New Tax Deal Lowers Estate Tax and Extends IRA Charity Break - Tax Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

New Tax Deal Lowers Estate Tax and Extends IRA Charity Break - Tax Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Congress has approved a new tax deal that would lower estate-tax rates from 2009 levels and extend a benefit for older donors who tap their individual retirement accounts to make charitable donations.

President Obama, who brokered the deal with Republican lawmakers, is expected to sign the bill into law today."

Exempt Organization Update | Planned Giving Design Center

Exempt Organization Update | Planned Giving Design Center: "he IRS today released Exempt Organization Update for December 15, 2010. The update includes: Exempt Organizations Releases FY 2011 Implementing Guidelines; Leadership Changes in Exempt Organizations; Priority Guidance Plan for 2010-11 Announced; Follow the IRS on Twitter; Tax Preparers: Register for PTINs Now; Proposed Regulations Would Reduce Enrolled Agent Fees; and Electronic Funds Transfer of Depository Taxes."

Draft house-to-house collections code gives too much power to local authorities, says PFRA - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Draft house-to-house collections code gives too much power to local authorities, says PFRA - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: "The PFRA warns in its briefing that the impact of such guidance from NALEO could have wider impact than on just house-to-house clothing collections. “By seeking to address the issue via statute rather than voluntary self-regulation/best practice (the Code), NALEO and licensing authorities are in danger of seriously damaging the house-to-house solicitation of direct debits,” the briefing paper reads."

Raffles could get OK of state - Local - TheSunNews.com

Raffles could get OK of state - Local - TheSunNews.com: "COLUMBIA -- A bill to legalize charitable raffles and casual gambling is moving forward in the Senate, but senators caution that doesn't mean they are opening the door to professional gambling.

'It is not bringing organized gambling to South Carolina,' Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell said. 'It isn't opening up casinos. It's allowing charities to do what they are already doing and to prevent selective enforcement of the law in South Carolina.'"

Nonprofits Fear Loss of Charitable Tax Deduction - NYTimes.com

Nonprofits Fear Loss of Charitable Tax Deduction - NYTimes.com: "“The administration’s proposal went nowhere, but Pandora’s box was cracked open then,” said Diana Aviv, president of the Independent Sector, a trade group for nonprofits.

Charities warn that reducing or eliminating the deduction will cause irreparable damage to the nonprofit sector. They said the proposed changes came at a time of sustained and severe declines in donations because of the recession and cuts in government contracts for nonprofits. The charities also noted an increased demand for services."

The Podium

The Podium: "The Podium
November 29, 2010

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This week's Podium comes to us from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

How would a government-imposed salary cap on your own compensation affect you? Would it affect your performance? What sort of message would it send to you, your organization and those who support your organization if that cap were imposed upon every employee’s compensation? How would it affect your own hiring practices and your pools of potential hires? How would you feel if the cap were imposed even though a separate existing government entity was already regulating your organization and its compensation practices?"

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | PILOTs in the Recession

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | PILOTs in the Recession: "The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy has just produced the definitive study of Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) that are slapped on tax exempt nonprofits to help pay for municipal services. The report documents PILOTs in 117 municipalities in 18 states. The researchers say that Boston's pilot program is among the nation's most 'revenue productive.'"

Ottawa gives Bill Clinton foundation special designation - The Globe and Mail

Ottawa gives Bill Clinton foundation special designation - The Globe and Mail: "The federal government has quietly given Bill Clinton’s charitable foundation a special designation that will allow it to receive indirect support from Canadian taxpayers.

The government’s move means the former U.S. president’s charity, called the William J. Clinton Foundation, can now issue tax receipts to Canadian donors and receive grants from Canadian charities."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | What's in Store for Philanthropy in the New Congress

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | What's in Store for Philanthropy in the New Congress: "It's freshman orientation on Capitol Hill, and the larger-than-usual class of 2010 is getting a crash course on how to navigate the next two years – trading the loftiness of campaign speeches for mundane lessons in how to do their new jobs.

As more than 100 new members of Congress – 85 Republicans, a meager nine Democrats – seek out new apartments and directions to the nearest Capitol restrooms, foundations have to be concerned with the messages and implications of this year’s midterm elections."

Go-Jamaica :: Charitable organisations in Jamaica to be regulated :: News

Go-Jamaica :: Charitable organisations in Jamaica to be regulated :: News: "Charitable organisations in Jamaica to be regulated

2010-11-19 07:28:13 | (2 Comments)

The Cabinet has given approval for the drafting of legislation to govern the establishment of charitable organisations in Jamaica.

The legislation will be influenced by the Charities Policy which was also recently approved by the Cabinet."

State auditor to teach nonprofits accounting workshop | accounting, state, auditor - News - ENCToday

State auditor to teach nonprofits accounting workshop | accounting, state, auditor - News - ENCToday: "he N.C. State Auditor will teach a seminar on nonprofit accounting dos and don’ts in New Bern this week.

Beth Wood will talk to agencies from North Carolina Council on Women’s 19-county southeastern region at the seminar at Craven Community College on Thursday."

OPINION: Nonprofits' raffles? There ought to be a brand new law | SCNOW

OPINION: Nonprofits' raffles? There ought to be a brand new law | SCNOW: "What’s at stake here is far more than lifting the roley-poley ban (or more to the point, eliminating archaic language from the state codes). A critical part of any code re-write will be an attempt to lift an absurd burden from the backs of the state’s 40,000 or so nonprofit organizations. The same law that bans roley-poley et al also prohibits any sort of public gambling. This includes raffles, poker runs, March Madness office pools and possibly, depending how one takes a certain sentence in the statute, even playing Monopoly. Potential penalties include stiff fines (up to $10,000 for lottery ticket sellers) and even jail time. Enforcement is lax — State Law Enforcement Division agents and sheriff’s deputies occasionally issue warnings when raffles are brought to their attention — but this is madness all the same."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Aloha to Current Nonprofit Property Tax Exemptions?

