How To Make Your Non-Profit Board Meeting Engaging

Building your non-profit organization takes time, dedication, commitment, and a great team to support it.

Once you’ve built your team of volunteers and supporters, it is important to meet to discuss the various aspects of your organization. However, while meetings are beneficial to an organization’s growth, they can become ineffective if not run correctly.

Today, we will learn how to make your non-profit board meeting engaging.

How To Make Your Non-Profit Board Meeting Engaging

1. Have a Purpose To Meet

There’s nothing worse than gathering your team for a meeting that has no real purpose. Meet only when necessary. If you don’t, your team will become uninterested and disengaged because they feel their time is being wasted. If what you want to discuss can be accomplished in a simple email do so your team will thank you for it.

2. Know Who To Invite

Unless you’re having a “Come to Jesus Meeting” that requires your whole team meetings should involve only those who are directly related to the topic. Determine what needs to be discussed and invite the necessary members of your team to keep the meeting brief and productive.

Note: Authority figures within your nonprofit organization must be present when major decisions are made. 

3. Create an Agenda & Send in Advance

I can’t emphasize enough how beneficial a preplanned agenda can be for keeping your meetings quick and concise. Every meeting should have an agenda with clear objectives and a time frame for discussion. You should include an explanation of how each topic up for discussion and how you will be taking suggestions. This will help your team fully understand the conversation and improve the productivity of your meeting. 

4. Keep Attendees Engaged

Make your meetings meaningful and engaging by keeping things going at a brisk pace, but allow enough time for a thorough discussion. Call on your members by name when their participation is needed. Vague discussions lead to vague responses. Have everyone look at the same document throughout the meeting to keep them involved and ask for feedback.

5. Provide a Closing Summary at the End of Each Meeting

Keep your team on the same page before you leave each meeting by doing a quick summary of the discussion and decisions made. Allocating 5 minutes at the end of your meeting for this summary will ensure shared understanding and clear commitments.

Bonus Tip: End the Meeting Early If You’re All Done! Never waste people’s time. If you waste theirs they will waste yours.

Now that you know how to make your meetings super-efficient, don’t forget to file your annual 990 Forms with ExpressTaxExempt. If your organization operates on a fiscal tax year starting in February your IRS Form 990 is due this Friday, June 15th.

ExpressTaxExempt helps you remain tax exempt and free from IRS penalties. Create an account or sign in today to handle your nonprofit organization’s tax filing needs.

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New Technology That All Nonprofits Need To Know About

Last week over 2,000 of the best and brightest nonprofit professionals from around the world gathered at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana for the 2018 Nonprofit Technology Conference.

Commonly referred to as the “NTC” this conference provides an avenue for individuals to collaborate, innovate, and discover new ways to spark change in the nonprofit industry with technology.

With over 130 sessions offered at this year’s conference, attendees could gain insight and obtain skills in areas such as information technology, leadership, programming, fundraising, and development, as well as marketing and communications.

Outside of these dynamic sessions were hundreds of exhibitors presenting their newest and most innovative technology for growing nonprofits.

New Technology That All Nonprofits Need To Know About

Here are some of the top sponsors and exhibitors from the 2018 NTC: 

1) Microsoft - Microsoft is committed to providing solutions, partnerships, and support to nonprofits through a variety of technological products, including Azure, Dynamics 365, Enterprise Mobility, Power BI, Surface, and more.

2) Blackbaud - Blackbaud is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good and providing nonprofit solutions in areas such as fundraising and relationship management. Click here for more information on the resources they offer nonprofits.

3) Engaging Networks - Founded in 2000, Engaging Networks is a flexible and innovative software platform for nonprofits. Engaging Networks also provides nonprofits with a complete toolset for digital engagement for online fundraising, advocacy, email marketing, P2P, and events.

4) DonorPerfect - Engage your donors with this awesome software designed to supercharge your nonprofit’s fundraising initiatives and cultivate valuable relationships through the fundraising growth platform, DonorPerfect.

5) Neon - NeonCRM is a cloud-based nonprofit software suite that provides tools built to support the work that nonprofit organizations do through engagement with donors, managing memberships, planning events, tracking volunteers and more.

