Gifts and Contributions

Isn’t the holiday season the most special time of year? The streets and houses are adorned with festive decorations, holiday music plays through the radio, or through your streaming music service, and the television airs the annual list of holiday specials. While it may be a couple more weeks before we are all back around family and friends, these things are our first glimpse of the holiday season, and as the song pronounces, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”

One of the most common trends of this time of year is giving donations, and with the #GivingTuesday kickoff earlier this week, the act of giving is now in full effect. For those of you operating nonprofits and charities, it has to be an exciting time with all the contributions you’re receiving. In most cases, you’ll have to report those contributions when you file a tax return for your exempt organization.

With ExpressTaxExempt, reporting your contributions is as simple as waking up on Christmas morning.

After you’ve completed entering your organization details, prior year information, and your organization’s program service, you can begin to enter your contributions and gifts from the “Statement of Revenue” page.

1. Click the “Start” link for “Contributions, Gifts, Grants.”

2. Click “Start” if you need to list “Contributions from Fundraising Events” or “Contributions, Gifts, Grants, and Similar Amounts Received.”

Let’s say your organization has a holiday fundraiser, and it received contributions and donations from that fundraiser. Here, you can…

3. Enter the required income and contribution amount, and any expenses, from the fundraising event, then click the “Add” link.

If you didn’t host a fundraising event, and your organization accepted contributions as they were given, you can…

4. Click “Yes” for “Did you receive any contributions, gifts, grants and similar amounts received?”

5. Enter the required contribution details and click “Add Another” to list another contribution, or click “Add” to list only what you’ve just entered. That’s all there is to it.

“Do I have to list every individual contribution? I don’t have to with the paper form.”
We hear this quite often, and we understand that entering every single contribution can be tedious. While you might not have to do that with the paper form, please keep in mind that, with e-filing, you’re using sophisticated software with automated calculations and algorithms. The program even states the contribution will be factored into your public support percentage.

So if you tell a program that your organization receives at least 33% of its support from contributions, memberships fees, etc., then the program is going to automatically attempt to factor 33% from your list of contributions. If you list them as one large donation, that’s going to prompt an improper calculation, which will fail your public support test.


Bulk Upload

To compensate for having to sit within the program, and list contributions one by one, we do offer a bulk upload feature, which can list all your contributions at once.

All you need to do is

• Step 1 - Download our pre-set Excel template.
• Step 2 - Enter your contributions within the template and save.
• Step 3 - Upload your saved template from your computer.

In this merry time of year, as well as anytime of year, our jolly support team in Rock Hill, South Carolina is more than happy to answer any questions, or help with any assistance you may need with e-filing your tax return. Give us a call at (704) 839-2321 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. Email us anytime, 24/7 at support@expresstaxexempt.com, or live chat with us at www.expresstaxexempt.com.

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#GivingTuesday

We spend Thanksgiving reflecting upon what we’re thankful for, we have Black Friday and Cyber Monday to participate in some of the best shopping deals of the year, and now the consecutive day tradition continues on with #GivingTuesday - a dedicated, global day to giving back. Since 2012, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving has committed the world coming together to promote generosity, and to give back to communities and those less fortunate.

Humble Beginnings
#GivingTuesday began with the charitable organization, 92nd Street Y, as a way to connect diverse groups of people, organizations, and businesses worldwide to honor and support the act of giving. The movement utilizes the limitless capabilities of social media as a platform for donors, no matter how big or small, to encourage donations of resources, talents, or even just time towards local challenges.

Participation
Anyone, anywhere can become involved with #GivingTuesday. All it takes is just coming up with some way you, your family, your organization, or your business can give back to your community. While you are giving, inform as many as you can about how you’re giving through various social media channels. You can post text, a photo, or even a video with the #GivingTuesday in your post.

You can give as much or as little as your heart deems necessary; however, remember that if you’re giving considerably, you can deduct the amount during tax season. For more information about tax deductions from giving to charity, check out the following blog:
Year-End Gifts for Charity

Nonprofits & Charities
#GivingTuesday serves as the grand kickoff for the charitable season, when people have their attention set on holiday and end-of-year giving. On your end, your nonprofit or charity organization may have to report contributions and gifts received if they exceed a certain amount. With ExpressTaxExempt, you can report those amounts as simple as listing the name of donor, the type of donation, and the monetary value of the donation.