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Aloha to Current Nonprofit Property Tax Exemptions?: "November 14, 2010; Source: Star Advertiser | If a group of Honolulu city council members has its way, nonprofits that are exempt from paying more than $300 a year in property taxes will see their bills go up. Sparking the push to raise more revenue from nonprofits—as in other municipalities around the country—is an expected $100 million-plus gap in the city's budget."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Aloha to Current Nonprofit Property Tax Exemptions?

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Aloha to Current Nonprofit Property Tax Exemptions?: "November 14, 2010; Source: Star Advertiser | If a group of Honolulu city council members has its way, nonprofits that are exempt from paying more than $300 a year in property taxes will see their bills go up. Sparking the push to raise more revenue from nonprofits—as in other municipalities around the country—is an expected $100 million-plus gap in the city's budget."

Ga. Supremes rule for nonprofits in tax case | Atlanta Business Chronicle

Ga. Supremes rule for nonprofits in tax case | Atlanta Business Chronicle: "Click here to find out more!

The Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN) on Tuesday lauded a Georgia Supreme Court decision that is favorable to Peach State nonprofits seeking tax relief."

Registration of charities in Northern Ireland will start by next summer - Third Sector

Registration of charities in Northern Ireland will start by next summer - Third Sector: "Legislation to clarify the Charities Act will clear the way for it to begin its work

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland will produce new guidance on its public benefit assessments early next year and aims to start registering charities by the summer, according to Frances McCandless, its chief executive.

The organisation was due to start registering charities this autumn but had to put its plans on hold because of problems with Northern Ireland's Charities Act 2008."

Government will publish policies on charitable giving next year - Third Sector

Government will publish policies on charitable giving next year - Third Sector: "A white paper will also set out plans for social investment and volunteering

The government intends to produce a white paper next March on charitable giving, philanthropy and social investment, according to the Cabinet Office business plan, published yesterday.

The white paper will be preceded by a green paper next month from the Cabinet Office, the Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. This will include the results of research bei"

Senators set to address charity raffle issue at Florence hearing | SCNOW

Senators set to address charity raffle issue at Florence hearing | SCNOW: "FLORENCE --

Current gaming laws prohibit charitable raffles, but a senate judiciary committee plans to bring the gaming law up for discussion Tuesday night at a public hearing in Florence.

The committee’s final public hearing to discuss the ramifications of the law is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Florence-Darlington Technical College."

Can nonprofits lobby? � TSNE – Strategic Communications Blog

Can nonprofits lobby? � TSNE – Strategic Communications Blog: "Can nonprofits lobby?
November 1, 2010

Video thumbnail. Click to play
Click to Play

* The guidelines are frequently misunderstood
* Nonprofits can lobby
* Nonprofits should closely track their lobbying activities"

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Law Said to Favor Religious Schools

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Law Said to Favor Religious Schools: "Now, this week, the Supreme Court will hear arguments about a state law that allows residents to receive tax credits for donations to intermediary nonprofits, which in turn, award scholarships that allow parents to send their children to private schools. At issue isn't whether public money can be applied to private education. Instead, it appears most School Tuition Organizations (STOs) that receive the donations primarily hand out scholarships to religious schools. Opponents say the law violates the Constitution because it allows the state to effectively funnel money to religious schools via a type of front organization."

Northern Ireland's charity act to be amended - Third Sector

Northern Ireland's charity act to be amended - Third Sector: "Lawyers claim the current act is open to challenge because it combines elements of both English and Scottish charity law

Northern Ireland's Charities Act will be amended in order to clear up a discrepancy caused by its mixture of English and Scottish law.

The act, passed in 2008, contains some provisions taken from the Charities Act 2006, which applies to England and Wales, and some from the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | NPQ Election Debrief: The Impact of the Republican Wave on Nonprofits

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | NPQ Election Debrief: The Impact of the Republican Wave on Nonprofits: "Yesterday’s election was brutal, and not just for the Democrats who took it on the chin, but for the whole of the nonprofit sector. The incoming freshman class of Congress represents a sea change for nonprofits—the election of dozens of policy-makers with scant experience with much of the nonprofit sector they will be charged with governing."

Election Will Bring Changes to Nonprofit Oversight - Government - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Election Will Bring Changes to Nonprofit Oversight - Government - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "With Sen. Charles E. Grassley, the body’s leading nonprofit watchdog, expected to take on a new role, they predict a less aggressive approach to charity regulation in the Senate. But with Republicans projected to win a majority in the House, charities could nonetheless face heightened scrutiny in some areas"

Low-Profit Limited Liability Company (L3C)- How to be a Nonprofit/For-Profit Hybrid

Low-Profit Limited Liability Company (L3C)- How to be a Nonprofit/For-Profit Hybrid: "L3C organizations are a new way to fulfill a social mission. A hybrid of a nonprofit and for-profit corporation, the L3C is run in a similar way to a for-profit company, but is like a nonprofit in that its mission is to do something for the social good."