6) PayPal Braintree - Designed specifically for nonprofits, PayPal Braintree provides fast and easy ways to fundraise online with discounted transaction rates for registered 501(c)(3) charities. Learn how PayPal Braintree can benefit your nonprofit here.

7) ActBlue - The ActBlue Charities extension (AB Charities) is a free service that makes it easy for any organization to run an advanced, modern fundraising program online. Click here to find out how AB Charities can help your organization.

8) EveryAction - Built and supported by nonprofit experts, EveryAction offers tools to nonprofits of all sizes to optimize their interactions with supports and prospects, which lead to the best outcomes for the organization.

9) Giveffect - Giveffect is the #1 all-in-one nonprofit software, leading in areas such as fundraising, events, online donations, offline gift tracking, volunteer management, donor management and constituent relationship management software. Experience a radically better way to manage your nonprofit when you use Giveffect!

10) See3 - See3 focuses its efforts on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations by helping to improve their digital communications strategies, increase connections with constituents, and magnify their impact.

2019 Nonprofit Technology Conference

Mark your calendars now and start making plans to attend the 2019 Nonprofit Technology Conference on March 13-15, 2019 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR. 

The takeaways from this conference are endless and beneficial to nonprofits of all types. Did you attend the 2018 NTC? Tell us about your favorite exhibits in the comments below.

As you prepare for upcoming conferences and nonprofit events this summer don’t forget about the Form 990 deadline on May 15th for organizations with a calendar tax year (January - December).

ExpressTaxExempt is here to help you with your 990 filings and provides an easy, simplified, and secure filing process.

You help others daily, now let us help you!

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How To Gain Effective Communication For Non-Profit Organizations

ATTENTION! ATTENTION!

If you’re a leader with a big voice like I am, getting everyone’s attention is easy; it’s keeping their attention and communicating effectively that can become the problem. Whether you have a loud or soft, sweet voice, the way you communicate as a leader for your organization can affect the outcome of your nonprofit.

Our aim at ExpressTaxExempt is to help you and your nonprofit organization grow so that you can continue making a positive difference in your community. Here are a few keys to effective communication that will benefit your non-profit organization:

How To Gain Effective Communication For Non-Profit Organizations

1) Inform, Explain, Clarify

As a leader have you ever felt misunderstood by those, you work with or lead? When you make an announcement, everyone seems to be on the same page but two days later (or even sooner) you are confronted with 5000 questions? 

If this scenario often occurs you may need to rethink your communication skills and adjust them to best suit those that you lead. What makes sense to you might not “click” with them. This three-step process has helped me tremendously throughout the years;

1. Inform - Always inform your team promptly. Communicating information at the last minute opens the door for confusion and a lack of understanding among individual members of your team. 
2. Explain - Depending on your leadership style you may or may not be the type to share all of the details; which is fine. Whatever information you do decide to share, be prepared to explain it in detail to your team. The more they know in [certain] situations, the better. 
3. Clarify - It never hurts to clarify information that you have shared with your team. At the end of the day, you are human just like they are. Mistakes happen! If you misspeak or failed to make something clear, simply clarify it and move forward. 

2) Servant Leadership: Become More "Hands-ON" 

To lead others well, you must serve first.

Of course, we are not referring to serving your team a meal (although treating your volunteers to a meal is always a kind gesture). Servant leadership is a timeless concept that helps with effective communication skills, by focusing on the growth and well-being of individuals and communities to which they belong.

Take time to labor among those you volunteer with. Talk to your team. Help volunteers with tasks you have assigned. Go where the work is happening. Being present and active will show your team, as well as potential donors, the amount of passion you have towards your organization’s mission and want to help others. 

3) Maintain Open Dialogue With Your Team

Keeping an open line of communication is vital to building and sustaining an active relationship with your team, volunteers, donors, and community. Exceptional communication is achieved in various ways and can be accomplished easily. Here are some options that you can implement with your non-profit organization: 

• Team - Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings with your team and volunteers to discuss any upcoming projects or initiatives of your nonprofit organization and brainstorm new ideas. Meetings are also a great time to spark conversations and have dialogue that will strengthen your team. Allow your team and volunteers to share their opinion and feedback; take what is shared and use it to better the organization.

