Not-For-Profit Notebook

Practical insight and analysis on the accounting, audit and tax issues impacting not-for-profit organizations.

Distinguishing Between Sponsorship and Advertising Incomes, and Paying Proper Taxes

Posted by admin May 2, 2019 2:06:26 PM

While you are able to supplement your usual income-producing activities with sponsorships and advertising programs, it’s important to understand the possible tax implications of income from these outside sources.

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Finding the Perfect Bookkeeper for Your Organization

Posted by admin Apr 16, 2019 11:13:32 AM

The perfect bookkeeper will seamlessly handle your day-to-day accounting functions, but finding this person can be difficult. Be sure to consider your organization’s needs before actively starting your search. 

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Reporting Donations at Your Nonprofit

Posted by admin Apr 4, 2019 12:57:59 PM

Hopefully your organization already ensures that donors receive a receipt with information about claiming a charitable contribution deduction on their tax return. Did you know that your obligations may go further than that? For noncash donations, you might have responsibilities related to certain tax forms. 

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Remove "Employee Parking" Signs by March 31

Posted by Melissa Dunn Feb 28, 2019 3:50:50 PM

By now you probably know that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was signed into law in December 2017 eliminated the business deduction for Qualified Transportation Fringes (QTFs).

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How Auditors Review Your Revenue and Why You Should Too

Posted by admin Feb 19, 2019 9:53:48 AM

Auditors examining a nonprofit's financial statements should spend considerable time on the revenue figures. At BBD, we look at the accounting methods used to record revenues and perform a detailed income analysis. You can use the same techniques to increase your understanding of your organization's revenue profile. 

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Complying with Challenging New Procurement Standards

Posted by admin Feb 15, 2019 1:15:56 PM

The relatively new federal procurement standards, which went into full effect in fiscal year 2017, significantly alter the way nonprofits receiving federal funding handle purchasing. You may have changed your written policies, but are you complying with the standards in practice? If not, you could risk losing funding. 

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IRS Publication 15-B Offers Additional Guidance on Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits

Posted by Melissa Dunn Aug 2, 2018 4:00:09 PM

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that was signed into law on December 22, 2017 contains several provisions, including some related to qualified transportation fringe benefits.

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Are you Asking for too Much? Beware of Donor Fatigue

Posted by admin Jul 19, 2018 10:48:34 AM

The end of your fiscal year is often a time for a push in fundraising and giving. But after the flurry of this year-end fundraising, you and your not-for-profit’s staff are probably ready for a little break. Be aware that your supporters may be tired, too. At some point, even the most philanthropic individuals experience donor fatigue and start saying “no” — even to their favorite charities.

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Nonprofit Collaborations are Complex, but could Pay Off

Posted by admin Jul 10, 2018 11:23:57 AM

As discussed in a previous post, we’re seeing an increase in nonprofit collaboration, whether through mergers, acquisitions or, as we’ll discuss in this post, alliances. The success of these arrangements depends on careful planning and oversight.

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A Checklist to Avoid a Conflict of Interest in Nonprofit Organizations

Posted by admin Jun 28, 2018 11:56:03 AM

When an arrangement is personally benefiting one of your officers, board members or employees, you are in violation of IRS guidelines regarding conflicts of interest in nonprofits, and you could lose your tax-exempt status as well as your good reputation.

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