Tuesday, February 28, 2006

cantonrep.com-"Charity-lemon mill squeezed

cantonrep.com: "Charity-lemon mill squeezed
Sunday, February 26, 2006
By Ralph Vartabedian Los Angeles Times

Got a used lemon to unload? For years, the federal government allowed owners of rundown vehicles to donate them to a charity and then declare them as tax write-offs — often based on unrealistically high values — and saddling many low-income buyers with defective cars while cheating the IRS on taxes.

After growing abuse of this little-understood system, Congress last year enacted legislation to stop the tax abuse and force major reforms in the nonprofit sector. The new rules apply beginning with last year’s donations filed on this year’s tax returns."

Friday, February 24, 2006

IRS Reports on Political Activity Compliance Initiative

IRS Reports on Political Activity Compliance Initiative: "RS Reports on Political Activity Compliance Initiative


Internal Revenue Service officials have released a report, with executive summary, on the agency's examination of political activity by tax-exempt organizations during the 2004 election campaign. The report found some level of prohibited political activity by section 501(c)(3) organizations in nearly three-quarters of the cases reviewed.

In connection with the report, the IRS is also unveiling new procedures for the 2006 election season, which provide additional guidance to charities regarding political activities. As part of its approach to combating this activity, the IRS has begun its educational and enforcement efforts to help ensure that charities have enough advance notice of the statutory rules against engaging in political activities."

Bloomberg.com: U.S.-"IRS Finds `Disturbing' Amount of 2004 Politicking by Charities

Bloomberg.com: U.S.: "IRS Finds `Disturbing' Amount of 2004 Politicking by Charities

Feb. 24 (Bloomberg) -- The IRS found a ``disturbing'' amount of political activity before the 2004 elections among non-profit organizations in violation of rules on tax-exempt entities, according to a report released today.

The tax collection agency found almost 75 percent of 82 organizations that were examined because of complaints had engaged in some political activity during the 2004 campaign. Most were one-time, isolated violations, the report said. Only a small fraction of the more than 1 million tax-exempt groups have been accused of wrongdoing, a statement by the Internal Revenue Service said."

DesMoinesRegister.com-Bills allow anonymity for donors

DesMoinesRegister.com: "Bills allow anonymity for donors
JONATHAN ROOS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

February 21, 2006


State university foundations would be authorized to keep secret the identities of donors requesting anonymity, as well as information about the donors' finances, under a proposed set of exceptions to the state's public records law.

Legislation in the House and Senate would bar public viewing of records that disclose information about a donor's personal, financial, estate planning or gift planning matters.

Portions of records that reveal the identities of donors or prospective donors who have requested anonymity would also be closed to public inspection."

CNW Telbec-Fundraisers Urge Inclusion of Giving Incentives in Throne Speech, First Budget

PRESS RELEASE

CNW Telbec: "Fundraisers Urge Inclusion of Giving Incentives in Throne Speech, First Budget


OTTAWA, Ontario, Feb. 23 /CNW/ -- The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the largest community of fundraisers in Canada and around the world, today urged Prime Minister Stephen Harper to move quickly to eliminate the capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated securities to charity.
The proposal, which was a part of the Conservative Party's campaign platform before the election, would remove a key obstacle that has prevented many donors from giving significant gifts to charitable organizations. Independent research sponsored by AFP and others, and prepared by accounting firm Deloitte & Touche and financial services firm TD Economics, has shown that eliminating the capital gains tax on such gifts would dramatically increase giving by hundreds of millions of dollars.
In a letter to the prime minister, AFP noted that since the Conservative Party championed this proposal and subsequently won the election, it is quite likely that 'donors will delay their major contributions until this change becomes law, a situation that would be highly detrimental to Canada's voluntary sector.'

Thursday, February 23, 2006

OMB Watch - Lobby Reform: Momentum in Senate; House, Nonprofits Weigh Impact

OMB Watch - Lobby Reform: Momentum in Senate; House, Nonprofits Weigh Impact: "Lobby Reform: Momentum in Senate; House, Nonprofits Weigh Impact

After making a lot of noise about reform, lawmakers finally move to wade through the mountain of lobby and ethics reform bills and begin marking up legislation.