• Donors - Donors want to know where their donations are used. Based on the relationship with your donors you should determine how often you correspond with them to provide updates regarding your organization. This correspondence can be as simple as an email or creative as a monthly or quarterly newsletter. Staying in touch with your donors will considerably affect your nonprofit organization and the donations it receives.

• Community - Just like donors, the community wants to know about your efforts as well. Word of mouth is still one of the best marketing tools! Residents of your community will inform others about your nonprofit organization, volunteer to help, and lead individuals that could need your services in your direction so they can receive the help that they need.

TIP: The more you inform your audience, the more support you will receive!

Use these three keys to achieve and maintain effective communication skills within your nonprofit organization. If you have any tips to share, ExpressTaxExempt would love to include them. Comment below and let’s all grow together! 

Don’t forget to communicate with your team the importance of filing a 990 Form annually to keep the organization’s tax-exempt status intact. ExpressTaxExempt will help you remain tax exempt and free from IRS penalties. 

Create an account or sign in today. 

Let ExpressTaxExempt handle your nonprofit organization’s tax filing needs.

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Filing Just In Time For The March 15 Deadline

The go-to word for this season of life seems to be “deadline!” It seems like every time you turn around there’s a new deadline on the horizon. Well this time around it is the March 15 deadline for applicable exempt organizations who file Form 990.

Tax exempt organizations with a fiscal tax year that ended on October 31, 2017 are required to file a 990 Form by Thursday, March 15th. Yes, that’s this this Thursday!

Before you have a panic attack, ExpressTaxExempt is here to provide you with some last minute filing tips that will help you file just in time for the March 15 deadline.

Filing Just In Time For The March 15 Deadline

Before we go into the useful tips, the first thing you’ll need to do in order to file on time is to create a free ExpressTaxExempt account.

This account will give you access to our easy-to-use e-filing guide where you can instantly complete your Form 990 and transmit it directly to the IRS.

1) Know Your Deadline

If there’s nothing you take away from this blog [besides the fact that you should file with ExpressTaxExempt - Lol!], it’s knowing when your 990 Form is due and how to file it.

An organization that has a calendar tax year operates for 12 consecutive months and ends in December; meaning that their Form 990 is due annually on May 15.

Organizations with a fiscal tax year, meaning it operates for 12 consecutive months but ends in any month besides December, have their Form 990 due five months and 15 days after their tax year ends.

If your fiscal tax year ended in October then your Form 990 is due by March 15th. 

2) Request More Time to File

If you’re in a time crunch just file Form 8868 for an automatic 6-month extension!

Form 8868 is used by nonprofit groups, charities, and other tax-exempt organizations to get an extension of their return. By simply filing this form with us by your original Form 990 deadline you will get an automatic 6-month extension of time to file your Form 990. 

3) Organize Your Information

Although it doesn’t take long to file Form 990 with ExpressTaxExempt, the process is even quicker when you have your information prepared ahead of time.

In order to file you will need your organization details, program services, revenue, expenses, supplemental financial statements, net assets balance sheets, a list of employees, and tax compliance with governance, management, and disclosures.

4) File With ExpressTaxExempt

Forget about spending hours trying to figure out complicated tax forms or paying for an expensive accountant to handle it for you. Just create your free ExpressTaxExempt account and follow our step-by-step e-filing instructions to complete your Form 990 in a matter of minutes.

We’ve taken the time to design a quick and easy e-filing method that eliminates the time-consuming process of having to deal with extra steps. Plus, we provide helpful text along the way to answer all of your questions!

We also offer exclusive e-filing features to simplify the entire process. For example, you can use the bulk upload feature to upload all of your information at once.

Also, our internal audit check will catch any basic mistakes before your Form 990 is transmitted to the IRS. 

Filing just in time for the March 15 deadline is easy when you do it with ExpressTaxExempt. Let us help you this tax season!

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How To Meet Affordable Care Act Requirements As A Nonprofit

Did you know that nonprofit organizations are affected by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) just like all other employers in the U.S.? 

In fact, nonprofits are required to file appropriate ACA tax forms annually, especially if they have 50 or more full-time equivalent employees. 

Originally due on January 31, insurers, self-insuring employers, large employers, including nonprofit and tax exempt organizations, and other coverage providers now have until this Friday, March 2, 2018 to provide ACA health coverage information to individuals they cover. 

