DesMoinesRegister.com-Big salaries don't jibe with tax-exempt status

DesMoinesRegister.com: "Big salaries don't jibe with tax-exempt status
Breaks for hospitals, other nonprofits deserve review.
By REGISTER EDITORIAL BOARD

May 30, 2005
If you're lucky enough to have health insurance, your premium probably increased this year. Health care is expensive. And then you pick up The Des Moines Register last week and read that Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo paid two of its doctors annual salaries of more than $2 million.

What gives?

People struggling with high health-care bills are no doubt scratching their heads. Taxpayers should be, too.

Hospitals enjoy tax-exempt status as charitable organizations. If you're the doctor earning $2 million, you may think the hospital is pretty charitable. But such eye-popping salaries should raise questions about giving these institutions a free ride on income, property and sales taxes."

The Connecticut Post Online - News-Vested-interest vote would be blocked by amended ethics bill

The Connecticut Post Online - News: "Vested-interest vote would be blocked by amended ethics bill

HARTFORD (AP) � A top legislator is hoping to amend an ethics reform bill in the final days of the session to prevent his fellow lawmakers from voting on proposals that affect their employers or groups they're directly associated with.
Such a provision has been suggested for years by ethics advocates. But the concept could have more momentum this session, in the wake of the corruption scandal involving former Gov. John G. Rowland and an ongoing federal investigation of Sen. Ernest Newton III, D-Bridgeport.
Dozens of Connecticut legislators are employed by nonprofit agencies or associated with groups that receive millions of dollars in state taxpayer money each year."

WCCO: Attorney General Questions Charity Payment

WCCO: Attorney General Questions Charity Payment: "Attorney General Questions Charity Payment

May 27, 2005 4:48 pm US/Central
St. Paul (AP) The office of Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch is questioning a $63,000 payment by the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce to the Vang Pao Foundation four years ago.

The attorney general's office has been investigating the Vang Pao Foundation since last fall for questionable spending and possible violation of state charity laws. "

OMB Watch - The History of Church Electioneering

OMB Watch - The History of Church Electioneering: " Promoting and protecting nonprofit advocacy for a stronger democracy
Home : Nonprofit Issues : Speech & Lobbying Rights : Speech & Lobbying Rights: News Background Analysis Correspondence Gov Docs


Published: 05/27/2005

The History of Church Electioneering
Houses of worship have been involved in America's political process since our nation's birth, and they will continue to play an important and increasing role in our society's evolution. The nation's courts and laws have upheld the rights of religious entities--and all charitable organizations--to participate in the political process, while simultaneously upholding the separation of Church and State.
However, organizations and the courts continue to wrangle with questions regarding the exact nature and scope of political activity in which houses of worship may participate. Attention to this issue has increased greatly through introduction of H.R. 235, the Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act, sponsored by U.S. Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC). The legislation would allow tax-exempt houses of worship to intervene directly in partisan political campaigns by endorsing and opposing candidates for public office. "

Tax shouldn't be passed on to patients, hospitals say

Tax shouldn't be passed on to patients, hospitals say: "Tax shouldn't be passed on to patients, hospitals say
$290 million proposal to offset Medicaid cuts
Saturday, May 28, 2005
By Jan Moller
Capital bureau
BATON ROUGE -- A $290 million health-care tax proposal should be structured in a way to prevent hospitals from passing on the costs to their patients, Louisiana Hospital Association officials said Friday.
'That's the intent,' said Sean Prados, a senior vice president for the trade association that represents private and nonprofit hospitals. 'As employers, we don't want to see the cost of the tax passed on to consumers.' "

Rocky Mountain News: Business-Charitable loophole for FirstBank under attack

Rocky Mountain News: Business: "Charitable loophole for FirstBank under attack
By Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News
May 28, 2005
Roger Reisher grew up poor on a farm in Nebraska but now has more money than he ever imagined after building FirstBank into the state's largest locally owned banking organization.
He decided to donate his stake in the Lakewood-based banking chain to charity. But he is using a little-known type of philanthropic loophole that has drawn intense scrutiny from Congress and the IRS, both of which want to crack down on charitable tax exemptions. "

KUTV.com - Utah's Source For Local News: UTAH NEWS

KUTV.com - Utah's Source For Local News: UTAH NEWS: "Mormon church opposes any tax reform that drops charitable deduction
Friday May 27, 2005
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) As it did when a flat-tax reform was moving through the Legislature years ago, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is arguing that any such tax must continue to provide deductions for contributions to charity.
A flat-rate income tax is among options that will be considered by the newly formed Tax Reform Task Force."

