501(c)(3)

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On November 21, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law new legislation, which amends certain provisions of the New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law (the “N-PCL”).  The legislation, described in detail below, “modernizes provisions of law relating to members, directors and officers to align with current practices, streamline procedures and…

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) quietly added two new questions and answers regarding virtual currency donations to its answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Virtual Currency Transactions (FAQs) on December 26, 2019.  The two new answers address the responsibilities of charitable organizations when accepting donations of virtual currency, including…

The IRS recently released an Information Letter, written in response to a congressman’s inquiry about an unidentified charity’s unidentified practices, confirming that Section 501(c)(3) organizations may use the internet to raise funds.  The IRS stated that solicitations made through a website or e-mail should comply with the same rules that apply to other solicitations.  However, any organization raising funds over the internet should consider any state laws and regulations that may apply.

The IRS continues to implement the “three years and you’re out” rule for Form 990 non-filers added by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”).  That legislation amended Section 6033 of the Internal Revenue Code to provide that exempt organizations required to file a Form 990-series return (i.e., a Form 990, Form 990-EZ or Form 990-N) that do not file the return for three consecutive years will have their tax-exempt status automatically revoked going forward.  Organizations subject to automatic revocation are required to file exemption applications with the IRS to regain exempt status, even if they were not originally required to file an application for recognition of exempt status.  Further, exempt status will not be restored retroactively unless the IRS finds there was reasonable cause for the failure to file.

In its highly divisive 5-4 opinion in Citizens United v. FEC, the Supreme Court dramatically altered the framework regulating corporate speech during federal elections. Released on January 21, 2010, the Court’s decision struck down legislative and judicial restrictions that have been in place for decades, preventing corporations and labor unions from using general treasury funds on political speech during federal elections. In addition to directly impacting for-profit corporations and labor unions, this case will have a substantial effect on the not-for-profit sector.
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In Announcement 2009-88, set to be published in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2009-52, dated December 28, 2009, the IRS lists organizations that have failed to establish or have been unable to maintain their status as public charities or as private operating foundations.
Continue reading for the full text of the Annoucement.
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