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If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or auto expenses, expect the IRS to closely review them. In some cases, taxpayers have incomplete documentation or try to create records months (or years) later. In doing so, they fail to meet the strict substantiation requirements set forth under tax law. Tax auditors are adept at rooting …

Keep these DOs and DON’Ts in mind when deducting business meal and vehicle expenses Read More »

Are you getting ready to retire? If so, you’ll soon experience changes in your lifestyle and income sources that may have numerous tax implications. Here’s a brief rundown of four tax and financial issues you may contend with when you retire: Taking required minimum distributions. These are the minimum amounts you must withdraw from your retirement …

4 tax challenges you may encounter if you’re retiring soon Read More »

Since the original COVID-19 lockdowns, many not-for-profits have allowed their staffers to work from home — or work a hybrid schedule that puts them onsite only part time. This can leave a lot of office space unused. Depending on your nonprofit’s current lease, it may be more cost-effective to downsize or seriously consider other options. Relocate …

Should you reassess your nonprofit’s office space? Read More »

Despite recent accusations that the IRS targets certain types of tax-exempt organizations for audit, not-for-profit audits generally are rare. That’s because most nonprofits owe no or very little tax. However, as the IRS receives funding as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, it’s expected to hire new agents for all divisions, including the Tax Exempt …

Your nonprofit probably won’t be audited by the IRS, but if it is … Read More »

Not-for-profit organizations are compelled by federal and state wage-and-hours laws to perform a certain amount of time tracking. Funders may also stipulate timekeeping practices. Fortunately, timekeeping software can make the job a lot easier for staffers and managers. Here’s how to ensure your nonprofit complies. What’s required and what’s not You generally are required to document …

Why Nonprofits Need to Track Staffers’ Time Read More »

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), not-for-profit organizations make up 9% of all defrauded organizations. Such attacks — and losses — can be enough to destroy a nonprofit. Although the best defense against fraud is a strong offense in the form of internal controls, you should also have a recovery plan should …

Make a fraud recovery plan now, before your nonprofit is defrauded Read More »

To control your not-for-profit’s expenses and improve operating efficiency, you need to keep an eye on the numbers. This should come as no surprise. But which measures are important? Which ratios can help you identify how much currently goes toward programming (as opposed to administration), how much you spend on fundraising (compared to funds raised) …

Nonprofits: 4 ratios worth watching Read More »

Using the cash basis of accounting may make sense for your not-for-profit organization — at least at this stage. Many smaller nonprofits use the cash basis to prepare their financial statements because it’s generally quick, easy and intuitive and can alert them to current cash flow challenges. However, there’s a potential problem with cash basis …

Are your nonprofit’s interim and year-end financial statements at odds? Read More »

If your not-for-profit receives significant federal funds, it may be subject to the Office of Management and Budget’s Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements (Uniform Guidance). And if your nonprofit spends $750,000 or more in federal awards in a fiscal year, it probably faces a single audit — an annual financial statement audit and …

Keeping in compliance with Uniform Guidance Read More »

Many not-for-profit leaders are nervously watching macroeconomic signs — inflation, rising interest rates and the possibility of recession — to predict how their organization will fare in coming months and years. But threats to your nonprofit’s well-being may be closer than you think. Whether you’re an executive or board member, make sure you’re looking out for …

Nonprofits: 4 signs that something may be awry Read More »