This automatic 30-day extension provides insurers and employers extra time to furnish required Form 1095-B or Form 1095-C statements to employees or covered individuals.

Statements provided to these individuals are used to determine whether they will claim the premium tax credit on their tax returns, so it’s extremely important that you have them filed and distributed on time.

Where Can My Exempt Organization File ACA Forms Online?

Your organization can easily file ACA forms online with our sister product, TaxBandits! 

Filing both Form 1095-B and 1095-C with TaxBandits is extremely easy and can be completed quickly. 

Here’s some info on what you’ll need to complete the filing process and stay in compliance: 

ACA Form 1095-B & 1095-C

Form 1095-B

Form 1095-B is used to report certain information regarding minimum essential health insurance coverage to the IRS and individuals. This form is typically issued by insurance providers, including insurance companies, self-insured employers, employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees, and other agencies that provide health insurance coverage.

Information Required to E-file Form 1095-B

• Employer Details: Name, EIN, Address, and Contact
• Employee Details: Name, Social Security, and Address
• Employee Offer/Coverage Data and Codes
• Covered Individual Details

Form 1095-C

Form 1095-C is the annual statement that applicable large employers (ALEs) use to report to the IRS about the insurance offered to its large number of full-time employees.

Information Required to E-file Form 1095-C

• Employer Details: Name, EIN, Address, and Contact
• Employee Details: Name, Social Security, and Address
• Employee Offer/Coverage Data and Codes
• Covered Individual Details

You can even make corrections to any form that’s rejected by the IRS! It doesn’t get any better than this! 

Meet the March 2nd Deadline

Easily meet the upcoming March 2nd deadline when you file with our sister product, TaxBandits. As always, the ExpressTaxExempt team is here to help your organization in any way that we can. Contact us for any other questions or concerns about the filing process - we’re available at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or send a message at your convenience with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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How To Obtain a Business Tax Exempt Number For Your Organization

Organizations with business tax exemption status through the IRS are allowed to solicit donations and generate revenue for nonprofit purposes. Businesses who are tax-exempt need to know how to obtain a business tax exempt number for your organization.

A number of entities can fall under the business tax exempt category -- charities, schools, community organizations, governmental organizations, and more. In order to apply for 501(c)(3) status, the first step an organization must take is to file a standard entity registration with both the state and the federal government.

Once you’ve received your tax-exempt status, there’s an important number that you’ll need to obtain and use often throughout the existence of your organization.

How To Obtain a Business Tax Exempt Number For Your Organization

Follow These 4 Easy Steps to Receive a Business Tax Exempt Number:

Getting a business tax exempt number is actually fairly simple and can be done in 4 steps:

1) Develop and Organize Your Business

To be considered as an organized entity by the IRS, you must be either a corporation, trust or unincorporated association.

The first major step in developing and organizing your group is to contact your local Secretary of State or even an attorney to be properly formed as an entity and obtain the necessary documentation associated with the development of the organization.

2) Obtain an Employer Identification Number

Tax-exempt businesses all need an EIN; “EIN” stands for Employer Identification Number.  If you’ve ever done anything tax related to a business or organization, you’ve probably heard the familiar acronym “EIN.”

This is number is required for functioning organizations and must be obtained through the IRS; even if the organization does not have employees.

Even tax returns are unable to be filed without an EIN. So this is definitely a “must have!”

3) File For Recognition of Exemption

This step is pretty straightforward. Simply file IRS Form 1023 to apply for recognition of exemption and wait for approval.

Once the application has been approved, an organization [and its EIN] is considered to be tax exempt and recognized as such through the government.

4) Check State Requirements for getting a Business Tax Exempt Number

After you have received your EIN and filed Form 1023, take a few moments to double check the tax exemption requirements for your specific state.

Contact the Department of Revenue or your state government to see if there are any other forms that need to be filed to secure the tax exempt status of your organization.

ExpressTaxExempt is Here To Help

As always, the ExpressTaxExempt team is here to help you as much as possible.

We’re just a phone call, email, or chat away if you ever have any questions or need assistance during any part of the e-filing process.

