Charity Lawyer Blog
Nonprofit Law Simplified
Unrelated Business Income Tax: Volunteer Labor Exclusion
As its name suggests, unrelated business income tax (“UBIT”) is an excise tax on exempt organization’s unrelated business income. Generally, the IRS will tax trade or
“Friends of” Organizations
U.S. donors commonly seek to support foreign charitable organizations aiding in international causes. Although donors may make contributions directly to charities outside the United States, they
How to Start a Nonprofit in Arizona
So you think you want to start a nonprofit in Arizona? Our firm receives many calls weekly from people who want to start a nonprofit
Public Inspection – Exempt Organization Tax Records
Tax-exempt organizations must allow timely public inspection of their last three annual information returns and their exemption application or risk steep penalties. Many nonprofits are caught off guard when they receive their first request. Below is a summary of what must be provided and when and what may be withheld.
Trademark Protection For Nonprofits
Trademark protection is a valuable tool because it protects your nonprofit’s proprietary intellectual property from theft and unauthorized use. Owning a trademark allows you to prevent others who might try to capitalize on the goodwill your nonprofit has built from using your intellectual property without your permission. Trademarking intellectual property provides an extra layer of protection for your nonprofit’s reputation and goodwill because it ensures your brand identity is not being misused by nefarious copycats masquerading as your nonprofit.
Tax-Exempt Political Organizations
Generally, organizations which are exempt from taxation are listed in § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code (“I.R.C.”). Instead, political organizations are governed under I.R.C. § 527. 501(c) organizations are exempt from income tax for various public policy reasons, such as helping to improve lives, strengthening communities and the economy, and lightening the burdens of government. To incentivize social good, the government subsidizes 501(c) organizations by eliminating their tax burden. Conversely, political organizations organized under § 527 do not provide charitable services or improve social welfare. Rather, their sole function is to influence the election of candidates for public office.
Charitable Remainder Trusts 101
What is a Charitable Remainder Trust? The Charitable Remainder Trust (“CRT”) is a trust set up to generate revenue for a beneficiary while also ensuring
Directors vs. Trustees of a Nonprofit
The group of individuals charged with the governance of nonprofits are often referred to interchangeably as directors or trustees. These terms are similar in that they both refer to the group of individuals who have a fiduciary duty to oversee the nonprofit organization. However, from a legal perspective, there are important distinctions.
The Role of Corporate Secretary
In a nonprofit corporation, the duties of the Secretary are crucial to the smooth functioning of the organization. The role of the Secretary is vital
How to Start a Non-Profit Organization
