Based on legislation passed in 2015, the IRS has implemented new requirements for new entities planning to operate as 501(c)4 organizations. These organizations are now required to file a notice of intent to operate as a 501(c)4. You’re only required to file the notice once using Form 8976. The
Read more →Archive for the Non-Profit Commentary Category
In continuing its efforts to better serve the needs of small non-profits (previously discussed here), the IRS has decreased application filing fees for the smallest organizations. In the past, many small non-profits that might otherwise have qualified for an exemption under 501(c)3 chose not to apply for the exemption, determining
Read more →The IRS has announced that, effective February 29, 2016, exempt organizations that required to file Form 990-N will do so through the IRS website – IRS.gov . This form can only be filed online – mailing a paper alternative is not an option. Until now, Form-990 was filed
Read more →IRS efforts to accelerate review of tax exempt applications appear to be paying off. One recent report suggests the backlog, which once exceeded 60,000 pending applications, is now current. At one time, it was not unusual for an organization to wait nearly a year before receiving any inquiries
Read more →Any tax exempt organizations (e.g., 501(c)(3) nonprofits) that file their annual form 990, 990-N, or 990-EZ online should pay special attention to this security alert issued by the Urban Institute’s National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS). According to the alert: “an unauthorized party or parties have gained access to the Form 990
Read more →Many non-profits are formed for charitable purposes in other countries – disaster relief, preserving native eco-systems, supporting refugees, etc. There is nothing questionable about wanting to make the world a better place, even when that part of the world is far away. However, because there are so many
Read more →Earlier this month, the IRS issued revised procedures for several important matters affecting exempt organizations (including those commonly referred to nonprofits). In particular, some of these revisions address the new streamlined application for tax exempt status. Qualifying organizations may be able to save themselves considerable time and expenses
Read more →Congress is currently considering extending three important charitable giving incentives that have expired. These incentives address donations related to (i) IRA rollovers, (ii) food inventories, and (iii) land conservation easements. Federal law promotes a policy encouraging individuals to support charitable organization by allowing itemized deductions for contributions.
Read more →On February 20th, I’ll be presenting a workshop covering the ins and outs of launching and running a nonprofit organization in New York. New York state recently passed a slew of very important changes that will be affecting both existing nonprofits that should be taking steps to
Read more →I was delighted to be invited back to the New School again this year to give a guest lecture on Thursday, September 27. The topic was the legal structures that are available to social enterprises. Social enterprises, operated by social entrepreneurs, are business entities that are formed
Read more →The IRS is holding a free phone forum (aka teleconference) entitled “Charities and their Volunteers”. Most charities rely substantially on volunteer labor; some are operated by volunteers exclusively. This session will cover that various tax rules that are involved in when volunteers are used and how to
Read more →A hearty congratulations to client Community Food Pantry of Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown. The Pantry will be honored with a prestigious award tomorrow morning at a ceremony hosted by Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill. The Food Bank for Westchester will be presenting the Michal Winter Memorial Award for Agency Excellence to the
Read more →For many tax exempt organizations, May 15th is the deadline for making your annual filing to the IRS in order to maintain your tax exempt status. Read on to learn if this is deadline for your organization and which version of Form 990 you should use. Annual
Read more →While I’m frequently involved in the nuts-to-bolts tasks of organizing non-profits, my exposure to their fundraising activities is often indirect – compliance concerns, attending events, celebrating the award of a grant, or strategic planning when a grant is denied. For a long time, I’ve wanted to gain
Read more →Many organization find that achieving tax exempt status is the most significant obstacle to overcome in getting established. Beyond the effect on tax filing requirements, the classification makes organizations eligible for a range of funding unavailable to non-exempt organizations, including being eligible for tax-deductible donations. While exemption
Read more →I was asked if a private school in NYC could digitize its large collection of VHS content onto DVD. Like much of the world, the school had long stopped investing in VHS in favor of more contemporary DVD technology. Now, it’s hoping that it can continue using
Read more →A client recently asked whether their 501(c)(3) application qualified for expedited review by the IRS. The IRS will only accelerate the review process in very limited circumstances. For example : Funding: If you are an existing organization that has been promised a grant or donation that is contingent
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INSIGHT: Decoding your exemption letter: 501(c)(3) exemption and public charity status
I frequently get questions about decoding a non-profit’s tax-exempt status because the determination letter they’ve received from the IRS has a section at the top that lists “Public Charity Status” as 509(a)…, 170(b)…, or similar, and not the anticipated 501(c)3. A closer look at the first line of the exemption