IRS to Disallow Some Easement Deductions
Following news accounts that raise questions about some easements donated to environmental and historic-preservation groups, the Internal Revenue Service says it will disallow such deductions if it finds they are being abused. “We’ve uncovered numerous instances where the tax benefits of preserving…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Charity Seeks to End Tax Breaks for Churches
In the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, the American Civil Liberties Union has asked a federal appeals court to reinstate a ruling that struck down Louisiana sales-tax exemptions for churches and other nonprofit groups. At issue is whether the exemptions, which allow churches,…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Groups Once Tied to Nader Now Steer Clear of Controversial Candidate
Ralph Nader has founded dozens of civic-action groups in his career, including Clean Water Action and ALSO SEE:» Related articles: about Charities and Elections the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. But most of the organizations he helped to start make no mention of Mr. Nader or his presidential…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Charities’ Election Defections
The contentious presidential race has prompted many donors to redirect their contributions to politicsJanine Kraus, a fund raiser at the Coral Reef Alliance, thought she was about to pull off a major coup this ALSO SEE:» Related articles: about Charities and Elections spring by securing a $35,000…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that charitable bequests will fall 22 percent through 2010 as a result of the estate-tax repeal. The tax is being gradually phased out until 2010, when it will be fully repealed for one year. After 2010, without new legislation, the tax would be restored.…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
IRS Must Improve Enforcement, Panel Says
An IRS advisory panel urged the revenue agency to strengthen its enforcement of charities in its report to the IRS this month. At the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Tax-Exempt and Government Entities, Karl Emerson, director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations, said the IRS…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Big Nonprofit Salaries Face Government Scrutiny
Many charities may rethink their pay policies as the IRS and some states embark on ambitious compensation reviewsFederal and state regulators are shining a new spotlight on salaries of charity executives, and as ALSO SEE:» Related table: Nonprofit Groups That Paid Top Officials $1-Million or More52…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
IRS to Ask Charities to Justify Large Salaries
Elizabeth Schwinn The Internal Revenue Service plans to contact hundreds of charities this summer to ask them to justify the salaries they pay executives and board members, according to Steven T. Miller, commissioner of the IRS’s tax-exempt and government entities division. Among the nonprofit…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Elizabeth Schwinn The Internal Revenue Service has named Lois Lerner acting director of the exempt-organizations office, which oversees charities. Ms. Lerner replaces Steven T. Miller, who was named commissioner of the tax-exempt and government entities division. Ms. Lerner was director of the…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
IRS Issues Ruling on Joint Ventures
The IRS has issued a revenue ruling that explains how charities should structure their business partnerships to maintain their tax exemptions. Revenue rulings from the IRS are designed to help the public by stating the government’s official position on aspects of tax law. The ruling offers the…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor