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.
Outside Fundraising Help: Part III – "Fundraising Counsel"
It’s that time of year again. You’re busy with holiday preparations and celebrations and, if you’re a key member of a nonprofit’s team, you’re
Before you ask for that year-end charitable donation…
It’s the joyous season of goodwill, good deeds and generosity. Just ahead of the December 31st deadline for tax-deductible contributions, your 501(c)(3) charity is no
Action Urged on Proposed Regulation for Substantiating Charitable Donations
The Internal Revenue Service has been tinkering around with the rules about substantiating charitable donations of more than $250. The agency wants to know what
Donor-Advised Funds: An Alternative for High-Net-Worth Philanthropists
“High-net-worth folks,” we explained in an earlier post about family foundations, “have lots of choices about what to do with their money – including how
The Private Foundation: It's Not the Founder's Money Anymore
High-net-worth folks have lots of choices about what to do with their money – including how to give it away. Many give outright, unrestricted contributions