In the Senate, two committees are scheduled to mark up lobby reform bills the week of Feb. 27. Senate Rules and Administration Chairman Trent Lott (R-MS) has said his panel would likely mark up a lobbying reform bill on Feb. 28. Lott said the goal is to have the full Senate begin debate on the bill, which is still being written, the week of March 6."

Poker News - Charity Poker Legislation on the Table in California

Poker News - Charity Poker Legislation on the Table in California: "Not-for-profit organizations in California may soon get to jump on the poker bandwagon if a proposed bill, which would allow charity organizations to hold poker games, successfully passes through the state legislature. It's old news that poker events provides a windfall for charitable institutions, more the any bingo game or bake sale ever could. Currently, however, poker is illegal as a means to raise money for charity in California, even though poker is a popular feature at the state's casinos and card rooms. "

House panel approves elimination of death tax (OKLAHOMA)

House panel approves elimination of death tax: "OKLAHOMA CITY A legislative panel votes today to repeal Oklahoma's estate tax despite concerns it will reduce state revenue by more than 87 (M) million dollars a year.
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee agreed to send the measure to the full House for a vote.

Committee chairman Kevin Calvey says the so-called death tax discriminates against farmers and family-owned businesses"

New college charity law for more autonomy is criticised -(Scotland) The Herald

New college charity law for more autonomy is criticised - The Herald: "New college charity law for more autonomy is criticised

ANDREW DENHOLMFebruary 23 2006




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New legislation to give colleges across Scotland greater independence from government to allow them to keep their charitable status has been attacked"

ABC News: Important Changes to the Tax Code

ABC News: Important Changes to the Tax Code: "Feb. 23, 2006 � It's that time of year again. Yes, time to start thinking about filing your tax returns. But before you begin rummaging through your receipts, there are some important changes in the tax code you need to be aware of, and some of these changes may benefit you. "

Thursday, February 16, 2006

House panel approves estate tax(Oklahoma)

House panel approves estate tax: "OKLAHOMA CITY An estate tax measure is passed by a legislative panel today that would require heirs to be treated equally when taxed on inherited estates.
The bill by Democratic Representative Ben Sherrer would tax collateral heirs, like brothers and sisters, at the same rate as lineal heirs, such as sons and daughters, when an estate is inherited."

GOOD WORKS AND BOTHERATIONS - Yahoo! News

GOOD WORKS AND BOTHERATIONS - Yahoo! News: "The telephone rings. You are eating dinner, or taking a nap, or making love, or watching Tiger Woods putt on the 18th green. You absolutely, positively, emphatically do not want to be disturbed. And the phone will not stop ringing.
ADVERTISEMENT

'Hullo?'

'I'm calling,' says a friendly voice, 'on behalf of Shorebirds of America. Your contribution ...'

Or, in another scenario, the phone rings.

'Hullo? ... Hullo? ... Hullo!'"

Attorney General sues local nonprofit for allegedly misappropriating funds - 2006-02-15

Attorney General sues local nonprofit for allegedly misappropriating funds - 2006-02-15: "Attorney General sues local nonprofit for allegedly misappropriating funds

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed a lawsuit Wednesday against a San Antonio nonprofit organization claiming the group's executives mishandled funds for personal gain."

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

The Chronicle, 2/14/2006: Congress Orders Review of Charities in Federal Fund-Raising Drive

The Chronicle, 2/14/2006: Congress Orders Review of Charities in Federal Fund-Raising Drive: "Congress Orders Review of Charities in Federal Fund-Raising Drive

By Grant Williams

The Government Accountability Office is examining nonprofit organizations that raise funds through the Combined Federal Campaign — the annual charity drive for federal workers — to see if organizations have failed to pay federal taxes, including payroll taxes.

