As the economic hardships of the pandemic continue to mount, many are looking for ways to help employees weather the crisis. After 9/11, the Internal Revenue Code was amended to allow employers to make direct payments to employees for “qualified disaster relief” under Section 139. Likewise, employee assistance funds are also commonly used vehicles to provide disaster relief and/or emergency hardship financial support for people affiliated with a particular employer. Both vehicles serve not only to protect one of your business’s most important assets — your people — by getting them back to work, but they also serve to boost morale, build community, and reduce employee turnover in the long-run.
Category: Disaster Relief
Quorum in Crisis: What to Do When Your Board Can’t Meet in Person
Now is the time for thoughtful and decisive action. But how does your board do this when you can’t physically convene? Hope isn’t lost. Here’s what you need to know to hold an emergency board meeting.
CARES Act Assistance Programs Available to Nonprofits
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) became law. The CARES Act provides $349 billion in benefits for small businesses, including qualifying nonprofit organizations. Specifically, certain nonprofits are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program and the expanded Economic Impact Disaster Loan program (EIDL). The CARES Act also provides payroll tax relief and expands the charitable deduction to all taxpayers for one year to incentivize charitable giving.
Hurricane Relief – Donor Beware!
Familiarize yourself with the organization, its mission, and its effectiveness before giving. Always ask for information in writing – be wary if an organization will not provide information about charitable programs and finances upon request. Any legitimate organization will be happy to send you information. Check guidestar.org to review the organization’s financial data and learn more about its mission and finances. Understand that its common for scammers to set-up websites with confusing similar names to well-known charities to steal personal information from those trying to donate. Scammers are also known to set up fake GoFundMe accounts.
IRS 2012 Work Plan – What’s New for Nonprofits
Each year, the IRS publishes a report detailing what its focus will be regarding nonprofit organizations and compliance during the year to come. The following are some of the highlights from the 2012 Exempt Organizations Work Plan.
Making Charitable Gifts to Employees in Times of Need
Some businesses want to be able to help their employees in times of need. When properly structured, such assistance can qualify as a tax-free gift to the employee.