Currently, the IRS requires 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations to be “primarily engaged” in promoting social welfare. This means social welfare organizations can spend a minority of their total expenditures on political campaign activity without losing their exemption. As these organizations are not required to publicly disclose the sources of their funds, it also means that …
Posts Categorized: IRS
To Disclose or Not to Disclose
If someone requests that your nonprofit disclose its exemption documents, must your organization comply? In general, yes. An exempt organization must make publicly available its last three annual returns and its IRS application for exemption. Note, however, that an exempt organization, other than a private foundation, does NOT need to disclose the names and addresses …
Is Your Organization Misclassifying its Workers?
If you’re not sure or if you have any questions, join CalCPA’s quarterly Nonprofit Discussion Group on July 18 from 8-10am. A panel of employment attorneys will discuss whether to classify a worker as an intern, volunteer, independent contractor, or exempt employee. This is a critical topic for all nonprofits as the IRS and Employment …
Money Back for Delayed 501(c)(4)s?
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (“TAS”) is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers having trouble dealing with the IRS. With the slogan, “Your Voice at the IRS,” it’s only natural that TAS weigh in on the IRS’ recent 501(c)(4) review troubles. While TAS doesn’t have any investigative authority, in a recent report to Congress …
The DOMA Decision Has Immediate Impact for Nonprofits
Does the Supreme Court decision overturning the key provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) have any impact on nonprofits? It does indeed. In his opinion for the Court, Justice Kennedy eloquently writes that the rights and benefits of marriage must be afforded to gay and lesbian couples who are legally married. He also writes …
Do You Forgive the IRS Yet?
In response to the 501(c)(4) “targeting” issue, the IRS has issued a report concluding that there is no evidence of intentional wrongdoing but that, among other steps taken to ensure that the situation doesn’t continue, the senior IRS staff members responsible for the determinations process have been replaced. Ostensibly to right its wrong, the IRS …