The review by the accountability office, an investigative arm of Congress, was ordered by the Oversight Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives' Ways and Means Committee."

DenverPost.com - NATION/WORLD

DenverPost.com - NATION/WORLD: "Ethics proposals flood Congress
The nine Coloradans at the Capitol, like the rest of Congress, are backing a variety of reform ideas.
By Anne C. Mulkern
Denver Post Staff Writer

Washington - Solutions to the problem of lobbyists and their influence on lawmakers are piling up in Congress, with Republican leaders scrambling to find consensus on how to revamp ethics rules.

The nine members of Colorado's delegation mirror that disarray, backing a variety of ideas.

There are more than 20 ethics-rules proposals in the House and the Senate. Despite a weekend retreat, Republicans failed to agree on which plan to push."

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

AP Wire | 02/13/2006 | Senate OKs removing raffle limit

AP Wire | 02/13/2006 | Senate OKs removing raffle limit: "Senate OKs removing raffle limit
JENNY MICHAEL
Associated Press

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota charities and philanthropic groups should be able to raffle off more valuable prizes, legislators decided Monday.

The Senate State Affairs Committee sent a bill 7-2 to the Senate floor that would toss out the current $30,000 limit on the value of prizes that can be awarded in charity fundraisers.

HB1054, which was passed earlier by the House, would eliminate any caps on prizes for charitable raffles by religious, fraternal, veterans and political organizations."

The Times-Tribune - Opinion - 02/13/2006 - Use discretion with nonprofits Value in services, spinoff

The Times-Tribune - Opinion - 02/13/2006 - Use discretion with nonprofits Value in services, spinoff: "Use discretion with nonprofits Value in services, spinoff
02/13/2006
email this storyEmail to a friendprinter friendlyPrinter-friendly
Scranton City Council has trotted out a perennial in its attempt to collect money from nonprofit entities in the city — organizations that deal in everything from social services to health care to education.

"

Monday, February 13, 2006

New ads rip Catholic hospitals

New ads rip Catholic hospitals: "New ads rip Catholic hospitals

February 13, 2006

BY FRANCINE KNOWLES SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST
Advertisement


Broadcast ads highly critical of how non-profit Catholic hospitals handle their billing and collection practices are helping spotlight Attorney General Lisa Madigan's efforts to tighten regulations on all non-profit hospitals."

Friday, February 10, 2006

House Republicans unveil faith-based initiative

House Republicans unveil faith-based initiative: "OKLAHOMA CITY House Republicans today unveiled a faith-based initiative with proposals to help problem gamblers and ex-convicts who are adjusting to life outside prison.
The legislation also includes a tax credit for charitable donations and encourages partnerships between government agencies, religious groups and organizations that help needy Oklahomans."

Federal Charity Campaign Plans Changes

Federal Charity Campaign Plans Changes: "Federal Charity Campaign Plans Changes
Limits on Organizations' Expenses, Rules About Local Giving to Be Dropped

By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, February 10, 2006; Page B02

The agency that oversees the Combined Federal Campaign -- the annual workplace charity fundraiser among federal employees -- plans to propose a sweeping overhaul of the strict rules governing one of the nation's biggest charity drives, officials said yesterday.

One of the proposed changes would eliminate the requirement that participating charities limit their overhead expenses. Another would allow federal workers in one geographic area to donate to charities in other locations -- a practice currently prohibited."

OMB Watch - Blackout Period Begins for Some Nonprofit Broadcasts

OMB Watch - Blackout Period Begins for Some Nonprofit Broadcasts: "Blackout Period Begins for Some Nonprofit Broadcasts

For the first time ever, charities and religious organizations are among groups barred from broadcasting messages that refer to federal candidates within 30 days of a primary and 60 days of a general election. The Wisconsin Right to Life Committee (WRTL), a nonprofit organization that has challenged the ban, asked a special three-judge court to expedite its review of the constitutionality of the rule as it applies to grassroots lobbying broadcasts. The court will hold a status hearing for Feb. 27."

