California recognizes organizations exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) as automatically exempt for California income and franchise tax purposes. But currently the Franchise Tax Board (“FTB”) doesn’t extend the same courtesy to other types of 501(c) organizations. This means that those organizations must complete a lengthy exemption application to achieve state …
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Today is #GivingTuesday
You may have seen this hashtag on your Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram newsfeeds today. What is it all about? In response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday is a movement to create a global day of giving to kick off the holiday season. New York’s 92nd Street Y was the catalyst for the movement …
Microsoft Gives Charities Free Web-Based Software
Microsoft is now making Office 365 available free of charge to eligible nonprofits. In addition, if an organization wants to intall the programs on computers in addition to having them accessible through browsers, it can also do that for a discounted price. An eligible organization is one that is recognized as charitable in its respective …
What to Ask Before You Write a Check
Do you know what to ask a charity before you make a donation? Especially with large donations, donors should undergo some level of due diligence before handing over a check. Many donors look at an organization’s website and may even review its Forms 990, but is that enough? The Wall Street Journal recently confronted this …
NO KIDDING!
The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (“TAS”) is supposed to be “Your Voice” at the IRS. National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olsen’s recent speech is definitely reflecting our voice. She called the level of IRS customer service given to taxpayers “pitiful.” Olsen attributed the poor service to inadequate funding that has forced the IRS to automate many …
How to Best Help Survivors of Typhoon Haiyan
Following the devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan, many are trying to figure out the most effective way to help. We’ll cut to the chase: it’s money. Often at times of disaster people want to donate new and used clothing, canned foods, and building supplies. Typhoon survivors need shelter, medicine, and food – NOW. They don’t …