Get Ready for Machine-Readable Form 990s
There is a significant technological advance coming down the pike in connection with the IRS Form 990, the all-important information return required for many tax-exempt
Lessons in Charity Governance, Courtesy of Sweet Briar and San Diego Opera
In the spring of 2015, we followed with keen interest two developing stories about major community institutions that were suddenly threatened with immediate closure: Virginia’s
Private Museums Targeted by Senate Finance Committee
The tax-exempt status of certain high-profile private museums have become the target of an inquiry by the Senate Finance Committee. The issue is whether they
Alzheimer's Association Tries to Consolidate, But Splits Apart
Recently, the Chicago-based Alzheimer’s Association embarked on a strategic change of course to fully integrate its independent chapters nationwide into a single charitable organization. There
Charitable Gifts in Perpetuity: Not a Great Idea
Two news stories from 2015 highlight the problem of the “dead hand” reaching out from eternal slumber, squeezing the life out of needed flexibility for
New Laws, New Rules in 2016 for California Nonprofits
On New Year’s Eve, there are champagne toasts and doomed-to-failure resolutions to lose weight. At the stroke of midnight, there are also new laws on
2015 Year-End Congressional Measures Affecting Nonprofits in 2016
In a perfect world, federal tax policy would be comprehensively analyzed, thoughtfully debated, and then enacted without partisan rancor or dispute. We don’t live in
The "Trade or Business" Test: Does It Quack Like a Duck?
The hallmark of a 501(c)(3) public charity is that it receives enough support from donations or grants to make it accountable to the public good.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
From our family to yours – we wish you a very merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!
2016 Priorities for Exempt Organizations Division
It’s no secret that it’s been a tough year for the Tax-Exempt and Government Entities Division of the IRS. Actually, it’s been a difficult few
The Better Choice?: A Foundation or a Donor-Advised Fund
Although the donor-advised fund (DAF) has been around for many decades, this charitable-giving format has surged in popularity in recent years. Our recent post, “Donor-Advised Funds: An
Preferred Postal Rates: Another Perk for Nonprofits
Section 501(c)(3) organizations enjoy lots of perks; most notably, relief from the federal income tax obligation. They are also eligible for government and foundation grants.