Thursday, February 09, 2006

JUF News and Public Affairs

JUF News and Public Affairs: "Giving tzedakah vs. charity

By GARY BARTON, C.P.A

While the tax deduction for charitable contributions traces its origin to the Revenue Act of 1917, the mitzvah (or commandment) of giving tzedakah (or charity) goes back more than 3,000 years.

Acts of charity imbue the donor with a feeling of personal satisfaction from helping a fellow human being. On another level, our rabbis tell us that the mitzvah of tzedakah also has a profound effect on the spiritual essence of the donor.

In contrast, giving charity in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue Code enables one to fulfill the judicially sanctioned commandment of lowering one’s taxes. For as Judge Learned Hand stated, “Over and over again courts have said that there is nothing sinister in so arranging one’s affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible. Everybody does so, rich or poor, and all do right, for nobody owes any public duty, to pay more than the law demands: taxes are enforced exactions, not voluntary contributions' (47-1 USTC 9175)."

AccessNorthGa.com - North Georgia's Newsroom

AccessNorthGa.com - North Georgia's Newsroom: "Governor's land conservation proposal moves forward

The Associated Press - ATLANTA

House lawmakers handed Gov. Sonny Perdue a victory Wednesday by unanimously passing legislation that gives income tax credits to individuals or corporations that donate property or conservation easements.

Perdue, who proposed the measure last month, said it will encourage landowners to give property to charity groups or the government. The bill now moves to the Senate."

San Diego CityBEAT

San Diego CityBEAT: "HARDENING THE 'SOFT TARGETS'
Concerted national effort means security for Jewish nonprofits

by Kelly Davis

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security may not currently consider San Diego an “at-risk” target for terrorist attacks—a rationale for depriving the region of some funding—but six local nonprofit organizations will be getting $320,885 in federal grant money ostensibly to protect themselves against possible attacks by international terrorist organizations."

Chicago Tribune | The Swamp

Chicago Tribune | The Swamp:
snip snip>>
"“One of the reasons for the success of welfare reform is a policy called charitable choice, which allows faith-based groups that provide social services to receive federal funding without changing the way they hire,’’ Bush said. “Ten years ago, Congress made welfare the first federal program to include charitable choice. The bill I sign today will extend charitable choice for another five years, and expand it to the new healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood programs."

TheStar.com - Stock donors should hold off(CANADA)

TheStar.com - Stock donors should hold off: "Stock donors should hold off
Capital-gains tax may be eliminated
Feb. 9, 2006. 07:06 AM
JAMES DAW

There's one tax-cut promise to keep in mind before you do any charitable giving this year: If you own stocks, waiting until Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivers his first budget could pay off.

The Conservatives promised before the election to remove the tax on capital gains when a donor gives listed-company shares to a public charity.

Donors already have a significant advantage to donating securities to charity, since only a quarter of gains or profits on the donated shares are added to income instead of the usual 50 per cent."

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Chicago Tribune | Illinois hospitals lash out at Madigan plan

Chicago Tribune | Illinois hospitals lash out at Madigan plan: "Illinois hospitals lash out at Madigan plan
Non-profits say they provide $3 billion in community benefits

By Judith Graham
Tribune staff reporter
Published February 8, 2006

Illinois hospitals mounted an aggressive defense of their tax-exempt status Tuesday, calling on new data that indicate they provide at least $3 billion worth of community benefits every year.

But several experts questioned the hospitals' assumptions and said their figures were probably inflated."

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Tahoe Daily Tribune - News

Tahoe Daily Tribune - News: "Federal relief for nonprofits, public agencies in county


Click to Enlarge
Jim Grant / Tahoe Daily Tribune/ A home on Lodi Avenue was severely damaged by a downed tree from the New Year's storm. Private property and businesses are not eligible for federal assistance.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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Susan Wood, swood@tahoedailytribune.com
February 7, 2006

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El Dorado County has received a federal declaration for disaster relief, officials say, but it's only for public groups and nonprofits.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency money must be earmarked for the New Year's storm damage sustained by public agencies and nonprofit organizations only, the county Office of Emergency Services reported. Assistance for private property owners such as businesses and individuals do not qualify for now. The federal government notified the county Friday night."

