What Is IRS Form 990-N?
As we established in our Form 990 overview post, there are 5 versions of IRS Form 990, one or more of which is required to be filed annually by every 501(c) organization. Form 990-N, the shortest version and the one required…
Who Really Owns a Nonprofit?
The concept of who owns a nonprofit organization can be hard for some to grasp, especially given that the answer is, “No one!” We encounter this confusion with new clients on a fairly regular basis. And, given people’s understanding of how basic…
How the IRS Defines Charitable Purpose
When you hear the term nonprofit, the first thing that typically comes to mind is a charity, or 501(c)(3) organization. That’s for good reason, since roughly 78% of all tax-exempt organizations are exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3). The remaining 22% consists…
Should I Incorporate My Nonprofit in Delaware?
If you have experience in the for-profit world, you have likely heard the common advice that you should incorporate a new business in the state of Delaware. As of 2016, roughly 44% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware.…
Should Your Nonprofit Outsource its Bookkeeping Needs?
Maintaining timely and accurate financial records is one of the most important responsibilities facing every nonprofit organization. But, doing it right is time-consuming, and the rules are complicated. In fact, bookkeeping can be so complicated that 40% of small business…
How to Protect Your Nonprofit’s Board Members
Your board of directors is one of the most important assets your nonprofit has. Assuming they understand their role and are there for the right reasons, your board members provide invaluable insight, direction and oversight. They volunteer their time and…
Nonprofit Board Members – Choose Wisely
No decision you make regarding your nonprofit organization carries more importance than who is chosen to lead it. The members of your board of directors make up the governing body of your nonprofit and are legally accountable for its actions. …
Are You Misappropriating Your Nonprofit’s Funds?
One of the things that you learn quickly when starting and operating a 501(c)(3) organization is that you have to handle money wisely. A nonprofit is no different than any other business in that you must make ends meet. Otherwise,…
Why You Should Trust a Professional for Nonprofit Startup and Compliance Needs
Once you’ve decided your mission, developed an operations strategy and started building a team, it’s time to prepare and file your incorporation documents and 501(c)(3) status applications. If you’ve done your homework properly in documenting your mission, strategy and plans,…
Recordkeeping Basics for Nonprofits
Perfecting the habit of properly documenting the activities of your nonprofit is one of the most important disciplines any new social entrepreneur can master. There's a well-worn cliché that says, "If it's not in writing, it didn't happen". When it…
