IRS clarifies royalty exception to UBIT

Provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act have brought renewed attention to nonprofits’ potential liability for unrelated business income tax (UBIT). Organizations generally are subject to a 21% tax on unrelated income, but exceptions apply — including one for royalties. Although “royalties” aren’t defined in the U.S tax code or regulations, a recent IRS…

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IRS Rules: Restructuring in Today’s Regulatory Climate

Some nonprofits have been forced to restructure their organizations due to the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, IRS rule changes from a couple of years ago make the restructuring process far easier than it once was. If you’re considering such a change, here’s what you need to know. How have the rules changed?…

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Working remotely: Don’t neglect internal controls

The pandemic has forced many nonprofits to change to work-at-home mode for extended periods, and some may remain there even as COVID-19 recedes. This shift in operations offers potential advantages, but it’s critical that organizations institute new, or adapt existing, internal controls to protect their finances and accounting-related data. Here are some of the most…

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What We Know So Far About COVID Philanthropy

COVID-19 spurred more than $11.9 billion in global philanthropy in the first six months of 2020. That’s just one of the findings in the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and information service Candid’s new report, Philanthropy and COVID-19 in the first half of 2020. In this report, Candid and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy explore the…

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Surge in virtual events lowers revenue expectations

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted fundraising from traditional events, such as annual galas and walkathons, to virtual happenings. But, according to research from the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum, the revenues raised from these events often fall below projected revenues. The organization surveyed 120 North American nonprofits and found two-thirds already had hosted a virtual campaign in…

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Board members: Stay alert for these 4 financial red flags

Your board members are undoubtedly well aware of your nonprofit’s financial problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. But as 2021 unwinds, the board should keep its eyes on potential problem spots, ask questions and direct remedies as needed. These four areas can present clues that the organization is headed for trouble. 1. Financial statement flaws. Late,…

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Are You Prepared to Accept Cryptocurrency Gifts?

When cryptocurrencies first came on the scene, they were widely viewed as a fringe development, primarily of interest to nerds, doomsday preppers and criminals. Now they’ve moved closer to the mainstream, even prompting the IRS to add a question to its Form 1040 about transactions with virtual currencies. As more individuals and businesses have begun…

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Our 7 Tips Against Scammers

Be Smart, Be Safe I once talked to an IRS agent who didn’t know the due date of the 1040 tax return for individuals. Yeah… that was one of the many ways I could tell I was dealing with a scammer. But they don’t always make it so easy. In fact, it’s getting downright hard….

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COVID-19 Changes the Landscape for Single-audit Compliance

COVID-19 and its economic impact have left the nonprofit niche financially vulnerable, with corporate and individual donations dropping precipitously for many organizations. Relief funding under the CARES Act has helped some nonprofits remain reasonably stable. But funding also will likely impose new single-audit requirements on recipients already struggling to keep their heads above water. The…

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Thank you.

Without a doubt, this past year has brought challenges which have left no one untouched, including my team here at Sechler Morgan as well as my friends and family. But despite all efforts to the contrary, the year 2020 has revealed what is good and noble in people. Each member of our team has watched…

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