Directors and Officers Insurance for Nonprofits

The following article is a summary of an NPCC workshop on the topic of whether or not an organization should carry Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance and what the NPCC plan offers. NPCC members can obtain a low-cost comprehensive policy through a program administered by Crystal Financial Services and underwritten by National Union Insurance. NPCC's past president, Peter Swords has been involved with the issue of D&O liability insurance, and led this session.... Read more....

Mystics & Prophets: NEW RELEASE: Religious Life at the Crossroads

Mystics & Prophets: NEW RELEASE: Religious Life at the Crossroads: This book explores the movements in religious life today and the currents that are emerging among the smaller cohorts of younger religious...

Vow of Poverty in Civil and Canon Law

The vow of poverty has many dimensions: spirituality, simplicity, solidarity, work, sustainability, interdependence. The vow of poverty binds members to one another in a common economic unit. Our actions affect one another, for better or for worse. The vow also has raises legal issues under both Civil and Canon Law. Canon 600 gives a theological [...]

Interactive Form 1023 Available for Review

In an effort to make applying for tax exemption easier, the IRS Exempt Organizations (EO) office is in the development stage of an alternate version of Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption. The new application is available for preview until September 20, 2013.

The Interactive Form 1023 (i1023) features pop-up information boxes for most lines of the form. These boxes contain explanations and links to related information on IRS.gov andStayExempt.irs.gov, EO’s educational website. When final testing is completed later this year, you’ll print and mail the form and its attachments just like the standard Form 1023.

Although viewers are unable to print or submit this “review” version of i1023, EO encourages the public to click through its new features and promote the i1023 to colleagues and business associates. After reviewing the i1023, please send your comments to tege.eo.ceo@irs.gov.

Anticipated i1023 benefits:

• Applicants will be able to submit a more complete form
• IRS processing time is reduced
• Applicants receive a tax-exempt determination more quickly

The i1023 was developed from recommendations by the IRS’ Advisory Committee on Tax-Exempt and Government Entities (ACT).

Entity Selection for Nonprofits

Once the decision is made to start a nonprofit organization, the initial consideration is the type of charitable entity to be formed. The following are the four types of entities that can generally qualify for tax-exempt status:

Read more: http://charitylawyerblog.com/2013/07/25/entity-selection-for-nonprofits/#ixzz2audPzrUd

Nonprofit Seminar - Sept 7

Establishing and Running a Non-Profit: Part I

This popular seminar provides an overview of the legal basics for establishing and running a non-profit organization. Presented by Amy Hereford, an attorney and entrepreneur who speaks from her experience in working with non-profit start-ups. It includes practical tips, useful resources including the Non-profit, Tax-exempt Corporation Workbook (2012), an e-book (PDF) that presents the process of establishing a non- profit in a step-by-step format with ample space for notes, charts for gathering necessary information and tables for developing time-lines and assigning responsibilities. An excellent tool for assisting in non-profit formation, orienting new board members and non-profit directors.

NPAD:703 | $25

680 # 10am-12pm Saturday Sept 7, 2013

Meramec-Bus. Admin., Rm TBA (Meramec - 802 Couch Ave. Meramec Campus )

Establishing and Running a Non-Profit: Part II

This seminar builds on the previous session and provides more information. It will explore the legal requirements of operating a non- profit business organization, board responsibilities, business law for non- profits and legal compliance. It will also explore newer business models for non-profits, including fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit alliances, non- profit/for profit joint ventures and other collaborative structures.

NPAD:703 | $25

681 # 1pm-3pm Saturday Sept 7, 2013

Meramec-Bus. Admin., Rm TBA (Meramec - 802 Couch Ave. Meramec Campus )

Additional Information

Call: (314) 984-7777

Visit: www.stlcc.edu/Continuing_Education
See: Brochure

A faith-based nonprofit class is being presented in North St. Louis on Sept 14, 2013. Email for information: amyhereford@gmail.com.

Fall Covenant Project Workshops

This project assists religious institutes facing an uncertain and changing future. In this difficult but grace-filled time, a community can live today's challenges with the same courage, fidelity and creativity that have marked its entire history. We assist communities in developing a timeline, in identifying the covenant(s) and/or partnership(s) that will be helpful along the way and in putting the necessary documents.