IRS Releases Draft Version of the Form 990 for 2010 - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

IRS Releases Draft Version of the Form 990 for 2010 - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "IRS Releases Draft Version of the Form 990 for 2010

By Grant Williams"

Revocation of Exempt Status Looming In Just Days - The NonProfit Times Oct 5, 2010

Revocation of Exempt Status Looming In Just Days - The NonProfit Times Oct 5, 2010: "Revocation of Exempt Status Looming In Just Days

By Mark Hrywna

Nonprofits have little more than a week to make sure the appropriate tax forms are filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – or risk losing their tax-exempt status.

Lois Lerner, director of the Exempt Organizations Division at the IRS, reminded a conference of state charity officials that the deadline for charities -- no matter their size -- to file the correct Form 990 is Oct. 15. Nonprofits that fail to file will have their exemptions revoked.

Dozens of charity regulators and nonprofits gathered in Silver Spring, Md., for the annual conference of the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG)."

Unresolved Tax Questions Dog Lame Duck Session

Unresolved Tax Questions Dog Lame Duck Session: "One indicator of the unpredictability that might lie ahead is the trouble that Congress had in addressing the estate tax. Throughout 2009, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that the expiring estate tax would be addressed before the year was over. Not only was it not acted on in 2009, a year has passed since then and it is still up in the air. This happened while both chambers of Congress as well as the executive branch were controlled by the same party. The point here is that nothing is certain, not even death and taxes."

Outreach Toolkit for Partner Use - Revocation of Small Tax-Exempt Organizations That Failed to File for Three Consecutive Years

Outreach Toolkit for Partner Use - Revocation of Small Tax-Exempt Organizations That Failed to File for Three Consecutive Years: "Outreach Toolkit for Partner Use - Revocation of Small Tax-Exempt Organizations That Failed to File for Three Consecutive Years


IRS Exempt Organizations provides the following materials for use by stakeholder groups and others interested in helping small tax-exempt organizations qualify for one-time filing relief and retain their tax-exempt status. We encourage you to take advantage of these educational materials, and other materials that can be found on IRS.gov under Charities & Non-Profits, at www.irs.gov/thelist."

S.C. citizens should be heard on change to legalize raffles

S.C. citizens should be heard on change to legalize raffles: "HE ISSUE: Changing S.C. gambling laws

OUR OPINION: Churches, civic clubs should not find themselves breaking the law

Critics say it opens the door to legalized gambling beyond the S.C. Education Lottery, but legislation that would sanction raffles held by churches, civic groups and non-profit organizations enjoys support among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle."

Coalition Calls for Immediate Ban on Tax Strategy Patents | Planned Giving Design Center

Coalition Calls for Immediate Ban on Tax Strategy Patents | Planned Giving Design Center: "A coalition of eighteen national organizations led by AICPA and representing consumer, taxpayer, charitable, financial planning, and tax advisor groups have sent a letter urging lawmakers to enact legislation to ban tax strategy patents during the current Congress."

Baucus Calls on IRS to Investigate Exempt Organizations' Political Activities | Planned Giving Design Center

Baucus Calls on IRS to Investigate Exempt Organizations' Political Activities | Planned Giving Design Center: "Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus, D-MT. has requested the IRS investigate the political activities of section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), and 501(c)(6) organizations to ensure special interests aren't using tax-exempt groups to influence communities and spend secret donations."

Home - StayExempt.org

Home - StayExempt.org: "Welcome to Stay Exempt,
an IRS 'micro' site...

…created especially for 501(c)(3) organizations! Whether you are new to the world of tax exempt organizations, an old hand at managing them, or a tax professional who works with them, you will find something of interest here.

Feel free to explore the site – the educational resources here are many and varied:"

In the Arts: N.Y. Board Drops Rules on Museum Art Sales; Warner Bros. Supports Smithsonian Cinema - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

In the Arts: N.Y. Board Drops Rules on Museum Art Sales; Warner Bros. Supports Smithsonian Cinema - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "In the Arts: N.Y. Board Drops Rules on Museum Art Sales; Warner Bros. Supports Smithsonian Cinema

The New York State Board of Regents agreed Tuesday to abandon restrictions on museums selling art to cover their operating costs, according to The New York Times.

The board had been expected to make the regulations imposed in 2008 permanent following the failure of a state bill to bar such “deaccessioning” of museum collections. But David Steiner, the state’s education commissioner, said that “there was no consensus on the efficacy of the regulations,” which will be allowed to expire on October 8."

Ottawa to continue matching donations for Pakistan - CTV News

Ottawa to continue matching donations for Pakistan - CTV News: "The government announced Sunday it will continue to match Canadians' donations to flood-ravaged Pakistan for another three weeks.

House Leader John Baird told an Ottawa news conference the government will continue to match every dollar of private donations, extending its original six-week program that was to expire on Sunday."

Treasury in talks to provide tax breaks on property gifts - Third Sector

UK news

Treasury in talks to provide tax breaks on property gifts - Third Sector: "The move would help to boost 'lifetime legacies', which allow donors to give property to charities after they die
The Treasury is in talks with voluntary sector bodies over offering tax breaks for US-style 'lifetime legacies', which allow a donor to give property to a charity but retain use of it during their lifetime.
Any such donation to a charity does not currently attract a tax break unless the charity receives the full benefit of the gift immediately."

IRS Updates FAQ for Revocation of Tax-Exempt Status | Planned Giving Design Center

IRS Updates FAQ for Revocation of Tax-Exempt Status | Planned Giving Design Center: "The IRS has updated its frequently asked questions for automatic revocation of tax-exempt status for organizations that fail to file annual returns or notice."

