Michael Cecere, CPA, MST, Partner and in charge of Non-Profit and Employee Benefit Plan Audits Practice Groups.
The tax-exempt status of a 501(c)(3) organization is its lifeblood. Without it, most not-for-profits couldn’t obtain the financial and other support they need to fulfill their mission. That’s why you need to protect your exempt status at all costs. 6 Violations Following is a brief overview of six common ways nonprofits’ tax-exempt status can be jeopardized […]
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Your not-for-profit organization is probably assisted by volunteers who aren’t financially compensated. But your staff — including executives — are almost certainly paid a commensurate salary and benefits for their work. Compensation issues are always tricky, but they’re made more so by tax and legal requirements for nonprofits. Setting executive pay is particularly fraught because if
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If your not-for-profit focuses most of its fundraising energy on donors who can contribute to your mission and programs now, you may have neglected legacy gifts. Such gifts represent a portion of wealthy donors’ estates that go to your organization on their death. Legacy gifts can help position your nonprofit for sustained growth well into the
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Does your not-for-profit need to replace a departing board director — or add directors to better handle your growing organization’s governance work? Choose carefully, because although a well-qualified, enthusiastic board addition can help infuse the group with energy and fresh ideas, an unqualified one can create conflict and other problems. Here’s how a nonprofit board should
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If your organization has met the IRS qualifications to be considered tax-exempt, the income you receive — such as donor contributions — is exempt from federal income tax. However, it’s still possible for not-for-profits to follow the rules and experience adverse tax consequences. Here are five potential tax traps that could catch you off guard. 1.
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If your not-for-profit organization operates on a calendar-year tax basis, the deadline for filing your year-end Form 990 (Form 990 EZ for certain small organizations) is May 15. Besides filing on time, you must ensure the information provided on your form is accurate. Pay particular attention to the following eight issues that commonly trip up nonprofits:
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The 403(b) plan is often thought of as a 401(k) plan for nonprofits. It’s probably not the only option for your not-for-profit, but it can provide certain advantages over 401(k)s. Following is a brief rundown. Generous Contribution Limits A 403(b) plan is a tax-favored qualified retirement plan set up for employees of not-for-profit organizations, including charities,
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Revenue generated by 501(c)(3) organizations is generally exempt from federal income tax. But in some cases, your not-for-profit may incur unrelated business income tax (UBIT) on revenue. The good news is your annual tax return may offer some relief in the form of deductions. The list isn’t as long as the “ordinary and necessary business expenses”
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Traditionally, 403(b) plans have been the qualified retirement plan of choice for not-for-profits. These plans were established for the exclusive benefit of tax-exempt organizations. However, nonprofits now have other options as well. Even if you continue to prefer a 403(b) plan, as many nonprofits still do, it pays to review and weigh the benefits of other
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Suppose the founder or long-time executive director of your not-for-profit organization is scaling back on her workload and making plans to retire. What will her departure mean for your organization? If your nonprofit has a well-crafted succession plan, it’s likely to survive any leadership transition. But if you don’t have a plan, your organization could endure
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