March 14, 2008

IRS Resources

1. Economic Stimulus Payments: How Organizations Can Help
The IRS is encouraging various partners and stakeholders such as charities, churches, employers and governmental organizations to assist in efforts to reach out to those Americans who may be eligible for the 2008 economic stimulus payment but who normally have no requirement to file a tax return.
2. New Exempt Employer's Toolkit
A new page on the IRS website for Charities & Other Nonprofits centralizes federal tax resources commonly needed by tax-exempt organizations that compensate employees.

March 09, 2008

Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center

Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households. To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return. IRS will take care of the rest. Eligible people will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17. Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment. Find the latest updates at the IRS Information Center on the topic.

March 05, 2008

IRS Examination of Church Political Activities

The IRS has notified the United Church of Christ's national offices in Cleveland, Ohio, that the it has opened an investigation into U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's address at the UCC's 2007 General Synod as the church engaging in "political activities." Obama is a church member and was one of 60 members from various fields of culture, academics and business who spoke at the event about the impact of faith on their professional life. See more. See also April Webcast on Speaking Out and Retaining your Exempt Status