Change in tax breaks affects nonprofits | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal

Change in tax breaks affects nonprofits | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal: "Nonprofit businesses in Michigan have historically received their share of tax breaksunder various legislative provisions. However, some Michigan cities and townships recently have begun subjecting some of these businesses to property taxation because of severe state and local budget issues."

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE - SUMMER 2010 - AFP

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE - SUMMER 2010 - AFP: "PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE - SUMMER 2010
IRA Rollover Provision Extension Remains in Limbo
Summary:

The IRA Rollover provision expired on Dec. 31, 2009. Congress has been working on a tax extenders bill that would extend several expiring tax provisions, including the IRA Rollover. The bill would extend the provision through Dec. 31, 2010. Unfortunately, the Senate has lacked the votes necessary to move this bill forward."

Seven Steps For 2010 Heirs - Forbes.com

Seven Steps For 2010 Heirs - Forbes.com: "Unless Congress restores the estate tax retroactively this year, vast sums will pass free of both estate tax and the generation-skipping transfer tax (on assets given to grandchildren). Under a 2001 law, these taxes are scheduled to return Jan. 1 at unfavorable rates that applied 10 years earlier. At that point, the amount that is exempt from each of these taxes will be $1 million, and the tax on the rest will be 55% (60% in a certain phase-out range). In contrast, the tax-free amount last year was $3.5 million, and there was tax of 45% on anything else not going to a citizen spouse or to charity. (For advice on how to deal with the return of the estate tax, click here.)"

Social Innovation Fund Acts to Fend Off Bias Charges - Government - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Social Innovation Fund Acts to Fend Off Bias Charges - Government - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "August 23, 2010
Amid Concerns of Favoritism, Federal Officials Disclose New Details on Selection Process
By Suzanne Perry
Moving to defuse a brewing controversy over how it awarded $50-million in Social Innovation Fund grants last month, the federal government has posted online the applications of the organizations that won the money, along with the ratings and comments they received from reviewers."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | More Fees for Nonprofits in Minn.

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | More Fees for Nonprofits in Minn.: "August 24, 2010; Source: St. Cloud Times | Advance warning to St. Cloud, Minn. nonprofit property owners: You will be paying a Street Light Utility fee starting January 1st. Nonprofits in St. Cloud already knew that the city had removed the cost of streetlights from property taxes—nonprofits are theoretically exempt from property taxes—and instead created a fee that could be charged to for-profit and nonprofit property owners alike."

Canadian Fundraiser eNews - Article 7

Canadian Fundraiser eNews - Article 7: "New disbursement quota rules and their implications

Tucked away in the latest federal budget were several proposed provisions which will radically impact the way that charities manage their donations. These provisions, which reform and substantially simplify the existing disbursement quota rules, should dramatically impact the conversations that gift planners (and all fundraisers) have with their prospective donors.

Thankfully, Canadians will be returning to those halcyon days when “DQ” meant a trip to the local Dairy Queen for some tasty soft-serve. While the elimination of the most onerous disbursement quota provisions should be thunderously applauded, we need to understand what these changes truly mean when we sit down with our supporters and discuss their next gift."

California bill would require more transparency in university foundation fundraisers - latimes.com

California bill would require more transparency in university foundation fundraisers - latimes.com: "Reporting from Sacramento —
California university foundations would have to disclose more information on fundraisers such as one headlined recently by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin under a measure that passed the Legislature on Thursday."

Estate Planning: The Great GRAT Debate - Forbes.com

Estate Planning: The Great GRAT Debate - Forbes.com: "The prospect of a government attack on a popular estate-planning technique, referred to as a grantor retained annuity trust, or GRAT, has been a topic of much discussion among wealth advisors and tax professionals over the past several months. President Obama drew attention to the technique in his 2011 budget proposals, and provisions targeting 'short-term' and 'rolling GRAT' techniques have been included as revenue offsets in legislation passed by the House."

Bill seeks scrutiny for university nonprofits - Top Stories - fresnobee.com

Bill seeks scrutiny for university nonprofits - Top Stories - fresnobee.com: "SACRAMENTO -- Foundations and auxiliary organizations linked to California's public colleges and universities would be subject to increased scrutiny under a bill approved Monday by the state Assembly."

Legal fears delay Northern Ireland charity legislation - Third Sector

Legal fears delay Northern Ireland charity legislation - Third Sector: "Introduction of Charities Act delayed after lawyers claim discrepancies over the definition of public benefit

The implementation of Northern Ireland's Charities Act will be delayed, and the legislation might be rewritten, after lawyers warned it was open to legal challenge because it combines Scottish law with legislation that applies to England and Wales."

WebCPA - Tools and Resources for the Electronic Accountant - An Investcorp and SourceMedia Publication

WebCPA - Tools and Resources for the Electronic Accountant - An Investcorp and SourceMedia Publication: "Speaking at the IRS Tax Forum in New York on Thursday, Patrick Leahy, an attorney with the IRS’s estate and gift tax division in Manhattan, told an audience of tax preparers they don’t have to file the Form 706, the U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return.

“If you file a 706 to the IRS Service Center,” he warned, “we will rapidly return it to you because we don’t have a place to put them.”"

IRS Offers One-Time Special Filing Relief Program for Small Charities; Oct. 15 Due Date to Preserve Tax-Exempt Status

IRS Offers One-Time Special Filing Relief Program for Small Charities; Oct. 15 Due Date to Preserve Tax-Exempt Status: "RS Offers One-Time Special Filing Relief Program for Small Charities; Oct. 15 Due Date to Preserve Tax-Exempt Status


Video: Small Tax Exempt Org Revised Filing Deadline

IR-2010-87, July 26, 2010

WASHINGTON — Small nonprofit organizations at risk of losing their tax-exempt status because they failed to file required returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009 can preserve their status by filing returns by Oct. 15, 2010, under a one-time relief program, the Internal Revenue Service announced today."