Feel free to contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also reach us 24/7 via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Maintain Your Exempt Status with the January 15 Deadline

The New Year has come and many nonprofit organizations have kicked off 2018 with a great start. 

As you begin to carry out the work of your organization to make a difference in the communities you serve, we want to ensure that you’re aware of an upcoming filing deadline that may greatly affect the tax exempt status of your organization. 

Form 990 Deadline

Tax exempt organizations are required to file a 990 Form annually to maintain their tax exempt status with the IRS. 

The deadline to e-file Form 990 Series varies and is dependent upon the calendar or fiscal tax year in which the organization operates. 

Organizations that operate on a calendar tax year (January - December) have an annual filing deadline of May 15. Fiscal tax year organizations whose tax year consists of 12 consecutive months and ends any month besides December, have a deadline on a different month. 

Is My Form Due on the January 15th?

There are two types of organizations that must file by the January 15 deadline:

• Organizations whose tax year ENDED on August 31, or 

• Organizations that had a tax year which ended on February 28/29 with an original filing of July 15 but filed a 6 month extension. 

Due to January 15 being a legal holiday (MLK Day), 990 Forms for organizations can be filed up until Tuesday, January 16. 

Which Form Do I File?

There's nothing worse than being stressed out while filing and not knowing exactly which form to file for your organization. 

ExpressTaxExempt eliminates the worry about missing your Form 990 filing deadline or filing the incorrect form by providing you with all of the tools and forms that you’ll need to file properly. 

Form 990 Series

Form 990 is filed by organizations with gross receipts more than or equal to $200,000 or total assets equal to or greater than $500,000.

Form 990-EZ is the Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax and is filed by organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and $500,000 in total assets.

Form 990-N is for organizations with gross receipts that are less than or equal to $50,000. This form can only be filed electronically.

Form 990-PF is filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-Exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treat as private foundations. 

Easy Filing with ExpressTaxExempt

ExpressTaxExempt offers easy e-filing for Form 990 Series returns (Form 990, Form 990-N (e-Postcard), Form 990-EZ, and Form 990-PF) so you can quickly file the correct 990 Form for your organization. 

Follow the simple step-by-step guide to create your free account, enter basic information about your organization, complete the form interview, review your information and audit report, pay for your form, and transmit it directly to the IRS. The entire process is completed in 5 simple steps! 

Let Us Help You File

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321 for any questions or help with your e-filing experience. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also reach us 24/7 via email at support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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5 New Year's Resolutions for Tax Exempt Organizations

As we continue to make effective plans for an awesome 2018 work year, we wanted to share some New Year’s Resolutions with you that could greatly benefit your nonprofit organization. 

New Year’s Resolutions

1) Better Money Management

Gaining necessary funds to adequately run your nonprofit organization can be a challenge. Make every effort you can to closely manage the funds of your organization to maximize its usage and allocate accordingly for the fiscal year. 

2) Increase Your Social Media Presence

The world that we live in today is extremely driven by social media. Take advantage of this easy, free, and trendy method of communication! Having your nonprofit active on social media can increase your audience and interact with current and potential donors, supporters, and volunteers more frequently. 

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Reddit are great to use. YouTube is also another way to promote your organization and its activities.

3) Revamp Your Organization’s Correspondence

This is actually one of the easiest resolutions to tackle. Instead of sending out the same generic correspondence each year, simply create something new! Rewrite your “thank you message,” website content, etc., to attract the attention of the reader. 

4) Redefine Your Target Audience 

In your upcoming team/staff meeting, take a few moments to analyze the mission of your organization and determine which audience(s) you should target this year. 

Having more than one target audience is okay!

5) Become Mobile-Friendly

With 9 of 10 American adults owning a mobile phone of some kind, it is extremely important that your website is mobile-friendly.

Mobile-friendly sites are very effective and useful for informing others about your organization and increasing online donations.

You Can Do It

While New Year’s resolutions require effort and dedication, these 5 resolutions can easily be accomplished by your organization during 2018. As always, the ExpressTaxExempt team is here to help you as much as possible. 

We’re just a phone call, email, or chat away if you ever have any questions or need assistance during any part of the e-filing process. 