Reuters AlertNet - U.S. lawmakers eye tax exempt hospitals

Reuters AlertNet - U.S. lawmakers eye tax exempt hospitals: "U.S. lawmakers eye tax exempt hospitals
26 May 2005 23:07:53 GMT

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, May 26 (Reuters) - Congress' top tax writer questioned on Thursday whether not-for-profit hospitals are giving taxpayers enough bang for the buck to justify their tax-exempt status and billions of dollars in tax subsidies.
Bill Thomas, chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, said it is hard for a patient to tell the difference between a nonprofit hospital and a for-profit facility since both provide about the same amount of uncompensated, or unpaid-for care."

Chicagobusiness.com-Grassley looking at tax status of 2 local hospitals

Chicagobusiness.com: "Grassley looking at tax status of 2 local hospitals
Ressurrection and Advocate Health among 10 named by senator


By Brett Chase
Two Chicago-area hospital systems are being asked by a U.S. lawmaker to account for their charitable activities that are required to retain tax-exempt status.
Resurrection Health Care and Advocate Health Care are among 10 U.S. hospital systems being challenged by Sen. Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican"

Clinic grilled over charity status

Clinic grilled over charity status: "Clinic grilled over charity status
Senator focuses on tax exemption, higher charges for the uninsured
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Sarah Treffinger
Plain Dealer Reporter
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, seeking to prevent abuse of federal tax laws, has asked the Cleveland Clinic and nine other hospitals to defend their tax-exempt status and account for their charitable activities.
Grassley, an Iowa Republican, sent a letter Wednesday asking for massive amounts of information on 46 topics. He wants to know their definitions of charity care, whether they have entered into ventures with for-profit companies and details about payments or reimbursements made to employees for country clubs. "

States Propose New Charity Regulations :: PNNOnline :: the nonprofit news and information resource

States Propose New Charity Regulations :: PNNOnline :: the nonprofit news and information resource: "Fifteen states introduced 24 bills this year that would increase regulations on charities, according to a new study by the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA).


These bills were introduced in the context of continuing pressure on state budgets, high-profile scandals captured by media across the country, federal attention on nonprofit regulation influenced by the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley in 2002, and the process of devolution, which has gradually increased the power of state legislatures.


NCNA recently released a comprehensive list of charity oversight bills at the state level, and plans to update the list as legislatures move forward. The list is available online at www.ncna.org/statepolicy. The data compiled by NCNA reflects charity oversight legislation for 2004 and 2005 to date. "

Regulations would hurt nonprofits | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

Regulations would hurt nonprofits | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "Regulations would hurt nonprofits
LIZ HEATH
Last updated: May 25th, 2005 02:40 AM

Last week, 150 people gathered in the Seattle Public Library�s auditorium to hear from the CEO of Independent Sector, Diana Aviv, about congressional discussions of potential new legislation affecting the nonprofit sector. They were also there to share their opinions about some of the proposals.
When the Senate Finance Committee embarked on this exploration early last summer, a number of suggestions for �fixing� nonprofits were put forth. "

Christian News - The Christian Post | Legislation Seeks to Reform Non Profits

Christian News - The Christian Post | Legislation Seeks to Reform Non Profits: "Legislation Seeks to Reform Non Profits

In the wake of scandals regarding alleged misuse of funds by charities, the Senate Finance Committee held hearings and is reviewing recommendations for possible legislation

Wednesday, May. 25, 2005 Posted: 6:47:22AM EST

In the wake of scandals regarding alleged misuse of funds by charities, the Senate Finance Committee held hearings and is reviewing recommendations for possible legislation. Fifteen field hearings to discuss ramifications of the recommendations just concluded in Seattle last week on May 19. "

Carolina Journal | Auditor Says Most Nonprofits Complying

Carolina Journal | Auditor Says Most Nonprofits Complying: "Auditor Says Most Nonprofits Complying
Most late reports result of nonprofits being unaware of requirements

By CJ Staff
May 24, 2005
RALEIGH � Hundreds of state-funded nonprofit organizations that had been late filing required reports are now in compliance with the law, State Auditor Les Merritt said Monday.

Merritt notified about 1,100 organizations in April that they had been late filing reports. By Friday almost 900 of them had sent the reports in, he said in a press release. After the mailings last month, Merritt�s staff followed up with phone calls explaining the state's reporting requirements, he said.

�The response we have gotten confirms what I had thought all along�that the vast majority of nonprofit organizations want to comply with the law, but simply are unaware of the reporting requirements,� Merritt said."