Clay Center Dispatch

Clay Center Dispatch: "The 125-page list of Kansas organizations facing revocation contains more than 3,000 names. Some names may be defunct organizations, such as Ray Mays Golden Nugget Boys Ranch listed as Rt. 2 Wakefield, a project from the 1970s that never materialized."

Bill 65: Ontario’s nonprofit gamechanger

Bill 65: Ontario’s nonprofit gamechanger: "This fall, the Ontario charitable sector should know whether the province's Bill 65 — the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 — will pass third reading in the legislature and become law.

Currently being evaluated by the province's Standing Committee on Social Policy, the act passed first reading in the Ontario legislature on May 12 and then again in second reading on June 2. The committee has been ordered to report back to the house on Sept. 13 where, according to Stephen Puddister, issues & media relations analyst with the ministry of consumer services, third reading and Royal Assent would follow, 'but timing has not yet been determined.' Proclamation of the new Act, if passed, is anticipated in 2012. [Note: Interested readers can follow the progress of Bill 65 at www.ontla.on.ca]."

Legislature approves harsher penalties for charities that break the law - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger

Legislature approves harsher penalties for charities that break the law - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger: "BOSTON —

Legislation giving the state attorney general more power to deal with scofflaw charities has cleared the Legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature."

Final Regulations Regarding Excise Taxes on Prohibited Tax Shelter Transactions

Final Regulations Regarding Excise Taxes on Prohibited Tax Shelter Transactions: "RS and Treasury Issue Final Regulations Regarding Excise Taxes on Prohibited Tax Shelter Transactions and Related Disclosure Requirement

July 2010

The following discussion is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice. For specific information about prohibited tax shelter transactions, consult your attorney or tax advisor.

Reprinted from Exempt Organizations Advisory

[On July 2, 2010], the IRS and Treasury issued final regulations under section 4965 and section 6011(g) relating to entity-level and manager-level excise taxes with respect to prohibited tax shelter transactions to which tax-exempt entities are parties. The final regulations replace proposed regulations that were issued in 2007. The IRS and Treasury also issued final regulations under sections 6011, 6033, and 6071 relating to certain disclosure and return filing obligations with respect to such transactions. The final regulations replace temporary regulations that were issued in 2007. In both cases, the final regulations adopt the earlier regulations with certain minor modifications."

IRS Issues Exempt Orgs Update | Planned Giving Design Center

IRS Issues Exempt Orgs Update | Planned Giving Design Center: "The IRS has issued its July edition of Exempt Organizations Update. Topics include: 1) IRS Issues Prohibited Tax Shelter Final Regulations; 2) IRS Live: Free Webinar on the Affordable Care Act; 3) Help Wanted: TE/GE Seeks Candidates for Senior Tax Law Specialist Positions; 4) IRS Invites Public Comment on New Reporting of Payments Made in a Trade or Business; and 5) Nine Tax Tips on the Ten Percent Tax on Tanning Services."

Municipalities press nonprofits for revenue - Sunday, Jul. 4, 2010

Municipalities press nonprofits for revenue - Sunday, Jul. 4, 2010: "More cities and towns are leaning on tax-exempt organizations -- from small arts groups to large hospitals -- to help balance cash-strapped municipal budgets.

Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas said 'discussions have started' on the issue, and he plans to study whether all the organizations classified as nonprofit -- and thus generally free from paying local property taxes -- truly meet the definition."

Board Support Is Key to Advocacy Efforts by Nonprofit Groups, Report Says - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Board Support Is Key to Advocacy Efforts by Nonprofit Groups, Report Says - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Board Support Is Key to Advocacy Efforts by Nonprofit Groups, Report Says

By Grant Williams

Greater involvement by nonprofit groups in advocacy and lobbying work will require support from organizations' boards of directors, according to nonprofit leaders in a new report."

massnonprofit.org ::

massnonprofit.org ::: "Bill Introduced to Strengthen Ties Between Nonprofits and Feds

June 19, 2010 — A bill was filed in Congress last week aimed at strengthening ties between the nonprofit sector and the federal government by establishing better communication with the federal government, improving coordination within government, and enhancing data collection."

The NRA and transparency in advertising - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee

The NRA and transparency in advertising - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee: "Known as the DISCLOSE Act, the legislation is a response to a wrongheaded Supreme Court decision that came down in January allowing corporations to use their treasury funds to sponsor election-related ads. The bill would require corporations, unions, advocacy groups and some nonprofits to disclose the names of their top donors. Also, the top official of those organizations would have to appear in each advertisement and say that he had approved it."

More non-profits win exemption from campaign-finance rules - On Politics: Covering the US Congress, Governors, and the 2010 Election - USATODAY.com

More non-profits win exemption from campaign-finance rules - On Politics: Covering the US Congress, Governors, and the 2010 Election - USATODAY.com: "Top House Democrats agreed today to exclude more non-profit groups from new disclosure requirements to win broader congressional support for a campaign-finance bill, the"

The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Proposed Federal Bill to Focus on the Needs of Nonprofits

The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Proposed Federal Bill to Focus on the Needs of Nonprofits: "About one hundred federal agencies and Congressional committees interact with the nonprofit sector as a chaotic jumble of overlapping and sometimes contradictory interests, priorities, regulations, and objectives. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced the Nonprofit Sector and Community Solutions Act as H.R. 5533 Tuesday night to sort it all out and create one forum which pays attention to the issues and interests of nonprofits."