Feel free to contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also reach us 24/7 via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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How To Strengthen Your Nonprofit Leadership

Many organizations recently completed a successful first quarter of service and are preparing for an exciting remainder of the year making a difference in their community. Some organizations may even have newly elected leaders lined up and ready to take the group to the next level. 

Good leaders strive to leave their organization in good standing and provide future leaders with ample information to ensure a smooth transition. While some organizations in this predicament may have a transition method in place to train new leaders, there are others that may need or want to implement some useful strategies to ensure the core leadership of their group remains solid. 

Strengthening the development of your organization’s leadership will result in a greater impact on the organization’s mission, increase overall revenue, and provide concrete stability which nonprofits need. 

ExpressTaxExempt understands that your purpose and mission is to help others, so we’ve provided some ways on how to strengthen your nonprofit leadership. 

How To Strengthen Your Nonprofit Leadership

BE ORGANIZED

Prior to beginning the new fiscal year for the organization, try your best to make sure things are organized so that leaders can focus on their duties without having to go against any unnecessary roadblocks. 

SET GOALS & OBJECTIVES FOR THE YEAR

It is important to have realistic goals and objectives in place at the beginning of the year. Your organization will never reach its full potential without a clear vision and attainable goals. 

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION MEETING

This type of meeting involves immediately past and newly elected leaders of the organization. During this meeting, past leaders will give one-on-one training and insight to the new leader that will be taking on their [former] role. 

Having a Leadership Transition Binder is a great tool and gift to incoming leaders. This binder provides new leaders with all of the documents they will need to be successful in their new role. 

Information such as general “must-haves” like the organization’s bylaws, calendar of events, etc. as well as specific documents would be helpful. 

INFORM NEW LEADERS OF KEY EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

Leadership roles that require working relationships or contacts with other leaders outside of the organization should be provided on a Contact Sheet. 

The contact sheet should be provided with contact information including the person’s name, title, email address, and phone number for each individual. 

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

To be successful in the nonprofit sector, you must be determined, hardworking, and passionate about what you do and those you serve. Although you must work hard to be effective, it is just as important for you and your team to “let your hair down” and enjoy each other’s company. Working too hard, and eventually becoming “burned out,” will affect everything you do in a negative way at some point. 

The ExpressTaxExempt team avoids this issue by doing fun team activities every Friday afternoon. For the last hour of the workday, our team splits into two groups and compete against each other in a variety of action-packed games. From charades to volleyball, these enjoyable moments together not only inspires further teamwork but also brightens the morale of the workplace and eliminates monotony in the office. 

We’re Always Here to Help

As you’ve probably noticed, we end almost all of our blogs with the reminder that we are here to help you...because we really mean it! The ExpressTaxExempt team is always just a phone call, email, or chat away if you ever have any questions or need assistance during any part of the e-filing process. 

Feel free to contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also reach us 24/7 via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

We hope that these useful tools and tips will be beneficial to the leadership of your organization. Don’t forget to maintain your tax-exempt status annually by filing with ExpressTaxExempt. Best wishes to your team as you prepare for the new year!

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#GivingTuesday - Making a Difference One Donation at a Time

Today, we recognize #GivingTuesday, a social movement which encourages others to give back by donating time, money or positive influence to a worthy cause that makes a difference. Generous efforts such as donating blood, providing financial support to a local organization, visiting a nursing home, or even helping out at a soup kitchen can touch the lives of many.

Even large organizations such as PayPal have “seized the season” and partnered with its users to celebrate the #GivingTuesday initiative, adding 1% of all donations made through their portal from now until the end of the year.

Since we’re talking about donating to charity, we’d love for you to share with us ways that you will donate! Are you a part of a charity or nonprofit organization who could use some donations to support the mission of the organization? If so, post the group name and information in the comments so other readers can donate!

For tax-exempt organizations, donations are a major component to its success and level of outreach. Thankfully, taxpayers have the ability to maximize their tax savings before the end of the year by giving to a charity and deducting it on their annual federal income tax return.

#GivingTuesday Tax Filing Reminders

With #GivingTuesday being an annual event, there are some reminders that taxpayers should be reminded of as they give money or good to an exempt charity or organization before December 31.

Donations to Eligible Organizations (Only) are Tax-Deductible

Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and government agencies are eligible to receive deductible donations. For a complete list of eligible organizations, click here.

