How to Obtain Alcohol Permits for Special Events
Alcohol permit laws apply to nonprofit special events too! Here are some guidelines to get you started. How to Obtain Alcohol Permits
Resources
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How to Apply for a Wine Auction Permit
So a generous donor has given you cases of wine for your silent auction. Did you know that you need a permit? Wine Auction Permits
Games of Chance: Your Fundraiser May Be Illegal Gambling
Updated January 24, 2023. If you’re interested in holding casino night, poker tournaments, raffles or even bingo to raise money, your fundraiser may be illegal. Learn here how to avoid problems with Georgia’s gambling laws. Gambling Fundraisers
Reporting Requirements for Non-Cash Charitable Donations under the New Form 990
The IRS now asks for more information in the revised IRS Form 990 regarding in-kind donations like clothing, cars and boats. This alert covers those reporting requirements, and the acknowledgement changes that could affect your donors. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole …
Alternative Fundraising: What Every Nonprofit Should Know
In tough economic times lots of tax exempt organizations turn to alternative ways of raising money. But being creative may mean problems with the IRS. Learn the rules dealing with unrelated business income tax, debt-financed income and joint ventures with for-profits. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information …
“Doing Business As” and Trade Names in Georgia
If you are doing business under a different trade name than your organization’s legal name, you probably need to fill out a “Doing Business As” (DBA) application. Here are the steps you will need to take to successfully fill out and submit your DBA application in Georgia. DBAs
Staying Legal: General Guidelines for Operating a 501(c)(3) in Georgia
Updated October 2023 This is our own Georgia-specific source on best practices for corporate governance and compliance with the IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations, tax reporting and state filings. The best methods to keep your 501(c)(3) exemption. Staying Legal
Independent Director Alert
Recent developments make it even more important to have directors on your board who are independent and unaffiliated with your day to day business. This article explains exactly what that means to you, and why you may need to take action. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information …
Executive Compensation Alert
Because you are a nonprofit the Internal Revenue Code puts limits on how much you pay your executives. Learn more here to avoid stepping over that line. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, on the laws of the District …
Public Disclosure
This e-alert sets forth the IRS rules about what information you must make available for public inspection, such as your Form 990s and 1023 form. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, on the laws of the District of Columbia. …
Compensating Insiders – How to Avoid Excess Benefit Transactions and Comply with IRS Rules
The IRS prohibits every 501(c)(3) nonprofit from paying its officers, directors and other insiders too much for any goods or services they provide to the organization. Nonprofits that do not follow these rules, and any officer or director who approved an excess payment, may be subject to taxes, fines and other penalties. This article will …
Private Inurement
Private inurement (using charity’s income or assets for personal use) is prohibited by the IRS. Learn more about this important restriction and suggestions on how to protect your 501(c)(3) status. Private Inurement
Compliance Guide for 501(c)(3) Public Charities
Even if your organization already has its 501(c)(3) status, the IRS can still take it away unless you do the right things. This guide covers activities that may jeopardize a charity’s exempt status, tax returns or notices that must be filed, recordkeeping, changes to be reported to the IRS, required public disclosures and resources for …
State Income Tax Exemption for 501(c)(3) Organizations
Your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status only applies to Federal income taxes. It doesn’t make you automatically exempt from State of Georgia income taxes. Find out how to make sure you are covered. State Income Tax Ememptions
Tax on Unrelated Business Income – IRS Publication 598
Does your organization generate income from activities, including fundraising, that are not directly related to the basis of the organization’s exemption? The IRS has special rules for tax on that income that you need to know. Tax on Unrelated Business Income
Taxes for Tax-Exempt Organizations
Even though you are a “tax-exempt” organization, there are still taxes you have to pay. This article and chart tell you what taxes may apply to your organization. Taxes for Tax Exempt Organizations
Form 1023
Updated June 2023 Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ is the application an organization uses for the IRS to issue a determination letter or ruling letter that recognizes an organization’s exemption from federal income tax. Form 1023 Form 1023-EZ
IRS Guide to Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status
Are you interested in Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status? This informative booklet from the IRS answers questions such as why you should apply, who’s eligible, how to get started, and what responsibilities come with the status. 501c3 Tax Status
Can Your Board of Directors Vote by Email?
Your board needs to vote to approve a major contract but the next board meeting is in two months. Can the board vote by email or another electronic means? Under Georgia law, a board can take action without a meeting (including by taking an electronic vote) provided that all of the directors consent by voting …
Confused about COBRA? Understanding Federal & State Continuation of Health Insurance Coverage
What are your obligations as an employer when it comes to providing health insurance coverage to former employees? This article will help you understand the requirements under Federal law (COBRA) and Georgia law. Find out whether your nonprofit is governed by COBRA or state continuation coverage and determine whether you have to offer coverage and …
Required Filings for Nonprofit Organizations
Once you get your 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, your paperwork has just begun! Federal, state and some local governments require that you file additional forms; some filings are one-time-only and others are required on a regular basis. Our filings guide will help you determine whether you are current on the filings usually required of …
Child Abuse Reporting in Georgia
When working with children, nonprofit employees and volunteers should always be mindful of the possibility that a child has been or is currently being abused. Anyone who suspects child abuse is encouraged to report such abuse to the authorities, but did you know that certain individuals are required by law to do so? If you …
Unique Unemployment Insurance Option Available Only For Nonprofits
Unemployment is on everyone’s minds these days. As a nonprofit employer, you should be aware of your organization’s obligations with respect to paying unemployment. Although 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Georgia are exempt from federal unemployment taxes (FUTA) they may still be responsible for paying state unemployment taxes. Nonprofit organizations are responsible for unemployment insurance coverage …
Webcast: Tough Economic Times, Part 2
During last month’s Questions to Consider in Tough Economic Times webcast, John Mills discussed options for nonprofits facing financial challenges with a focus on decreasing expenses and increasing revenue. If you haven’t watched it already, you can view this very helpful presentation here. In this webcast, Mr. Mills turns to nonprofits that are facing possible …