Nonprofit Advocacy Groups Oppose Campaign-Finance Exemption - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Nonprofit Advocacy Groups Oppose Campaign-Finance Exemption - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Nonprofit Advocacy Groups Oppose Campaign-Finance Exemption

By Suzanne Perry

More than 50 liberal nonprofit advocacy groups have joined forces to fight a proposed exemption to a campaign-finance bill that would benefit large membership organizations like the National Rifle Association."

New Hawaii law creates filing requirements for nonprofits

New Hawaii law creates filing requirements for nonprofits: "A Hawaii law – which is set to take effect on July 1 – could cause many nonprofit organizations to lose their tax-exempt status, according to Pacific Business News.

The paper reports that the new excise tax law requires all businesses and nonprofits – regardless of their tax-exempt status – to register to do business in the state and file state tax returns to claim their exemption. The legislation aims to crack down on some businesses, that officials say are “cheating the system,” by collecting the excise tax from customers and failing to pass that money on to the state."

massnonprofit.org ::-Reports Due for Growing Number of Nonprofit Lobbyists in Mass.

massnonprofit.org ::: "Reports Due for Growing Number of Nonprofit Lobbyists in Mass.

June 16, 2010 — With a July 15 reporting deadline looming, nonprofit staff that have registered as legislative or executive agents under the six-month-old state lobbying regulations are finding their ranks increasing, due in part to demystification of the new rules."

Grassley Seeks Data on Proposal to Change Private Foundation Excise Tax | Planned Giving Design Center

Grassley Seeks Data on Proposal to Change Private Foundation Excise Tax | Planned Giving Design Center

Charity Sues State Over Automated Calls - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Charity Sues State Over Automated Calls - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Charity Sues State Over Automated Calls

A nonprofit veterans’ organization is suing the state of Indiana in federal court, claiming the state’s law banning automated calls violates the group’s right to free speech, says The Indianapolis Star."

Florida stands up for charity as government threatens to step in | San Francisco Examiner

Florida stands up for charity as government threatens to step in | San Francisco Examiner: "Earlier this month the state of Florida passed a new law that actually limits the ability of the state to interfere with its residents’ private charitable giving. The new law guarantees charitable donors the freedom to give to the charities they care about and in the manner that they think will be most effective. Overall private giving is likely to increase, to the benefit of all. It’s an encouraging example that other states may soon be following."

Late state budget hurting many nonprofits | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle

Late state budget hurting many nonprofits | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle: "ALBANY — Nonprofit agencies that contract with the state aren't getting paid because of the late budget, which is forcing some groups to consider suspending services temporarily or closing altogether, according to a new report from the state comptroller."

Nonprofit groups to be counted by Mississippi � The Commercial Appeal

Nonprofit groups to be counted by Mississippi � The Commercial Appeal: "Many of the estimated 38,000 nonprofit groups operating in Mississippi will begin receiving letters from the state this week asking for verification that they're still in existence and doing business here, according to Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.

Hosemann, in DeSoto County last week to update local leaders on a variety of topics, also outlined his goals for the 2011 legislative session. Among the priorities is better regulation of nonprofit groups."

Exempt Organization Update | Planned Giving Design Center

Exempt Organization Update | Planned Giving Design Center: "The IRS has released Exempt Organization Update. In this issue the IRS requests comments on the new requirements imposed on tax-exempt hospitals under the Affordable Care Act; announces the TEGI Advisory Committee will make recommendations at its June meeting; and announces registration for National Tax Forums."

House Passes Extension of Charity Tax Breaks - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

House Passes Extension of Charity Tax Breaks - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "May 28, 2010, 03:00 PM ET
House Passes Extension of Charity Tax Breaks

By Grant Williams

The House of Representatives has approved legislation to extend through the end of 2010 several key tax incentives for charitable donations, including one designed to encourage older people to make donations through their individual retirement accounts.

The bill, HR 4213, will be considered by the Senate when it returns to work the week of June 7."

Giving Dropped 4.9% in 2009, Researchers Estimate - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Giving Dropped 4.9% in 2009, Researchers Estimate - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
Giving Dropped 4.9% in 2009, Researchers Estimate
By Nicole Wallace

Americans donated $217.3-billion in 2009, a decrease of $11.2-billion or 4.9 percent compared to 2008, according to new estimates from researchers at the

WAMC: Cities: To Tax or Not To Tax Non-Profits (2010-05-26)

WAMC: Cities: To Tax or Not To Tax Non-Profits (2010-05-26): "ALBANY, NY (WAMC) - As times and the economy change, governments are looking for more ways to fund programs and services: they're turning an eye toward non-profits, exploring the possibility of imposing taxes on entities that have never before been subject to them. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports."

Congress Tries Again to Extend Charitable Tax Incentives - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Congress Tries Again to Extend Charitable Tax Incentives - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Congressional leaders announced this morning they would unveil new legislation to extend through the end of 2010 various tax incentives for charitable donations, including gifts made by older people from individual retirement accounts."

The Associated Press: IRS offers reprieve for charities missing deadline

The Associated Press: IRS offers reprieve for charities missing deadline: "RS offers reprieve for charities missing deadline

(AP) – 17 hours ago

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is offering a reprieve to more than 200,000 small charities that missed a tax filing deadline and are now in danger of losing their tax-exempt status."