Senators Look to Abolish Alternative Minimum Tax - 24 May 2005

Senators Look to Abolish Alternative Minimum Tax - 24 May 2005:
snip snip>>>
"President Bush's tax panel, appointed to make recommendations on simplifying the tax code, has said it would urge eliminating or changing the AMT, but members have warned that repeal could mean making other unpopular changes, such as lowering deductions for mortgage interest, charitable giving or health care costs."

Montana News - Independent Record-"Burns top recipient of lobbyist's donations

Montana News - Independent Record: "Burns top recipient of lobbyist's donations
By CHARLES S. JOHNSON - IR State Bureau - 05/24/05
HELENA - U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., received $136,500 to lead all 435 members of Congress in campaign donations from controversial lobbyist Jack Abramoff, his partner and his tribal clients from 2001 to 2004, Bloomberg News has reported.
Rep. Denny Rehberg,
R-Mont, collected $14,000 from these sources to tie for 24th, while Sen. Max Baucus received $8,000 to rank 29th, according to a database prepared by Bloomberg News.

The news agency found that Abramoff, his partner, Michael Scanlon, and tribal clients donated $1.4 million to at least 171 lawmakers during the four-year period, mostly from tribes with casino interests.

Abramoff is the lobbyist linked to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, who is facing ethics questions. DeLay has come under fire for accepting a number of trips sponsored by Abramoff. Scanlon formerly was DeLay's spokesman.
"

The Globe and Mail: Stronach's cabinet raise going to charity too

The Globe and Mail: Stronach's cabinet raise going to charity too: "Stronach's cabinet raise going to charity tooBy SCOTT DEVEAU
Monday, May 23, 2005 Updated at 11:01 AM EDT
Globe and Mail Update
When Canadian MPs received a pay raise in April, there was at least one Tory MP who took little notice.
And now multimillionaire MP Belinda Stronach is not likely to notice the pay bump she will receive with a cabinet posting either.
Ms. Stronach made headlines last week when she defected from the Conservative Party for a cabinet posting with the Liberal Party."

Patrushev Calls for Clear NGO Rules

Patrushev Calls for Clear NGO Rules: "Patrushev Calls for Clear NGO Rules
The Associated Press
ASTANA, Kazakhstan -- Federal Security Service director Nikolai Patrushev on Friday called for clear rules on nongovernmental organizations' activities in former Soviet republics, days after he accused foreign intelligence services of using NGOs to spy on Russia and foment political upheaval in the region.
Patrushev told a meeting of top security and intelligence officials from the Commonwealth of Independent States that legislation in the CIS member-states 'must not allow NGOs to do whatever they want.'
Patrushev said NGOs were useful and should be supported, but repeated his allegation that some are used to gather 'intelligence information.' He said Russian intelligence agencies would continue to counter the practice"

Scoop: Copeland: Budget betrays charities

Scoop: Copeland: Budget betrays charities: "Copeland: Budget betrays charities
Monday, 23 May 2005, 12:33 pm
Press Release: United Future NZ Party
Media statement
For immediate release
Monday, 23 May 2005
Copeland: Budget betrays charities
United Future revenue spokesman Gordon Copeland today expressed his deep disappointment that last week�s Budget contained nothing for charities.
�Indeed they weren't even mentioned!� he said.
�United Future specifically asked the Government to raise the tax rebate level for donations to charities from $630 per annum to $ 5,000 per annum with a comparable increase for companies.
�We also asked that dividend imputation tax credits be extended to registered charities as soon as the Charities Commission is established."

Business in MaineToday.com | Maine Association of Nonprofits Holds State House Press Conference

Business in MaineToday.com | Maine Association of Nonprofits Holds State House Press Conference: "Released 5/20/05

Maine Association of Nonprofits Holds State House Press Conference
Portland, Me � The Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) will hold a press conference regarding the status of the nonprofit field in today�s challenging economic, political, and social climate on May 23, 2005, noon, in the Hall of Flags, Statehouse, in Augusta. "

Public Requests Simpler Tax Forms and Laws

Public Requests Simpler Tax Forms and Laws:
snip snip>
" don't understand the system well enough to evaluate whether it is fair or not,' wrote Joshua Nathaniel Pritikin of Santa Barbara, Calif. 'A fair tax system should be so obviously fair that I should be able to judge its fairness without getting a college degree in economics.'
Most upsetting to many taxpayers who took the time to write the commission is the seemingly arbitrary nature of tax breaks. They sound good until you look at the fine print. Then you see that the rules disqualify many taxpayers, or that the benefit is not nearly as helpful as it looks."