• OnGround: St. Louis, MO Sept 21, 2013

• Webcast: Tuesdays in September 2013

For more information see: www.ahereford.org/covenant

Transitioning Sponsorship

A fundamental part of the life and work of religious is carrying on the mission of Jesus in the world of today. Most institutes have a specific mission or a particular way of doing ministry that inspired their founding members, and that continues to animate generation after generation.... Read more...

Mystics & Prophets: Giving Voice - National Conference

Mystics & Prophets: Giving Voice - National Conference: Here are some notes from the national conference of younger women religious held in California in early July. We are building the bridge w...

Alienation

The amount for alienation of real property and for acts of extraordinary administration (financial transactions that could be adverse to the patrimonial condition of a religious institute, such as indebtedness) is presently $5,705,000. This amount is set pursuant to an indult granted on December 5, 2003, by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life to the three Conferences of Religious Superiors in the United States (CMSM, LCWR, and CMSWR). The indult established a base amount of $5,000,000 with an annual adjustment linked to the consumer price index as determined by the three Conferences. Only CICLSAL has authority in this matter and has not withdrawn or modified the 2003 indult, nor issued a new indult.

Exempt Organization Application Slowdown

Social sector organizations should be aware that there will be ongoing delays for work handled by the IRS Exempt Organizations Division. In light of the recent controversy around the processing of applications for 501(c)(4) status, the entire system is experiencing delays. The article also discusses Marcus Owens' comments at a recent industry conference regarding the Division. Owens was the head of the IRS EO Division for ten years beginning in 1990 and is now a member at the law firm Caplin & Drysdale. Read more.

FBAR filing due // Nonprofit Class Coming

Effective July 1, 2013, TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), must be filed electronically.

If you have FBAR questions, please email FBARquestions@irs.gov.

For help with e-file technical questions, please email BSAEfilinghelp@fincen.gov or call the BSA E-Filing Help Desk at 1-866-346-9478.

If you are experiencing difficulty in submitting a timely electronic FBAR, please see FinCEN guidance. If there is reasonable cause for the failure, and the balance in the account is properly reported, no penalty will be imposed.

Seminars on Establishing and Running a Nonprofit

Establishing and Running a Non-Profit: Part I

This popular seminar provides an overview of the legal basics for establishing and running a non-profit organization. Presented by Amy Hereford, an attorney and entrepreneur who speaks from her experience in working with non-profit start-ups. It includes practical tips, useful resources including the Non-profit, Tax-exempt Corporation Workbook (2012), an e-book (PDF) that presents the process of establishing a non- profit in a step-by-step format with ample space for notes, charts for gathering necessary information and tables for developing time-lines and assigning responsibilities. An excellent tool for assisting in non-profit formation, orienting new board members and non-profit directors.

NPAD:703 | $25

10am-12pm Saturday July 13, 2013 & September 7, 2013

802 Couch Ave. Meramec Campus

Establishing and Running a Non-Profit: Part II

This seminar builds on the previous session and provides more information. It will explore the legal requirements of operating a non- profit business organization, board responsibilities, business law for non- profits and legal compliance. It will also explore newer business models for non-profits, including fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit alliances, non- profit/for profit joint ventures and other collaborative structures.

NPAD:703 | $25

  1pm-3pm Saturday July 13, 2013 & September 7, 2013

802 Couch Ave. Meramec Campus

Additional Information

Call: (314) 984-7777

Visit: www.stlcc.edu/Continuing_Education

Volunteers Afforded Title VII Protection

A federal District Court in Illinois has allowed a female volunteer for two nonprofit emergency ambulance services to sue for sexual harassment and discrimination under the employee protection provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Read more...