Canisius College - News Story

Canisius College - News Story:
snip snip>>
"Carol Ann (Lyons) Montante is also an active member of the college where she serves on the Canisius College Scholarship Associates, a volunteer fundraising group for the college. Carol and Carl J. Montante were recognized in 2001 as the Western New York Philanthropists of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Western New York. "

Wisconsin State Journal

Wisconsin State Journal: "Don't gag speech of nonprofits
The government can restrict how a group spends federal money, but it should not restrict a group's right to free speech.

That's why the U.S. Senate should throw out part of a House-passed bill that could unfairly gag nonprofits.

The bill is admirable in that it sets up a fund to finance affordable housing for the poor and gives priority to Katrina survivors."

Business in MaineToday.com | Maine Nonprofits: Doing More than Just Good Deeds.

Business in MaineToday.com | Maine Nonprofits: Doing More than Just Good Deeds.: "Maine Nonprofits: Doing More than Just Good Deeds.

Maine Association of Nonprofits Holds State House Press Conference

Presents recent findings to Senate President & Speaker of the House

Portland, Me – The Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) will hold a press conference entitled, “Maine Nonprofits: Doing More Than Just Good Works” on February 8, 2006, noon, in the Hall of Flags, Statehouse, in Augusta.

The press conference takes place on the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Day, an event held by MANP to increase visibility of nonprofits and their crucial contributions to the state of Maine. "

CBN News - Focus- Pastors May Face IRS over Political Squabble

CBN News - Focus- Pastors May Face IRS over Political Squabble: "Pastors May Face IRS over Political Squabble
By Paul Strand
Washington Sr. Correspondent

CWNews.com – COLUMBUS, Ohio - Churches in times past have faced trouble with the irs for getting too involved in politics.

But rarely -- if ever -- did clergymen ask the IRS to come down on someone else's church.

That is just what is happening right here in Columbus, Ohio now.

Rod Parsley is one of America's most famous pastors, preaching on the hot moral and political issues of today to the 12,000 members of World Harvest Church."

roanoke.com - Outdoors Stories -General Assembly tackles DGIF

roanoke.com - Outdoors Stories -General Assembly tackles DGIF: "Senate Bill 718: This bill would add a dollar to the cost of resident big game hunting licenses and $2 to non-resident big game licenses, with the money going to the Hunters for the Hungry program. Previous legislation authorized the department to allow hunters to donate $2 to the charity when they bought their license. A relatively small number of hunters have made donations."

Monday, February 06, 2006

ARTICLE: Politics, poverty and the pew (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com)

ARTICLE: Politics, poverty and the pew (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com): "Last week�s case in point: Virginia lawmakers are hell-bent to abolish the tax on inheritance of wealthy estates but have barely discernible interest in raising a minimum wage that could not possibly sustain a family."

TIME.com -- Joe Klein: A Bush Without Boldness

TIME.com -- Joe Klein: A Bush Without Boldness:
snip snip>

"A case can be made for targeted tax cuts to encourage socially beneficial behavior like research into alternative cars and fuels. A case can also be made�though Bush would rather see Brokeback Mountain than make it�for targeted tax increases to discourage things like, well, an addiction to oil. But what are we to make of the perennial conservative call for the elimination of the estate tax, which would cost $750 billion over 10 years? Republicans have done a clever bit of marketing here by calling it the death tax."

Tougher regulations a small price to preserve funding, non-profits say

Tougher regulations a small price to preserve funding, non-profits say: "Tougher regulations a small price to preserve funding, non-profits say

By Erin Morain
erinmorain@bpcdm.com


Corruption and scandals have put businesses such as WorldCom Inc. and Enron Corp. in the headlines for everything from embezzlement to accounting fraud, and landed some executives in prison.