Commission Highlights Pensions Impact On Charity Reserves

Commission Highlights Pensions Impact On Charity Reserves: "Commission Highlights Pensions Impact On Charity Reserves

It also examines how requirements to fund pensions and the resulting cash flow implications impact on both charities' reserves and their risk management strategies.

The Charity Commission today published guidance on the impact of defined benefit pension scheme liabilities on charities' reserves policy.
These schemes, often known as 'final salary' pension schemes, can affect charities' reserves policies and must be disclosed in charities' accounts, but the way in which this is done has been open to interpretation.
Today's guidance, developed jointly with The Charity Finance Directors' Group (CFDG), looks at how these pension liabilities influence reserves policy and reporting."

www.newszap.com-'Under threat': Senate considers limits; Trust could lose vital donation tools

http://www.newszap.com/articles/2005/05/17/az/north_valley/tpv04.txt: "'Under threat': Senate considers limits; Trust could lose vital donation tools
By Wendy Miller, .

'This is by far the most alarming development to hit conservancy,' said Fred Pakis, a Paradise Valley resident and newly appointed trustee. 'We don't want Congress to take away any tools we have to persuade people to donate land for the preserve.'

On Jan. 27, the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation released its findings on ways to increase compliance with the federal tax code. It took committee members nearly a year to compile the 435-page document, a response to queries from the Senate Committee on Finance."

FTC Seeks Comment on Definitions and Provisions Under the CAN-SPAM Act

FTC Seeks Comment on Definitions and Provisions Under the CAN-SPAM Act: "FTC Seeks Comment on Definitions and Provisions Under the CAN-SPAM Act
May 17, 2005 By News Staff

The Federal Trade Commission published a Federal Register notice recently seeking public comment on certain definitions and substantive provisions under the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM or the Act)."

Westchester County Business Journal-Prospective federal laws worry nonprofits

Westchester County Business Journal: "Prospective federal laws worry nonprofits
By ALEX PHILIPPIDIS
Leaders of Westchester nonprofit groups last week expressed worries that new changes to federal tax law under study could force them to divert money and time spent on their missions, while drying up potential sources of donations.
The Senate Finance Committee has spent almost a year considering a series of measures that include stricter financial reporting rules, and changes to how nonprofit donors must record the value of their big-ticket donations.
A donation of land or of art work, for example, could have to be recorded based on what a donor paid for it years ago, not its current fair-market value as determined by appraisers. That would discourage such donations in the future, warns the head of one Westchester nonprofit. "

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Bid to revive charity law shake-up

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Bid to revive charity law shake-up: "Bid to revive charity law shake-up

Matt Weaver
Tuesday May 17, 2005

The much-delayed overhaul of Britain's 400-year-old charity laws has been included in the Queen's speech for the third time running.
Under the charities bill, private schools will have to pass a 'public benefit test' to retain their lucrative charitable status"

Hendersonville Times-News-"Federal government scrutinizing finances of nonprofits

Hendersonville Times-News: "Federal government scrutinizing finances of nonprofits
Overhauls of various financial reporting and financial responsibilities for charities and foundations continues as a topic of interest at the federal level. The Senate Finance Committee held hearings in April on misconduct attributed to nonprofit organizations. This is a continuation of the adoption of Sarbannes-Oxley a few years ago.

The legislation originally paid attention to financial practices in the business world, but has increasingly turned attention to the nonprofit community"

St. Paul Pioneer Press | 05/17/2005 | Soak the rich? That'll cost you

St. Paul Pioneer Press 05/17/2005 Soak the rich? That'll cost you: "Soak the rich? That'll cost you

STEVE GARSKE

Senate Democrats propose to solve the state budget shortfall on the backs of 'rich' Minnesotans. As a small-business owner, I apparently fall under the Senate Tax Committee chairman's definition.
Minnesotans should understand the full implications of raising the highest marginal rate on personal income taxes to what would be No. 1 in the nation � and increasing the statewide property tax on businesses."

