IRS Offers Refund on Telephone Tax
The IRS has issued instructions to help charities claim a refund of taxes they paid on long-distance telephone calls in years past. The tax agency said in May that it will no longer tax long-distance calls and will return taxes it collected on such calls going back to 2003. The IRS expects to…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Tax Agency Announces Top 2007 Priorities
The Internal Revenue Service office that oversees charities says its plans for 2007 include efforts to help nonprofit organizations comply with a new federal law. In addition, the office plans to investigate community foundations to make sure they are complying with the law and to examine so-called…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
The IRS audited 7,079 nonprofit organizations in the 2006 fiscal year, which ended September 30, an increase of 40 percent over the previous year, according to a statement from Internal Revenue Commissioner Mark W. Everson. “These results show we are taking important steps to combat abuse in exempt…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
As Democrats take control, charities expect gains and lossesThe shift in control of Congress has changed the political landscape for charities: They are far less likely to face new regulations that govern their operations — and they will also have a tougher time persuading Congress to pass any new…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Two Kansas Churches Accused of Playing Politics
By Elizabeth SchwinnAs the election season wrapped up, a nonprofit watchdog organization accused two Kansas churches of breaking federal law by engaging in political activities. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, has asked the Internal Revenue Service to investigate whether the…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
IRS Approves Unusual Investment Option
By Elizabeth SchwinnStanford University has secured a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that allows its donors to invest their contributions along with the institution’s endowment. Donors have good reason to want Stanford’s endowment managers to invest their gifts: Over the 10-year period…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Illinois Hospital Appeals Property-Tax Decision
By Elizabeth SchwinnIn a legal battle being watched by nonprofit hospitals around the country, an Illinois medical center is appealing the state’s decision to revoke the organization’s exemption from property taxes. The State of Illinois last month upheld a 2003 county ruling affecting the status…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
The Red Cross’s new limitations on governance get mixed reviews Members of Congress praised the American Red Cross for its plan to revamp its governance structure — the first major change in almost 60 years — following criticism of the charity’s response ALSO SEE: TEXT: Key Governance Changes at…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Nonprofit Groups Accused of Violating Tax Laws
Five conservative nonprofit organizations may have violated federal tax laws by helping the Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, a Senate report says. The report by the Democratic staff of the Senate Finance Committee said that the organizations abused their tax-exempt status by laundering money and…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Emphasis on Accountability Lifts Returns for International Aid Charity
When James Cavnar started a new international aid group five years ago, he wanted to give donors more confidence in how ALSO SEE: DATABASE: Philanthropy 400 Table: Cross International Alliance Article: A Year of Big Gains Article: Largest Charities Focus on Campaigns’ Aftermath Article: Charities…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor