StayExempt
The IRS recently launched a new look and improved navigation for its educational website for exempt organizations, StayExempt. The redesigned home page greets visitors with three easy gateways to the information they’re looking for. A “New Organizations” tab leads to information on how to apply for tax exemption as well as a shortcut to the valuable […]
California Attorney Generals Office
The Attorney General regulates charities and the professional fundraisers who solicit on their behalf.The purpose of this oversight is to protect charitable assets for their intended use and ensure that the charitable donations contributed by Californians are not misapplied and squandered through fraud or other means. The main elements of the Attorney General´s regulatory program […]
Sales and Use Tax Requirements for California Nonprofits
Yes, nonprofits do have to occasionally pay taxes. The Tax Guide for Nonprofit Organizations will answer your questions about California state taxes that nonprofits must pay.
New IRS Search Tool: Select Check
The IRS recently launched a new online search tool for information about charitable organizations. Exempt Organizations Select Check allows a user to: search IRS “Publication 78″ data to determine if an organization is charitable determine if an organization has filed a Form 990-N (required for smaller charities) OR identify if an organization has had its tax-exempt status […]
State Charitable Solicitation Statutes
Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia have charitable solicitation statutes that generally require nonprofits soliciting contributions and, in most cases, their for-profit fundraising professionals to register prior to soliciting contributions or providing fundraising counsel services. It is critical for nonprofits and their fundraising professionals to know about, and be in compliance with, these statutes […]
Bankruptcy Information for Nonprofits
This information sheet from Public Counsel Law Center explores common nonprofit concerns regarding bankruptcy. It offers a starting point to evaluate whether bankruptcy can help achieve a more sustainable economic future through a reorganization, or whether the time has come to “close with honor.” Bankrupcy Issues Concerning California Nonprofit
Public Disclosure
The Public Law Counsel has prepared this memo outlining federal and California state requirements. It’s important to know what must be made available and how you must make it available, as well as what isn’t required to be available. Public Availability/Disclosure of Documents
The Brown Act or Open Meeting Law
This act only applies to nonprofit organizations in the specific cases outlined in the excerpt quoted below from The Brown Act: Open Meetings for Local Legislative Bodies 2003 California Attorney General’s Office Private or Nonprofit Corporations and Other Entities Under specified circumstances, meetings of boards, commissions, committees or other multi-member bodies that govern private corporations, limited liability […]
Waivers and Hold Harmless Clauses
The reality is that clients and volunteers may bring a lawsuit against a nonprofit if they suffer injuries. The Nonprofit Risk Management Center offers this information about how waivers and hold harmless clauses can serve as risk management tools. They also offer this sample waiver/hold harmless release form and photo release to use with volunteers.
Compliance for California Nonprofits
The Compliance for California Nonprofits website outlines all of the reporting requirements for California nonprofit organizations with links and instructions. Nonprofit Compliance Checklist from CalNonprofits will also help you keep track of your nonprofit’s yearly compliance responsibilities. (Provigil)