Debating politics in the pulpit / Bill would allow churches to back candidates, issues

Debating politics in the pulpit / Bill would allow churches to back candidates, issues: "Debating politics in the pulpit
Bill would allow churches to back candidates, issues
Joe Garofoli, Chronicle Staff Writer
Monday, May 16, 2005

The Rev. Chan Chandler is an enthusiastic supporter of President Bush and wanted to make sure his North Carolina parishioners knew it. If they didn't agree with him -- and at least nine of them fit that category -- they were forced out, some congregants said.
Chandler himself resigned last week, a symbol to his detractors of the dangers of partisan preaching inside a church. But to supporters of a congressional bill that would 'take the muzzle off' religious leaders, Chandler should have been free to issue endorsements from the bully pulpit -- if not bully the flock into leaving -- without "

For Teachers, Teen Plans Lessons in Empathy | Connect for Kids

For Teachers, Teen Plans Lessons in Empathy Connect for Kids: "Published: May 16, 2005
by: Ashley Keiran
When Ashley Keiran of Portland, Maine entered foster care at age 14, she kept it quiet. 'I really didn't tell very many people about my situation. I was very hush-hush,' remembers Keiran. Then, in her sophomore year of high school, life got crazy. 'I told a few people I trusted, including teachers. And they were fantastic. They were supportive. They realized why I didn't always have my homework in exactly on time.'
Keiran, now a 19-year-old senior, is off to Skidmore College in Ithaca, New York this fall � something she attributes in part to support from the �cheerleaders� she has found in school and in life since becoming more open about her living situation.
So, as a parting gift to her school, and with help from Laurie Davis, an adult friend of Keiran's who is also the No Child Left Behind coordinator for Portland schools, and with money from a youth leadership development grant, Keiran is preparing to design and lead two training sessions for Portland High teachers on the educational challenges faced by teens who are homeless or in foster care.
Youthink: Empowering Portland Teens
Keiran's project is one of five student-proposed projects funded over a year ago by Youthink, an 18-member student board that considered applications from young Portland residents proposing projects"

Center for Nonprofit Advancement->: "Legislative Action Alert

Center for Nonprofit Advancement: "Legislative Action Alert
Senate Finance Committee Works to 'Reform' Charitable Sector


The Senate Finance Committee currently is developing legislation that could significantly affect the charitable sector. The Committee is prepared to draw many of its �reforms� from a 19-page �staff discussion draft� and from the January 2005 Joint Committee on Taxation report that contain a number of proposals designed to increase regulation and accountability of the nonprofit sector. However, these two documents recommend potentially harmful provisions, including:
the elimination or modification of the non-cash gift deductions;
the implementation of a federal accreditation program (possibly requiring charities to pay accreditation fees and dues);
the creation of Form 990 filing fees to be imposed on charities;
state enforcement of federal tax laws that likely would result in 50 different interpretations;
restrictions on the size of boards of directors; and
a requirement compelling charities to submit extensive and detailed "

Liberals Introduce Bill Assisting Charities

Liberals Introduce Bill Assisting Charities: "Liberals Introduce Bill Assisting Charities

By Liberal Caucus Communications
May 10, 2005, 13:49

(Halifax, NS) Liberal MLA Leo Glavine introduced a private member's bill today in the House of Assembly assisting charities.

The bill gives government the authority to exempt charities operating out of municipal property from taxes.

�Charities do great work in their communities,� said Glavine. �If we can help them to get a break so they can use their money in other areas, we are going to do our part.�"

Reuters AlertNet - Former Saudi charity head to sue Rice in U.S. court

Reuters AlertNet - Former Saudi charity head to sue Rice in U.S. court: "Former Saudi charity head to sue Rice in U.S. court
14 May 2005 18:35:29 GMT

Source: Reuters

By Dominic Evans
RIYADH, May 14 (Reuters) - The former head of Saudi Arabia's Al-Haramain charity said on Saturday he was filing a lawsuit in the United States against senior officials including Condoleezza Rice for putting him on a U.N. terrorist blacklist.
Saudi Arabia shut down Al-Haramain Foundation last October, four months after Aqil al-Aqil's name was placed on the U.N. list of suspects linked to al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden and the Taliban, former rulers of Afghanistan, after a U.S. request."

baltimoresun.com - Congress needs to limit pay of executives at nonprofits

baltimoresun.com - Congress needs to limit pay of executives at nonprofits: "nonprofits
Originally published May 15, 2005
THE law seems clear. No profit from tax-exempt charities may benefit 'any private shareholder or individual.'

Yet as The Sun's survey of nonprofit executive pay shows, plenty of individuals are doing very well by associating themselves with charitable organizations.
No, they're not breaking the law. The definition of what lawyers call 'private inurement' of nonprofit assets has narrowed so far as to be practically meaningless."

