Has your nonprofit organization ever considered lobbying activities? An organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) will lose its tax-exempt status and its qualification to receive deductible charitable contributions if a substantial part of its activities are carried on to influence legislation.

However, there are circumstances where lobbying is allowed for certain eligible 501(c)(3)s. Read the rest of this entry »

Final regulations that were adopted in 2007 take effect on January 1, 2009, for most tax-exempt organizations. 

What changed? How is your T-E organization affected?

The final regulations require all 403(b) providers, including churches, to have a plan document in place no later than 12/31/08. Failure to adopt a written plan before 1/1/09 will render all subsequent contributions to the plan to be fully taxable. The plan document must address several issues, including: Read the rest of this entry »

In this down-turned economy, all business entities are looking to enhance or supplement their current revenue sources, and not-for-profit organizations (NPO’s) are no exception.  Because a number of charitable organizations are exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the revenue generated by these organizations must be in accordance with its stated mission in order to be tax-exempt. Go back and review the organization’s Form 1023 and the IRS determination letter and verify “why” your organization is exempt from taxation. 

So what if an opportunity presents itself to increase your bottom line that may not fit your mission? Does that mean as a NPO you can not take advantage of this opportunity?  Not necessarily.  The income can be earned, but depending on its source, it may be considered unrelated business income. If the revenue is unrelated, then net income in excess of $1,000 is subject to the excise tax.

What types of property or transactions are specifically exempt or subject to being taxed? Continue reading…

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