Nonprofit Agenda NewslettersSelect a month on the list to the left for more detailThe information contained in this site is of general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance If you are interested in receiving this newsletter contact us. Article Summaries
New Campaign Finance Reform Act Affects Tax Exempt Political Organizations In March 2002, the president signed the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act into law. The act will greatly affect trade and professional associations in several areas. This article takes a closer look at the legislation, the various filing requirements and how it might affect your organization. 5 Steps to Effective Chapter Financial Management and ReportingEfficient chapter financial management and reporting is a cornerstone of a well-run nonprofit. And for a nonprofit with chapters or affiliates, getting timely financial reports from them is no doubt a challenge. This article outlines a case study in which a national medical association successfully implemented an efficient chapter financial management and reporting model. News for Nonprofits This section reports on Form 990 changes, deduction limits on donated appreciated stock, the results of a nonprofit work force survey and the IRS’s 2003 work plan. Will Your Assets Reach the Desired Destination?Whether Updating or Creating, Steer Your Estate Plan Clear of TroubleWith the estate tax set for repeal in 2010 — and tax rates, exemptions and other important rules changing in the meantime — many people might be tempted to postpone updating or creating their estate plans. But with so much changing and so many new opportunities available, now may actually be the worst time to abandon estate planning. This report discusses three challenges — heeding tax implications, planning gifts and assessing personal circumstances — that all taxpayers need to consider, whether they’re updating an estate plan or creating a new one. Click here See the 2002 issue for a newsy, informative report, “Finally, They’re Finalized: IRS Enacts New, Better Retirement Plan Distribution Rules,” about how taxpayers can take advantage of these changes to maximize the opportunities for tax-deferred growth in their retirement accounts. Year End 2002 issue has 4 Fundamental Tax Saving Strategies … And How To Fully Use Them Is Your Auditor Independent? In the wake of the Enron scandal,
auditor objectivity has received increased scrutiny not only by Congress, but
also by businesses and nonprofits. Although aggressive accounting treatment of
off-balance-sheet debt and inflated stock prices are of little consequence to
nonprofits, auditor objectivity is essential to stakeholder confidence. This
article looks at five ways to determine auditor independence. How To Cultivate
and Maintain Successful Employment Relationships
Some charitable
organizations have significant cash and property assets, but their most valuable
assets — their staff members — don’t appear on the balance sheet. Without
a well-trained, committed staff, a nonprofit stands little chance delivering its
program services or raising so much as a dime. This article examines how
properly managing your human resources will ensure a nonprofit’s long-term
stability and success. News for NonprofitsThis section reports on a recent GAO investigation of inadequate IRS charity oversight, new IRS publication 1771, the final rules relating to the taxation of tax-exempt organizations’ revenue from corporate sponsorships and the IRS’s major strategies and operational priorities for certain nonprofit market segments. 2002
Act Expands, Extends and Clarifies Earlier Provisions Signed into law in March, the Job
Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 doesn't convey the sweeping reforms
of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Rather, it
seeks to expand some of its predecessor's provisions, extend many expired or
about-to-expire tax breaks, and even provide “technical corrections” to
previous legislation. This report covers this most recent tax law’s
highlights, including a special depreciation write-off for business equipment
purchases and an extension of the unemployment benefits limit. Use
Your Budget as a Planning Tool A
nonprofit often uses its budget as a blueprint for deciding which projects or
activities it can afford to pursue during the coming year. But if an
organization doesn’t properly plan its budget, it won’t be financially prepared
for the future. This article looks at how nonprofits can use budgets to guide
themselves toward a better tomorrow. Treasurers Play a
Critical Role in a Nonprofit’s Financial Survival
Historically, a nonprofit’s treasurer’s main function has been to
ensure the organization’s financial integrity. But, ultimately, he or she is
responsible for a nonprofit’s compliance with government standards as well as
the organization’s short- and long-term financial goals. In this article we
explore the ever-expanding roles treasurers play and how they can help a
nonprofit manage its funds and grow financially. Design Your Web Site To Improve Your Bottom Line and Generate RevenueMany
nonprofits fail to fully harness their Web sites’ potential power. The
Internet’s speed and automated administrative functions as well as its ability
to disseminate information make it a unique marketing tool. This article looks
at how to maximize a site’s value and increase revenue. Be Sure You Know All the Tax Consequences of Untimely ContributionsThe Gift That Keeps
On Giving — To the IRS Consider Regular Audits Despite the Absence of Federal RequirementsSurprisingly, the IRS doesn’t require nonprofits to perform audits. But conducting an audit at least annually makes good business sense. Not to mention that they are a good communication tool for your employees and board members, and may be required by local law or grantors. This article explores the common circumstances where audits may be appropriate.
Teach
Your Donors the Benefits of Planned Giving
A
charitable donation can cause a tax landslide if not properly planned. And
because donors aren’t usually familiar with the law, nonprofits have to inform
them. This report looks at different planned-giving options available to donors.
Additional Information:
|
(c)2001-06 Fraser CPA - Last Updated 05/01/2006 |