InternetRetailer.com - Daily News for Friday,�May�13, 2005

InternetRetailer.com - Daily News for Friday,�May�13, 2005: "The FTC seeks comment on revisions to CAN-SPAM Act

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comment on five proposed changes to the CAN-Spam Act, including a provision that would cut to three days from 10 days the time senders may take to honor consumers� opt-out requests.
The changes also include a proposal barring e-mail marketers from charging fees to consumers wishing to be added to opt-out lists. That provision also would prevent e-mail marketers from requiring consumers to provide information other than an e-mail address and opt-out preferences, or take any steps other than sending a reply e-mail message or visiting a single Internet page. "

Chennai Online News Service - View News (India)

Chennai Online News Service - View News: "Bill to plug tax evaders introduced Search for More News
New Delhi, May 12: As part of efforts to tighten noose on tax evaders, Government today introduced a legislation in the Lok Sabha to prescribe mandatory filing of returns by charitable institutions.

The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2005, which Finance Minister P Chidambaram promised in the budget, seeks to amend the Income Tax Act to streamline the approval and monitoring of charitable institutions and scientific research associations.

The bill, piloted by Chidambaram, prescribes filing of returns by charitable entities even with annual receipts below Rs one crore"

AccessNorthGa.com - News Articles: North Georgia's Sporting News Weather and News

AccessNorthGa.com - News Articles: North Georgia's Sporting News Weather and News: "EMCs now able to donate unclaimed dividends to charity
by Matt McClure

CUMMING - Governor Perdue has signed House Bill 431, which allows Electric Membership Corporations, like Sawnee EMC, to donate unclaimed dividends to charity.

�This is a good day for Georgia communities,� says Blake House, Vice President of Member Services with Sawnee EMC. �This legislation has the potential to allow EMC members� unclaimed funds to help educate their children, help attract businesses to Georgia and help charities provide services to those in need.�"

Testimony for the President's Tax Reform Panel - Center for American Progress

Prepared Remarks

Note: Final transcript will be posted shortly.

*** BEGIN SLIDE: Testimony to the President's Tax Reform Panel ***

Thank you.

My name is John Podesta and I am president of the Center for American Progress.

American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all.

We believe that, as Americans, we are bound together by a common commitment to these values – even more, we believe that our national policies must reflect them

The Pueblo Chieftain Online -Allard backs repeal of estate tax

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pueblo, Colorado U.S.A: "Allard backs repeal of estate tax
By JOE HANEL
CHIEFTAIN WASHINGTON BUREAU
WASHINGTON - Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., threw his support behind a permanent repeal of the estate tax Tuesday, one of President Bush's priorities for this session of Congress.
Allard rallied with other GOP senators at a press conference to build momentum behind their bill, the Jobs Protection and Estate Tax Reform Act, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama. It has 23 co-sponsors."

montgomeryadvertiser.com-Sessions' bill would end estate tax

montgomeryadvertiser.com: "Sessions' bill would end estate tax

By Alexis Grant
Gannett News Service



SESSIONS
WASHINGTON -- Sen. Jeff Sessions, calling the federal tax on inheritances 'Draconian' and 'simply unfair,' introduced legislation Tuesday that would immediately repeal the tax.
'The death tax falls on small and medium-sized companies particularly hard,' the Republican senator said. 'We need to fight to bring this up for a vote.'
The estate tax, paid by the estates of the richest 2 percent of Americans after they die, generated about $24 billion for the federal government last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The estates of about 73,000 deceased Americans paid the bill. "

Ottawa Sun Online: NEWS - 'Charities' in our pockets

Ottawa Sun Online: NEWS - 'Charities' in our pockets: "'Charities' in our pockets

City tax rebates for doctors, lawyers are bad enough. Now federal agencies want the same breaks, explains Susan Sherring

By Susan Sherring, Ottawa Sun



Should the Ottawa taxpayer be subsidizing the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to the tune of $135,900, or the Canadian Bar Association for $40,100?
Certainly not everyone at City Hall thinks so.
Small wonder.
Doctors and lawyers aren't generally considered in need of financial help from the already overburdened taxpayer.
The situation has left city staff scrambling to see if there's a way to work with the province to modify legislation which gives tax rebates to a number of charitable organizations -- some of which the general population wouldn't ever consider to be charitable.
The situation became even more serious recently when three federal agencies -- all with charitable status -- applied for property tax rebates totalling a whopping $800,000.
Those three agencies are the Conference Board of Canada, which is looking for a $75,000 rebate, the Canadian Council for the Arts, which wants $128,000, and the International Development Research Centre, which is looking for $500,000, according to information obtained by the Sun. "

