary attachments as outlined in the form instructions—specifically, a complete Form #1952 Wisconsin Supplement to Financial Report, your IRS form plus all schedules (except Schedule B), and a full list of board directors, officers, and trustees with their contact information.
• Don't forget to list any states that have issued your organization a license, registration, permit, or other formal authorization to solicit contributions. This information is crucial and must be included unless it's already part of the IRS 990 documentation you're attaching.
• Do include audited financial statements if your organization received $500,000 or more in contributions during its fiscal year. If your contributions were between $300,000 and $499,999, include reviewed or audited financial statements according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Don't leave out contact information for any professional fund-raisers or fundraising counsel your organization worked with during the fiscal year. If they had custody of contributions at any time, this needs to be clearly indicated.
• Do update any changes in your organization's information promptly. If there have been changes to the name of the organization, address of the principal office, address of any Wisconsin branch offices, accounting period, articles, or by-laws, attach an explanation and a copy of the amended document.

Filling out the Wisconsin Form #1952 correctly and completely is vital for compliance and to ensure the continued success of your charitable activities in Wisconsin. Paying attention to these dos and don'ts will help streamline the process.

Understanding the nuances of the Wisconsin Form #1952 and its requirements can sometimes lead to misconceptions. Here are seven common myths clarified to provide accurate insights into the form's actual stipulations:

• Only Wisconsin-based charities need to file: In truth, any charitable organization that is registered to solicit contributions within Wisconsin, regardless of where it is based, is required to file the annual report using Form #1952.
• Form #1952 is optional if you file an IRS Form 990: This is incorrect. Charitable organizations that file an IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF as part of their federal requirements must also complete Form #1952 for their Wisconsin filings.
• All attachments are mandatory for all organizations: While certain documents are required, such as a list of the organization’s board of directors, officers, trustees, and a list of states where the organization is authorized to solicit contributions, the need for audited or reviewed financial statements is contingent upon the contributions received during the fiscal year.
• Stapling documents is recommended for organization: The specific instruction on the form is to not staple any part of the submission. This is to facilitate easier handling and processing of the documents by the Department of Financial Institutions.
• Schedule B must always be attached with IRS Form 990 submissions: Schedule B of the IRS Form 990, which includes information about donors, is expressly not required when submitting Form #1952 to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
• Electronic submissions are not accepted: Contrary to this belief, the form and accompanying documents can indeed be submitted via email, as provided on the form, offering a convenient option for electronic filing.
• There is no flexibility in financial statement requirements: Organizations that receive contributions within specific ranges have options. Those receiving $500,000 or more in contributions require an audited financial statement, while those receiving between $300,000 and $499,999 can submit reviewed financial statements. Moreover, waivers for these requirements may be available under certain conditions, offering some flexibility.

Challenging these misconceptions requires an understanding of the specific instructions and requirements outlined in the form and the associated statutory provisions. Attention to these details ensures that charitable organizations are in compliance with Wisconsin's statutory requirements while also optimizing their reporting and filing processes.