Itemize to Claim Charitable Donations

Charitable deductions cannot be made if an individual chooses the standard deduction. Taxpayers must itemize their donations on Form 1040 Schedule A to claim deductions for charitable contributions.

Have Proof of Monetary Donations

Upon making a donation, be sure to receive a bank record or a written statement from the charity/organization to prove the amount and date given. Taxpayers using payroll deductions should retain a pay stub, a Form W-2 wage statement or other proof showing the total amount withheld for charity, along with the pledge card showing the name of the charity.

Donating Property

Donating items such as clothing and other household items come with a deduction amount that is normally limited to the fair market value of the item. These types of items must be in good or better condition to be considered tax-deductible.

Similar to monetary donations, those that donate property must get a written acknowledgment from the charity for all gifts that are worth $250 or more. This statement should include a description of the items contributed.

What Happens After You Donate?

Once you’ve donated and received the necessary paperwork for your deduction, all that’s left to do is simply file your annual tax return. However, tax-exempt organizations have a few more steps to take such as filing their required Form 990 each year.

Exempt organizations are required to file this return to ensure that their organization is not abusing its tax-exempt status. The IRS also utilizes the information reported on Form 990 and makes it available for public information.

Luckily, exempt organizations can handle all of their Form 990 filing needs right here at ExpressTaxExempt with our easy, simplified filing process, and can even instantly share their information with GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit organization information.

Give, Give, Give!

The ExpressTaxExempt team encourages you to take some time this holiday season and give back in some way in honor of #GivingTuesday. Once again, feel free to comment on ways that you or your organization are helping out today and days to come as well as providing your organization's information to gain support from fellow ExpressTaxExempt users.

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ExpressTaxExempt & GuideStar Join Forces to Benefit Nonprofits

Author John C. Maxwell once said that “teamwork makes the dream work.” ExpressTaxExempt can attest to this with the launch of our newest exclusive feature, Express990. 

It is with great excitement that ExpressTaxExempt launches Express990, in collaboration with GuideStar, to benefit thousands of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits will now be able to seamlessly export their completed IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, and 990-PF returns directly to GuideStar with this new integration.

As the world’s largest source of nonprofit information, GuideStar collects pertinent information, including annual IRS filings, and distributes it through its website and more than 200 partner sites and applications. 

The collaboration between GuideStar and ExpressTaxExempt, the #1 e-file provider for thousands of nonprofit organizations, nonprofits now have the ability to send their tax returns directly to GuideStar as part of the e-filing process. 

Furthermore, this partnership will reduce the amount of time it takes GuideStar to obtain this information and makes it available to the public which will also greatly improve upon the professional impression a nonprofit makes in terms of trust and transparency. 

Donors and potential supporters will have almost immediate access to up-to-date information for the nonprofits that select this option. Normally, it takes months before GuideStar obtains 990s from the IRS because the IRS must process them first. Express990 eliminates this delay; each return is transmitted to GuideStar as soon as it is accepted by the IRS.  

Express990 sends GuideStar exactly the same data that was submitted to the IRS under penalty of perjury. This valuable information can be utilized when determining grant approvals, contributions, and more. Information regarding each organization's mission, income, expenses, finances, and leadership will be completely transparent. This transparency can greatly increase a nonprofit’s chances of donor recognition and receive funding in a more timely manner. 

Nonprofits will also have access to several exclusive ExpressTaxExempt features, including management of reviewers, approvers, and additional users, along with internal audit checks, multi-organizational filing, and multi-tax period support. Tax returns filed with ExpressTaxExempt are transmitted directly to the IRS and can be accepted within hours. Users also receive real-time email notifications with tax return updates. Best of all, ExpressTaxExempt offers a 100 percent, US-based customer support team for any and all inquiries an organization may have in regard to its e-filing.

The collaboration between ExpressTaxExempt and GuideStar, along with the launch of Express990, is a “win-win” situation for nonprofit organizations across the country. Nonprofits will be joining a platform of 1.8 million IRS-recognized nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations on the GuideStar website. Potential donors and funders will be able to quickly obtain the information that they need to evaluate your nonprofit. A process that would usually take months, can now be completed within a few days. 