Alliance for Charitable Reform @ The Philanthropy Roundtable

Alliance for Charitable Reform @ The Philanthropy Roundtable: "
Ever since the Senate Finance Committee announced in the spring of 2004 that it would launch hearings into the philanthropic sector, The Philanthropy Roundtable has worked to keep our members informed.
In January 2005, The Roundtable launched the Alliance for Charitable Reform to further engage lawmakers and tax-exempt groups on issues of charitable reform. Membership in the Alliance is open to all donors, whether Associates of The Roundtable or not. "

Sen. Clinton warns of assault on funding for nonprofit groups

Sen. Clinton warns of assault on funding for nonprofit groups: "As federal and state budget cuts continue to erode funding for not-for-profit organizations, agencies must devise ways to provide housing, medical, child and elder care services, as well as aid to the arts and environment, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton told 800 participants yesterday at a daylong summit.
'We have to come up with new strategies to meet the many problems and challenges we face,' said Clinton, who delivered a 20-minute speech at the Hilton Rye Town. In addition to the government pullback, 'the private sector is not as generous as it was in the past,' Clinton said. Not-for-profit providers have to be 'more innovative, and flexible and smart and do more with less,' she said.
Funding for not-for-profits would suffer further losses if a proposal to permanently eliminate inheritance tax for the very rich becomes law at the end of the decade, Clinton said.

Stewardship of donations a priority: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Stewardship of donations a priority: South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "For more than 300 years, America's charitable organizations have brought passion and commitment to their daily work of improving lives around the world. Sadly, a few people have used nonprofits to benefit themselves, not the common good.'

Diana Aviv, president and CEO of Independent Sector, a coalition of charities, foundations and corporate philanthropies, writing in USA Today, April 11"

Terrorist Groups Lose Ground in Raising Funds, United States Says- U.S. Department Of State

Terrorist Groups Lose Ground in Raising Funds, United States Says- U.S. Department Of State: "Terrorist Groups Lose Ground in Raising Funds, United States Says
Treasury's Levey says U.S. keeps pressure on Syria to curb terror financing
Terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida and HAMAS are finding it increasingly difficult to raise and move money around the globe, a top U.S. Treasury Department official says.
In May 4 congressional testimony, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey said Bush administration efforts to find and destroy terrorist funding networks are forcing terror groups out of formal financial systems and into 'riskier' conduits such as cash smuggling."

MetroWest Daily News - Local News Coverage-Attorney General proposes clampdown on charities (Massachusetts)

MetroWest Daily News - Local News Coverage: "Attorney General proposes clampdown on charities
By Theo Emery / Associated Press
Thursday, May 5, 2005
BOSTON -- Attorney General Tom Reilly, in a proposed clampdown on charitable non-profits that lavish money and benefits on their officers, will unveil new regulations that boost oversight for the state's 22,000 charities and hike penalties for those that flout the law.

'Charities are not only essential to the well being of our citizens, they play an important role in our state's economy. This legislation is aimed at bringing more fiscal discipline to the charitable community, while at the same time allowing them to continue to do the important work that they do on so many fronts,' he said. "

BostonHerald.com - Business: Cahill is letting nonprofits use Mass. system

BostonHerald.com - Business: Cahill is letting nonprofits use Mass. system: "Cahill is letting nonprofits use Mass. system
By Brett Arends
Thursday, May 5, 2005 - Updated: 03:34 AM EST

State Treasurer Tim Cahill took the first step yesterday toward opening up the state's successful retirement system to employees outside state government.

Cahill, speaking to a meeting of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, said he is planning to allow smaller nonprofits to participate in the state's defined-contribution, 401(k)-style program to help them offer more competitive benefits to staff. "

The Tax Report: IRS plans for cuts in service

The Tax Report: IRS plans for cuts in service: "The Tax Report: IRS plans for cuts in service
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
By Tom Herman, The Wall Street Journal

The IRS faces heavy fire for plans to cut programs designed to help taxpayers figure out what they owe and unravel bureaucratic tangles.
Internal Revenue Service officials are planning to reduce the number of walk-in service centers, where taxpayers can meet with IRS employees. The IRS also plans to reduce hours for toll-free phone assistance. And officials are considering reducing a program enabling taxpayers to get answers to tax questions via email.
At the same time, the IRS is planning to increase spending on enforcement. For example, taxpayers can expect more audits, especially of high-income individuals. Also expect an increase in liens, levies and seizures. The IRS plans more crackdowns on tax shelters, as well as on accountants, lawyers and other tax advisers involved with inventing or promoting shelters."

