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IRS to Watch US Nonprofits With Overseas Activity

March 1, 2012 Posted by The Law Firm for Non-Profits, P.C. in IRS, News

Yesterday we blogged about the release of the IRS Exempt Organizations Unit’s 2012 Work Plan. Specifically, we posted on the plan’s focus on organization’s with unrelated business income. Today we explore a second focus – overseas activity by U.S. nonprofits.

In the plan, the IRS announced that it will be watching nonprofits operating overseas. The intent of this oversight is to ensure that organizations are acting in accordance with their charitable purposes. Of particular concern to the IRS are private foundations that have international activities with assets or total annual revenue greater than $500 million.

In addition, the IRS will carefully scrutinize organizations with foreign bank accounts to make sure they keep adequate books and records, maintain proper discretion and control over funds, fulfill filing requirements, and further their tax-exempt purposes.

Later this year, the IRS plans to release two new publications concerning foreign and domestic charities involved with overseas activities. We will keep readers of this blog apprised of when they are available.

In the meantime, with our years of experience assisting U.S. charities in their overseas endeavors, call us to help address these issues for your nonprofit.

NOTE: The information contained herein is not intended to be legal advice and the reader should know that no Attorney-Client relationship or privilege is formed by the posting or reading of this article which is also not intended to solicit business.

Casey Summar, Partner, The Law Firm for Non-Profits, 4705 Laurel Canyon Blvd, #306, Studio City, CA 91607

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