In the context of scientific organizations, the IRS states that unrelated business income tax (UBIT) issues generally occur in two situations: (1) a scientific research organization (SRO) engaging in various projects or (2) a tax-exempt non-SRO engaging in research. “Scientific purpose” and “scientific research” are commonly seen phrases in...
IRS & FEDERAL TAX ISSUES
2009 Form 990 Released
The IRS has released the 2009 Form 990 and its related changes for filing this year. Changes on the 2009 Form 990 include clarifications to already existing questions in nearly all sections, as well as the integration of new questions in Part IV (‘Checklist of Required Schedules’) and Part...
Department of Treasury 2009-2010 Priority Guidance Plan
The joint Department of Treasury/IRS priority guidance plan for 2009-2010 (10/1/09 – 9/30/10) includes the following items of interest to tax-exempt organizations: Revenue procedure to provide terms for hosts of CyberAssistant software (used to generate Form 1023 exemption applications for a reduced user fee). Final regulations on the new...
2009 Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations – Day Two
Day Two of the WCTEO began with EO attorney Bruce Hopkins delivering his always informative and entertaining program on new developments over the past year, focusing particularly on private letter rulings (PLRs). Here are some of the notable PLRs: Denying recognition of exemption under 501(c)(3) because of operation in substantially...
2009 Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations – Day One
I attended the 2009 WCTEO in Los Angeles last Thursday and Friday. It’s always a great conference for professionals in the nonprofit and tax-exempt sector: impressive and knowledgeable speakers, interesting topics, and a chance to meet with peers and people you greatly admire. My only and very...
Top 5 Compliance Problems for 501(c)(3) Organizations
IRS exempt organizations audit manager Joe Kroll spoke at a program for the Bar Association of San Francisco yesterday and discussed five common ways charitable organizations jeopardize their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Private inurement / private benefit. Lobbying and political activity. Filing requirements. Small 501(c)(3) organizations that have not previously filed...
IRS Exempt Organizations Audit Manager To Speak in SF on October 1
The Pro Bono Issues Committee, Barrister Club of the Bar Association of San Francisco is presenting a program on Tax Issues Affecting Nonprofits and the IRS on Thursday, October 1 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The program features popular speaker and IRS Exempt Organizations Audit Manager Joe Kroll. Mr....
IRS Form 990 Filing Tips – Part One
The IRS recently released the first in a series of filing tips for tax-exempt organizations and tax practitioners as they prepare to file the redesigned 2008 Form 990. Preparation Checklist Determine whether you are eligible to file the Form 990-EZ for 2008 Review the redesigned 2008 Form 990 Review...
San Francisco Foundation Center – Free Form 990 Seminar – March 17
My friend and tax-reporting expert Terry Miller is giving a FREE seminar on What Your 990 Says About You! The seminar will be held at the San Francisco Foundation Center Library on Tuesday, March 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. I urge all local charities who have not attended any seminars on...
Amateur Athletic Organizations
To qualify for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, an amateur athletic organization must fall under one of three rationales endorsed by the IRS: An organization is educational by either teaching sports to youth or being affiliated with an educational organization. Such organizations may also provide facilities and equipment. An organization...