Fundraising & Nonprofit Report

In this issue:

Identity Finder, LLC recently published an analysis of sensitive information contained within the public IRS Form 990. Using software, they determined that between 2001 and 2006, more than 18% of all nonprofit organizations, or their tax preparers, published at least one social security number on their public tax return. [Read more.]
The threshold at which tax-exempt organizations are required to file a state income tax return has been raised from $25,000 in gross income to $50,000 in gross receipts. Comment: This is certainly a step in the right direction. Nevertheless, the threshold needs to be raised even higher.
The Nonprofit Times named Wounded Warrior Project as the best nonprofit to work for in 2012. (WWP is a client of the firm and we send our congratulations).

In this issue:

Find key information about tax-exempt organizations by going to one location on the IRS site and selecting the tax-exempt organization to check its filings and status. (See IR-2012-34).
The former head of the Fiesta Bowl (a § 501(c)(3) charitable organization) has entered into a plea arrangement with federal authorities to plead guilty to a felony that involved inducing and reimbursing employees for making political contributions.
According to a report published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, most of the largest foundations in America do not expect to increase the amount of grants they will be making in 2012.

In this issue:

The IRS released its fiscal 2012 exempt organization work plan this month.... One unusual note is the indication that organizations enjoying tax exempt status under § 501(c)(4) could receive a comprehensive questionnaire to ascertain whether their status is proper.
In Florida, organizations which receive more than two-thirds of their funding from the state may soon see a salary cap in place. A senate committee has voted to proceed with such legislation.
The New Hampshire state senate has produced a bill mandating that charitable organizations domiciled in the state send at least one board member to a training session, with a heavy focus on fiscal management and ethics.

In this issue:

January 23, 2012 - Update: Our January newsletter relied on a published report that the IRA donation rule had been reinstated by Congress. The report was wrong, and this provision is no longer in effect, although many believe Congress will act soon to reinstate the ability of those 70 1/2 or older to make non taxable transfers from their IRA
The IRS's Notice 2012-4 extends the filing time for tax-exempt organizations with January and February filing due dates until March 30, 2012, as a result of the e-F file system delay and unavailability.
The Nonprofit Finance Fund is conducting its 4th annual nationwide survey. To participate, visit nonprofitfinancefund.org/2012survey by 2/15/2012.

In this issue:

Congress has passed H.R. 674, which provides tax credit for hiring veterans. The IRS has made it clear that the opportunity to obtain the tax credit for hiring a veteran extends to and includes tax-exempt organizations.
The District of Columbia’s new nonprofit law goes into effect on January 1, 2012. Tax-exempt organizations domiciled in the D.C. area would be well advised to review their articles of incorporation and bylaws as to ensure compliance. (If you need guidance concerning the new nonprofit law, please feel free to contact us).
The Detroit Free Press reported that many people stuck with homes they cannot use, sell or maintain are now trying to unload them by making gifts to charitable organizations. As a result of the volume of offers, charities are developing stricter guidelines for acceptance.

In this issue:

State wide nonprofit association formed in West Virginia.
Dayton Daily News reports that donations by Ohio residents earning $200,000 or more fell 37.3% in 2009 compared to 2008
In New Hampshire, the new director of the Register of Charitable Trusts is Anthony Blenkinsop.
The House Committee on Government Oversight and Government Reform has taken another shot at eliminating the discounted nonprofit standard mail rate.

In this issue:

The USPS has filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission regarding its plan to increase rates by an average of 2.133%, effective January 27, 2012.
The Arizona Republican investigated the claim concerning college football bowl games, which have long touted their charitable activities as tax-exempt § 501(c)(3)s.
The Boston Globe reported that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has decided to remain a charity, even in the wake of the public outcry over the $11 million payout to the former chief executive of the nonprofit organization.

In this issue:

IRS - Final regulations have been issued by the Department of Treasury to implement the redesigned From 990.
IRS addresses misclassification of workers.
Nonprofit postage rate may be in jeopardy.

In this issue:

FCC adopts rules for implementing Truth in Caller ID Act
Maine - HB 1145 has been signed into law.
New York - A new task force is being formed by the Governor to investigate salaries and other compensation of nonprofit agencies that receive state funds.
The Model Protection of Charitable Assets Act was approved by the Uniform Law Commission on July 13, 2011 at their annual meeting.

In this issue:

The IRS has dropped its attempt to have major donors to § 501(c)(4) organizations pay gift taxes.
In New Jersey, the Division of Consumer Affairs has issued a "pre-proposal" for a new point-of-solicitation disclosure for charities that raise more than $250,000 in which their appeals enumerate more than one program sought to be funded. UPDATE 8/3/2011: Errol Copilevitz submitted comments to Thomas Calcagi, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. You can read the letter, including a list of the companies and organizations who reviewed and are deemed to have co-signed the letter. Download letter.

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