2013 Group Ruling Letter

The USCCB Office of General Counsel has published the 2013 group tax exemption letter that was issued by the IRS in June of this year. Along with the ruling, the General Counsel also publishes a memorandum with reminders and explanations to those who fall under the group ruling. Click here.... 
There are some new notes in the USCCB cover letter on:

• Options for inclusion in the EOBMF (Exempt Organizations Business Master File)
• Form 8940, Request for Miscellaneous Determination, to request a determination as to whether the organization is a Type I or II 
• Attending to mailings from the IRS

Effect of Sequestration on Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

Federal budget sequestration has resulted in required cuts to certain credits and awards, effective March 1. These required cuts include a reduction to the refundable portion of the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for certain small tax-exempt employers

Covenant Project Update

The Covenant Project assists religious institutes as they take responsibility for their own future in uncertain and changing times. We think of it as estate planning for religious institutes.

estate plan [ih-steyt plan] – arrangements made in anticipation of a changing future. The estate plan attempts to eliminate uncertainties over administration, maximize resources and establish a legacy. Taking responsibility for one's future is an ongoing process that begins when one has a measurable asset base. As life progresses and goals shift, the estate plan moves to be in line with new goals.

1. Full-Day On-Ground Workshops
-- September 22, 2013 - St. Louis, MO
    Register -- Printable Flyer -- More information
2. Online Workshops - Four 90 minute sessions.
-- April 2013 (Tuesdays)
-- September 2013 (Tuesdays)
(Online Sessions are at 2pm Eastern, 11am Pacific.)
--Charism & Completion - Apr 2
--Models of Completion - Apr 9
--Transitioning Sponsorship - Apr 16
--Covenants and Partnerships - Apr 23
--Follow-up conference call with each community
   Register for one of the online series.
Participants will have access to both Live and recorded sessions - in case not all members of your team can be present for the full series.

Charity & Nonprofit Audit / Type III orgs

This web page will explain the IRS audit process for charities and other nonprofit organizations. IRS Exempt Organizations is continuously exploring how to improve our service to charities and other nonprofit organizations, and hopes you will find the information on this page useful.

Recent changes affecting Type III Supporting Organizations

On February 4, 2012, the Director of Exempt Organizations, Ruling and Agreements, issued a memorandum instructing EO Determinations specialists to cease issuing determinations based on the 2009 proposed regulations.
Effective immediately, EO Determinations may issue determination letters classifying organizations as either functionally integrated or non-functionally integrated Type III supporting organizations if they satisfy the criteria set forth in the final and temporary regulations.

Revised IRS Publication on Charitable Contributions

The IRS has released revised Publication 526, which explains how to claim a charitable contributions deduction, discusses the types of organizations to which you can make deductible charitable contributions, and the types of contributions you can deduct. It also discusses how much you can deduct, what records you must keep, and how to report charitable contributions. See Publication

What Does the Fiscal Cliff Deal Mean for Nonprofits?

This fact sheet examines the effects of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) on charitable giving. The major individual income tax provisions are estimated to increase giving by $3.3 billion or 1.3 percent, relative to 2012 law, mainly because of the increase in the top marginal tax rate. Numerous other smaller provisions will also affect charitable giving. Read more....

Seminars on Establishing and Running a Nonprofit

Establishing and Running a Non-Profit: Part I

This popular seminar provides an overview of the legal basics for establishing and running a non-profit organization. Presented by Amy Hereford, an attorney and entrepreneur who speaks from her experience in working with non-profit start-ups. It includes practical tips, useful resources including the Non-profit, Tax-exempt Corporation Workbook (2012), an e-book (PDF) that presents the process of establishing a non- profit in a step-by-step format with ample space for notes, charts for gathering necessary information and tables for developing time-lines and assigning responsibilities. An excellent tool for assisting in non-profit formation, orienting new board members and non-profit directors.

NPAD:703 | $25

680 # 10am-12pm Saturday April 6, 2013

Meramec-Bus. Admin., Rm TBA (Meramec - 802 Couch Ave. Meramec Campus )

Establishing and Running a Non-Profit: Part II

This seminar builds on the previous session and provides more information. It will explore the legal requirements of operating a non- profit business organization, board responsibilities, business law for non- profits and legal compliance. It will also explore newer business models for non-profits, including fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit alliances, non- profit/for profit joint ventures and other collaborative structures.

NPAD:703 | $25

681 # 1pm-3pm Saturday April 6, 2013

Meramec-Bus. Admin., Rm TBA (Meramec - 802 Couch Ave. Meramec Campus )

Additional Information

Call: (314) 984-7777

Visit: www.stlcc.edu/Continuing_Education