Bill Would End Tax Loophole for Investors

Bill Would End Tax Loophole for Investors: "Bill Would End Tax Loophole for Investors
By MARY DALRYMPLE
The Associated Press
Tuesday, May 3, 2005; 7:51 PM
WASHINGTON -- The Senate's top tax writers said Tuesday that they intend to crack down on an arrangement between charities and investors that uses life insurance policies as a tax shelter.
'I'm very concerned about snake oil salesmen taking advantage of tax-exempt organizations to line their own pockets with life insurance schemes,' said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa."

OMB Watch - IRS Describes Increased Enforcement of Nonprofit Sector

OMB Watch - IRS Describes Increased Enforcement of Nonprofit Sector: "

Home : Publications : The Watcher : OMB Watcher Vol. 6: 2005 : May 2, 2005 Vol.6, No.9 : May 2, 2005 Vol.6, No.9:


Published: 05/02/2005

IRS Describes Increased Enforcement of Nonprofit Sector
Mark Everson, commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), told attorneys at the Georgetown Law Center's Tax-Exempt Seminar that the sector must act to head off a 'gathering storm' resulting from use of the sector as a vehicle for tax avoidance. Other IRS officials at the April 28 training described new and increased enforcement activities. "

Editorial: Taxing estates/It's good for the country

Editorial: Taxing estates/It's good for the country: "Editorial: Taxing estates/It's good for the country
May 3, 2005 ED0503
In the argument over repeal of the national estate tax, which has passed the House and will be before the Senate soon, supporters of repeal frequently assert that the assets of an estate have 'already been taxed' and that the estate tax amounts to double taxation. That's not quite right; 36 percent of the value of estates worth more than $1 million comes from untaxed capital gains."

uwnews.org | Panel on the Nonprofit Sector Field Hearing

uwnews.org | University of Washington News and Information: "Plan to improve accountability of nonprofits to be discussed May 19
CONTACT: Steven Goldsmith sgolds@u.washington.edu 206-543-2580


WHAT: Briefing on proposals for Congress to improve oversight and accountability of charities.
WHO: Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, a national consortium of nonprofits and foundations.
WHEN: Thursday, May 19, 10 a.m. -- noon
WHERE: Seattle Public Library auditorium
DETAILS: Last of a series of field meetings around the country to discuss proposals on governance of nonprofit organizations. Comments may be reflected in the panel's final report to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee next month. "

State checks 200 nonprofits - The Honolulu Advertiser - Hawaii's Newspaper

State checks 200 nonprofits - The Honolulu Advertiser - Hawaii's Newspaper: "State checks 200 nonprofits
By Deborah Adamson
Advertiser Staff Writer
The state attorney general is looking into potential abuses at more than 200 nonprofit organizations, with allegations ranging from paying executives excessively high salaries to spending nearly all the money collected on fund-raising costs.
92
Percentage of Hawai'i households who give to charity
$1,123
Average annual donations by Hawai'i households
5,000
Public charities and private foundations in the state
In the past, the state typically investigated only a handful of nonprofit cases a year. But the number of inquiries exploded after the state Legislature gave the attorney general expanded powers last year to ferret out and prosecute abuse."

DMNews.com | News | Article-Nonprofits, USPS Agree on Standard Mail Rule

DMNews.com News Article: "Nonprofits, USPS Agree on Standard Mail Rule

May 02, 2005

By: Scott Hovanyetz
Senior Reporter
scotth@dmnews.com

Nonprofit mailers are celebrating an agreement with the U.S. Postal Service regarding the interpretation of an impending rule that seeks to clarify the application of Standard mail rates in mail that includes personalization.
Slated to take effect June 1, the rule requires that mail including personal information for any purpose other than a solicitation must be sent at the First-Class rate rather than the cheaper Standard rate. After several test rulings from the USPS, nonprofits feared that solicitations would be meant to include requests for monetary donations only. "

IRS Names New Members to TE/GE Advisory Group

IRS Names New Members to TE/GE Advisory Group: "IRS Names New Members to TE/GE Advisory Group

IR-2005-54, April 28, 2005

WASHINGTON � The Internal Revenue Service today announced the selection of seven new members for the Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT). The ACT is a formal body of external stakeholders in the specialized areas of tax-exempt organizations, employee retirement plans, tax-exempt bonds and federal, state, local and Indian tribal governments. The appointees, who will assume their duties in June, will join 11 returning committee members.
Appointees are listed below by area of expertise:"