501(c)(3) – Scholz Nonprofit Law

Repeal of the Johnson Amendment

By Melissa Scholz|2019-04-25T00:08:53+00:00April 3rd, 2017|501(c)(3), Nonprofit|

I frequently like to remind our 501(c)(3) clients about the importance of advocating on their issues through lobbying and the legitimacy of their role in doing so. But when we encourage lobbying, we point out the distinction between lobbying on issues and the prohibition on political activity. The rule against political activity has been known as the Johnson Amendment because it was added to the tax code under his administration. As you likely know, President Trump has proposed to eliminate that distinction and allow all 501(c)(3)s to engage in electoral politics - - i.e., support or oppose a candidate [...]

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Advocacy: Standing up for your Issues

501(c)(3)

Advocacy: Standing up for your Issues

By Melissa Scholz|2019-04-25T00:04:56+00:00November 29th, 2016|501(c)(3)|

In the wake of the election, many organizations may be more motivated than ever to advocate for their beneficiaries. Advocacy is an important tool for 501(c)(3) organizations and should not be overlooked! Here are the basics on the federal and Wisconsin rules that apply to advocacy for 501(c)(3) organizations. Federal rules allow 501(c)(3) “public charities” to participate in many different kinds of advocacy, ranging from educating on the issues to actual lobbying. Advocacy, such as educating policymakers and the public about broad social issues, is unrestricted and unlimited for 501(c)(3) public charities. Advocacy becomes “lobbying” when it is connected [...]

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Form 990 Deadline is Approaching!

501(c)(3), Compliance, Nonprofit, Private Foundation, Public Charity

Form 990 Deadline is Approaching!

By Jessica Harrison|2015-05-08T15:58:43+00:00May 8th, 2015|501(c)(3), Compliance, Nonprofit, Private Foundation, Public Charity|

It's that time of year again! Don’t forget to file your nonprofit organization’s “annual information return,” or Form 990. All tax-exempt organizations (including 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and 501(c)(6)s) must file a version of the Form 990 with the IRS. For many small organizations, it is a simple 5-10 minute process to file the "Form 990-N." You should be aware that if you do not file a 990 in 2015 and also did not file one in 2014 and 2013, your organization will lose its tax-exempt status and you will have to reapply with another application and filing fee. Filing FAQ's [...]

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501(c)(3) or 509(a)? Your public charity is both.

501(c)(3), Definition, Events, Nonprofit, Private Foundation, Public Charity

501(c)(3) or 509(a)? Your public charity is both.

By Melissa Scholz|2015-03-03T15:38:52+00:00March 3rd, 2015|501(c)(3), Definition, Events, Nonprofit, Private Foundation, Public Charity|

Today is the Big Share! Don’t miss the opportunity to support 70 local nonprofits dedicated to building a fair, just community and protecting the environment through this Community Shares of Wisconsin online giving event: http://www.thebigshare.org. Thanks to Community Shares and their Big Share partner, Madison Community Foundation, for hosting this event to support the important work of these organizations. And there will be another big share (of information) this week at the annual Wisconsin Nonprofit Association Conference: http://wisconsinnonprofits.org/Conference2015 , which is taking place in Madison on Thursday. With today’s focus on charitable donations to 501(c)(3) organizations, I want to [...]

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