In the aftermath, the federal government clamped down on the corporate world through tougher regulations. Now, legislators are casting a suspicious glance on the non-profit sector as well. Under the leadership of Sen. Charles Grassley, members of Congress are pushing for new regulations intended to increase the accountability of non-profit organizations and protect the financial interests of taxpayers and charitable donors."

Pantagraph.com - Opinion

Pantagraph.com - Opinion: "How much charity care is enough?
Advertisement

A bill that threatens the non-profit status of hospitals not providing sufficient care for uninsured or poor patients is being offered by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

The bill says nonprofit hospitals must provide at least 8 percent of their total operating costs to such charity care. Hospitals can't opt out. By law, they are required to accept charity-care patients in exchange for a tax-exempt status. Tax-exempt reduces the taxes paid to government on income, non-revenue producing property and sales. It also allows hospitals to use tax-exempt bonds to finance capital projects, such as buildings."

QCTimes.com - The Quad-City Times Newspaper

QCTimes.com - The Quad-City Times Newspaper: "Hospital objects to charity-care provisions
By J.C. Taylor

ALEDO, Ill. � Mercer County Hospital officials are concerned about a bill that would mandate not-for-profit hospitals to dedicate at least 8 percent of their operating budgets to charity care."

Friday, February 03, 2006

Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/02/2006 | FTC isn't buying this sales pitch

Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/02/2006 | FTC isn't buying this sales pitch: "FTC isn't buying this sales pitchA Fla. company says it's engaged in 'voice broadcasting,' not telemarketing, with up to a million recorded messages a day.By Jeff GellesInquirer Staff WriterIs it telemarketing or is it 'voice broadcasting' over your telephone?That is a distinction a Florida company has tried to press - so far unsuccessfully - in a dispute with the Federal Trade Commission that erupted in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina."

NYC Mayor's Gifts Rarely Stay Anonymous | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

NYC Mayor's Gifts Rarely Stay Anonymous | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "NYC Mayor's Gifts Rarely Stay Anonymous

By SARA KUGLER Associated Press Writer
� 2006 The Associated Press
NEW YORK � When Johns Hopkins University officials announced they received an anonymous gift of $100 million, billionaire Mayor Michael Bloomberg's secret was safe for about four hours."

Inside Bay Area - Argus - Opinion

Inside Bay Area - Argus - Opinion: "Allowing casino fund-raisers a winning move




FOR years, many nonprofit groups in the Tri-City area and around the state have organized casino nights to help raise money for their charitable work.
Little did they know they may have been breaking the law.
Last year, officials at the state Department of Justice wrote to and spoke with nearly 1,000 nonprofit organizations planning casino nights to alert them to the legal peril. State laws barring certain forms of gambling, it turns out, allow no exception for groups raising money for charitable causes
� even if only non-monetary prizes are offered. "

Thursday, February 02, 2006

WAVY.COM - House passes estate tax repeal

WAVY.COM - House passes estate tax repeal: "House passes estate tax repeal



RICHMOND, Va. The House of Delegates overwhelmingly approved legislation today to repeal the posthumous tax on the estates of millionaires.
The 93-to-7 vote sends the bill to the Senate, where similar legislation is pending. Governor Timothy Kaine has said he supports the bill.
Kaine's predecessor and fellow Democrat, Mark Warner, vetoed a bill to repeal the estate tax in 2003. Similar measures failed in the next two sessions, and the House G-O-P leadership made passing it this session one of its top priorities."

WAVY.COM - House passes estate tax repea (Virginia)l

WAVY.COM - House passes estate tax repeal: "House passes estate tax repeal



RICHMOND, Va. The House of Delegates overwhelmingly approved legislation today to repeal the posthumous tax on the estates of millionaires.
The 93-to-7 vote sends the bill to the Senate, where similar legislation is pending. Governor Timothy Kaine has said he supports the bill.
Kaine's predecessor and fellow Democrat, Mark Warner, vetoed a bill to repeal the estate tax in 2003. Similar measures failed in the next two sessions, and the House G-O-P leadership made passing it this session one of its top priorities."