We're Here To Help

As always, our aim at ExpressTaxExempt is to be of assistance to tax-exempt organizations as we dedicate our services to providing the best and most efficient e-filing experience. Make the best choice for your nonprofit and experience the great benefits of Express990 by visiting our website today at www.expresstaxexempt.com. 

For any assistance or questions about e-filing our available 990 forms, you can contact our live professionals by phone at 704-839-2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., EST), by email (support@expresstaxexempt.com), or by live chat (www.expresstaxexempt.com).

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Keep Your Nonprofit Off The IRS Radar with These Tips

More often than none, I find myself speaking to the head of an organization whose nonprofit status was revoked. It came as a complete surprise them — he thought the organization was in good standing, but ever since the officer who handled their tax filings left, no one had actually checked.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a rare case from my experience. There are many nonprofits who aren’t aware of everything it takes to stay in compliance with IRS requirements — and sooner or later, they get the dreaded “status-revoked” letter in the mail.

If you’re unsure whether your nonprofit is in good standing, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post I’ll cover why compliance is mandatory, the risks of noncompliance, and a comprehensive checklist to ensure your nonprofit stays compliant every year.

Nonprofit compliance laws are put in place to protect the public and ensure nonprofit organizations do not abuse their financial advantages. The ability to be exempt from federal and state taxes, along with having access to public funding, causes nonprofits to be held to a high standard by the government.

Why Do Nonprofits Have to Stay Compliant?

Nonprofit compliance laws are put in place to protect the public and ensure nonprofit organizations do not abuse their financial advantages. The ability to be exempt from federal and state taxes, along with having access to public funding, causes nonprofits to be held to a high standard by the government.

Following these necessary compliances is also a vital component to the success and effectiveness of a nonprofit organization.

The Penalties for Noncompliance Aren’t Worth The Risk

Although 501(c)(3) nonprofits receive major financial benefits from becoming an incorporation, the penalties they can receive for not complying are very serious and can become rather costly.

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To stay compliant, nonprofits must submit the appropriate tax form for their organization in the Form 990 Series. This form collects information about the income and expenses of an organization as well as other pertinent information. Failure to file this form annually can result in a number of significant penalties, such as:

• A fine of $20 per day
• Automatic revocation of 501(c)(3) status if the form is not filed for three consecutive years.

• States can administratively dissolve a nonprofit corporation and impose high financial penalties. Organizations can also be prevented from receiving grants or large donations.

This Nonprofit Compliance Checklist Covers Everything You Need to Know   

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In order to avoid noncompliance penalties or revocation of your organization’s tax-exempt status from the IRS, there are several things that must be taken care of annually for your organization.

Here is a checklist of everything you need to do to ensure your nonprofit is compliant with the IRS every year. It’s a good idea to save this checklist for your reference:

• Gather your organization’s records (financial records, organization information, etc.).
• You can gather and update your records anytime during the year.

• Ensure your current tax exempt status is up-to-date.
• File the Form 990 Series (990-N, 990-EZ, 990 or 990-PF) annually.
• Review your State Nonprofit Requirements and ensure your registration is updated.
• Submit an Annual Filing Form to the Corporation Division of the Secretary of State. Depending on your state, filing requirements may differ. Contact your state for details.
• Register and maintain a License to Fundraise (Charitable Solicitation Registration).
• File for a State Business License.
• Maintain State-Level Tax Exemption with your State Revenue Department.
• Keep accurate & complete records and also have procedures in place to keep these records updated.
• Some examples of records to keep include: Contributors Information, Expenses, Grants Written & Received, Accrued Expenses & Revenue, Bank Statements, Cancelled Checks, IRS Letter of Determination, Form SS4, Previous Tax Filings, and Articles of Incorporation  
• Conduct a Leadership Transition Meeting at the end of each term  

Whether you are a well-established nonprofit organization or simply considering starting one, maintaining compliance with the IRS takes time and hard work. However, the ultimate reward comes from the peace of mind you will experience from never having to worry about losing your organization’s tax exempt status. 

To find detailed information on charity regulations, tax filings and nonprofit corporation filings for your specific state, click here. Maintaining the necessary compliance of your nonprofit organization requires effort, but can be handled successfully, especially with the help of an IRS-Authorized e-file provider, like ExpressTaxExempt.  

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