Nonprofits surveyed on voluntary payments - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News

Nonprofits surveyed on voluntary payments - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News: "The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, led by former state senator and Framingham resident David Magnani, sent members a survey yesterday on voluntary payment-in-lieu-of-taxes, or PILOT, programs."

Council launching website for direct funding requests | - SILive.com

Council launching website for direct funding requests | - SILive.com: "STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Prompted by calls for more public disclosure on how nearly $50 million of discretionary funds are allocated, the City Council is launching a searchable public database of nonprofit organizations that apply for and receive that money.

The Council will also increase vetting procedures for the funds, restrict the groups from hiring consultants who may be close to members, and limit the amount of money that goes to new groups or through organizations serving as fiscal conduits."

IRS Releases Publication on Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets | Planned Giving Design Center

IRS Releases Publication on Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets | Planned Giving Design Center: "*

Planned Giving Design Center, LLC
Wed
21
Apr
2010
IRS Releases Publication on Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets



The IRS has released Pub. 544, Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets, for use in preparing 2009 tax returns. In addition to calculating gain and losses from the sale of assets, of interest to charitable gift planners is the discussion of gain from bargain sales."

The Post and Courier - Bills aim to clarify S.C. gambling law - Charleston SC - postandcourier.com

The Post and Courier - Bills aim to clarify S.C. gambling law - Charleston SC - postandcourier.com: "The issue of selective enforcement under the centuries-old gambling ban has been up for debate since a raid on a Texas Hold 'em game at a Mount Pleasant home in 2006. The same law bans charity raffles."

Pick. Click. Give. edges toward permanence - Juneau Empire

Pick. Click. Give. edges toward permanence - Juneau Empire: "NCHORAGE - An innovative program designed to make philanthropic giving easier for Alaskans is one step closer to permanence.

A bill passed by the Alaska State Legislature on Friday will extend the PFD Charitable Contributions Program, known as Pick. Click. Give., by removing the three-year sunset provision that was included in the original 2008 authorization."

Estate Tax Could Come Back With Sharp Bite - Forbes.com

Estate Tax Could Come Back With Sharp Bite - Forbes.com: "Next year many more families may need to worry about federal estate tax and at the same time could have fewer ways to minimize its bite. In fact, the past decade may come to be looked upon as the golden era of wealth transfer."

New York Streamlines Process for Supporting Local Charities - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

New York Streamlines Process for Supporting Local Charities - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "New York Streamlines Process for Supporting Local Charities

Efforts to finance New York nonprofit groups could become much more streamlined as the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg prepares major changes in the way the city awards $4-billion in contracts every year, The New York Times reports."

St. Louis officials weigh asking nonprofits to chip in for services - STLtoday.com

St. Louis officials weigh asking nonprofits to chip in for services - STLtoday.com: "Nonprofit organizations for decades have been immune to property taxes, with the understanding that the revenue cities lose is balanced against the resources and community service that the groups provide.

But now, facing a $45 million gap in the budget next year, some St. Louis leaders are considering an option that could test the relationship with the city's most prestigious institutions — sort of like, hat in hand, hitting up a well-to-do relative for help on a house payment."

Heard on the Web: Tax Break for Donations Could Get Extended | Planned Giving Design Center

Heard on the Web: Tax Break for Donations Could Get Extended | Planned Giving Design Center: "As reported by Tom Herman of the Wall Street Journal, Congress is moving closer to extending the life of a popular law that has encouraged many older investors to donate to charity from their Individual Retirement Accounts."

Center for Nonprofit Advancement: D.C. Council Holds Hearing on New Nonprofit Corporation Law

Center for Nonprofit Advancement: D.C. Council Holds Hearing on New Nonprofit Corporation Law: "Monday, April 5, 2010
D.C. Council Holds Hearing on New Nonprofit Corporation Law
A D.C. Council Committee held a public hearing last week on a bill (B18-500) to overhaul the city’s laws governing the incorporation and operation of a variety of business organizations, including nonprofit corporations."

CRS Updates Report on Charitable IRA Distributions | Planned Giving Design Center

CRS Updates Report on Charitable IRA Distributions | Planned Giving Design Center: "On March 10, 2010, the Senate passed H.R. 4213, the Tax Extenders Act of 2009 that would extend tax-free distributions from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for charitable purposes first enacted by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The Congressional Research Service has now updated its fact sheet to reflect the latest provisions."

Sans estimates, city nonprofits have no landing strip for PILOT : The Temple News

Sans estimates, city nonprofits have no landing strip for PILOT : The Temple News: "nstead, nonprofits usually issue payments in lieu of taxes. The PILOT problem in Philadelphia, the Daily News reported earlier this month, is last year, “agreements with 17 [nonprofit] institutions brought in only $686,922,” and city colleges and universities – including Temple, the University of Pennsylvania, St. Joseph’s University and Drexel – donated zilch even though all of the institutions use city services."

Nonprofits criticize push to expand right-to-know law | SeacoastOnline.com

Nonprofits criticize push to expand right-to-know law | SeacoastOnline.com: "CONCORD — A bill in the House to expand the state's right-to-know law is drawing strong opposition from nonprofit organizations around the state."

The Associated Press: House votes for faster tax breaks for Chile gifts

The Associated Press: House votes for faster tax breaks for Chile gifts: "House votes for faster tax breaks for Chile gifts

(AP) – 20 hours ago

WASHINGTON — The House has passed a bill that would allow taxpayers to write off charitable donations to Chile earthquake relief efforts when they file their 2009 taxes this spring."

Journal Tribune: York County's Only Daily Newspaper > Editorial > Service fee on nonprofits is indefensible

Journal Tribune: York County's Only Daily Newspaper > Editorial > Service fee on nonprofits is indefensible: "The recent proposal in Biddeford to charge a service fee to some non-profit organizations on income they raise from residential rentals is one of those rare suggestions that sounds initially reasonable but, after some thought, flat out ridiculous."

massnonprofit.org ::

massnonprofit.org ::: "March 9, 2010 — Massachusetts nonprofits with 100 or more employees eligible to participate in 403(b) retirement must implement stricter administrative practices or face possible fines of up to $50,000 under a new federal law regulating nonprofit retirement plans."

Seth Korman: Why Religious Groups and Charities May Soon Be Able to Lobby, Campaign, and Endorse Candidates

Seth Korman: Why Religious Groups and Charities May Soon Be Able to Lobby, Campaign, and Endorse Candidates: "Yet the Supreme Court's recent decision in Citizens United v. FEC alters this parity, and affords corporate America 'electioneering' rights, or the privilege to endorse and advocate for political candidates in the months, weeks, and days before an election.

This creates an apparent dichotomy: Both for-profit corporations and nonprofit 501(c)(3)s are creatures of the state, artificial entities created to further commercial and socially valuable interests. Yet now the former can lobby and advocate, whereas the latter must remain on the political sidelines."

Timeline: Bingo start to finish | Dothan Eagle

Timeline: Bingo start to finish | Dothan Eagle: "The genesis of Houston County’s current gaming controversy began in 1994 when voters approved a local charitable bingo amendment. The enabling legislation defined bingo as “The game, commonly known as bingo, where numbers or symbols on a card are matched with numbers or symbols selected at random.”
Over the years, technology evolved and gaming advocates contend the game can now be played electronically, and that the word “card” can mean an electronic grid. Gambling opponents say the intent of the law was to allow small sessions of charitable paper bingo at places such as the local VFW, Elks Club or other establishments."

Vermont Legislature weighs public, private rights for university donations | The Burlington Free Press | Burlington, Vermont

Vermont Legislature weighs public, private rights for university donations | The Burlington Free Press | Burlington, Vermont: "MONTPELIER — When the right to know and the right to privacy conflict — as they occasionally do when private charity overlaps with public business — it sometimes falls to the Legislature to decide which right takes precedence."

massnonprofit.org ::

massnonprofit.org ::: "The new Massachusetts privacy law, due to take effect March 1, 2010, means that all nonprofits, in addition to all businesses, must take steps to protect personal information they collect. The good news is that doing so won’t break the bank."

Vermont panel supports donor privacy protection | burlingtonfreepress.com | The Burlington Free Press

Vermont panel supports donor privacy protection | burlingtonfreepress.com | The Burlington Free Press: "MONTPELIER — Donors who want to make anonymous contributions to the University of Vermont or the state colleges would be assured of confidentiality under a proposed exemption to the state’s public-records law."

President Revives Call for New Charitiable-Deduction Limit - Government - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

President Revives Call for New Charitiable-Deduction Limit - Government - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "President Obama renewed his proposal to cap the value of charitable deductions for wealthy taxpapers in the fiscal 2011 budget plan he presented today—refashioning it as a way to help provide tax relief to middle-income Americans."

The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA - IRS reminds tax-exempt organizations to file form 990 on time to preserve tax exempt status

The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA - IRS reminds tax-exempt organizations to file form 990 on time to preserve tax exempt status: "ATLANTA — The Internal Revenue Service reminded tax-exempt organizations to make sure they file their annual information form on time. In 2010 the tax-exempt status of any non-profit that has not filed the required form in the last three years will be revoked"

Haiti Donations Could Be Deductible This Tax Season

Haiti Donations Could Be Deductible This Tax Season: "U.S. taxpayers have been stepping forward to provide money to charities like the American Red Cross and Unicef, raising tens of millions of dollars through text messages alone. Now Congress is considering legislation that would allow U.S. taxpayers to deduct their Haiti donations this year instead of waiting until next year (see Lawmakers Propose Bill to Speed Haiti Donations)."

Estate Tax Lapse Helps Healthy Rich - Forbes.com

Estate Tax Lapse Helps Healthy Rich - Forbes.com: "If you're wealthy, here's some good news: You don't have to die in 2010, have a loved one pass on from natural causes or 'throw Grandma from a train' for your family to save big bucks from the temporary lapse of the federal estate tax."

Feingold supports tax write off for venison donation | Superior Telegram | Superior, Wisconsin

Feingold supports tax write off for venison donation | Superior Telegram | Superior, Wisconsin: "U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold is backing legislation to help boost venison donations to the hungry.

Feingold is co-sponsoring a proposal crafted by New York Democrat Chuck Schumer. It would let deer hunters deduct the cost of having their game processed from their taxable income, if the meat is donated to a food pantry or soup kitchen. On average, processing can run between $60 to $90 per deer."

Volume Up In Charity Advocacy - National Committee For Responsive Philanthropy

Volume Up In Charity Advocacy - National Committee For Responsive Philanthropy: ".. According to the Internal Revenue Service, more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations are classified as working to change public opinion and public policy and more than 75 percent were formed after 1970. Those organizations strive to monitor government decisions proactively, educate the public and develop policy solutions based on research. A recent study by the National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy, using return-on-investment calculations, showed that advocacy efforts pay off - for every $1 spent on advocacy, organizing and community engagement, constituents received $89 in benefits."