ExpressTaxExempt also offers a bulk upload feature so you can list all your received contributions at once. All you need is to have your contributions listed on a spreadsheet, and then upload that spreadsheet within the program. We even provide a pre-made spreadsheet that you can download directly from us.

It truly is the start of the giving season, and our live support team in Rock Hill, South Carolina is available to give any assistance you may need to e-file a tax return for your exempt organization. Contact us at (704) 839-2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. We also offer 24/7 email support through support@expresstaxexempt.com, or feel free to live chat us at our website.


Don’t forget to share with us your acts of giving in the comment section below!

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A Form 1023 Thanksgiving

The most common tradition for the Thanksgiving holiday is probably being around family and friends. While some of you may not have to travel too far, the rest of you might have to cross a great distance to be near those dear to your hearts. 

Whether you’re visiting for just a day, or you’re having one of those ol’ school, 5-day family get-togethers, you’re most likely planning out things before you take your trip, things like what dish you may have offered to bring, or things necessary for overnight stays. The point is that you’re preparing beforehand rather than just showing up with nothing at all.

Much like preparing for a trip, you can’t just dive-in head first to fill out a Form 1023 for tax exemption. You should have your organization’s records in order or else you’ll find yourself losing time going back and forth trying to find the correct information. Even if you do have your records organized, understand that you may still need to consult a tax professional when presenting your organization for tax exemption.

Imagine your mother’s or grandmother’s world famous turkey stuffing, if you can. Even though you brought all the ingredients for it, you probably still need her help to make it as tasty as you remember. But you still have everything to at least get started. With the Form 1023, the following documents are needed before you even begin to properly start the form:

What is Required to File Form 1023

• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Organizing Document (Article of Incorporation, Trust Agreement, or Articles of Association, Constitution, Bylaws or Other Similar Organizing Documents
• Section 501(c)(3) Purpose and Dissolution Clause Verification (Included in Organizing Document)
• Form 2848, Authorized Representative Verification (if applicable)
• Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization

Your EIN is used to identify a business entity, and it’s also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website, but they stress having your organization legally formed before doing so. The Organizing Document states what your organization is, and establishes the purpose and how your organization works. To make it simple, your organization should be fully established before filing for tax-exemption.

If you have a tax professional, or a lawyer, whom you would like to represent on behalf of your organization to the IRS, an Authorized Representative Verification form is needed. If not, then it isn’t necessary. The Tax Information Authorization form grants permission for any individual, corporation, firm, organization, or partnership of your choosing to receive and inspect confidential tax information about your organization; this form is required under any circumstances. If you don’t have the information to complete that part, you won’t even qualify to complete a Form 1023.

It pays to be prepared whether you’re applying for tax-exempt status, or going to visit family for Thanksgiving. With ExpressTaxExempt, you can use our unique, streamlined e-filing features to complete a Form 1023. Once you’ve successfully filled out the application, you can print out your completed form and mail it to the IRS.

Our support team is thankful to be able to provide you with any assistance in regard to filing for tax-exemption or e-filing any one of our supported forms for exempt organizations. Feel free to give us a call Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (704) 839-2321. You can also email us 24/7 at support@expresstaxexempt.com, or chat with us at www.expresstaxexempt.com.

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Nonprofit Showcase (A.Bevy, Incorporated)

Throughout the month of November, we have been sharing beneficial tips and advice for nonprofits and charities about holiday fundraising, and information regarding IRS compliance with tax-exempt return forms. With our #nonprofitnovember campaign, we also have been highlighting nonprofit organizations and charities that have been diligently serving their communities. And this week we are proud to showcase A.Bevy, Incorporated.

A.Bevy, Incorporated is a nonprofit organization, founded by Bryant Kirk White, with a focus on instruction through the arts, and the realization of self and individualism. Established in 2009, the organization’s vision has been placed upon “The Three Pillars,” CHANGE. PROGRESSION. GROWTH., which are the three keys towards living through one’s own distinctive purpose. A.Bevy became incorporated in 2012 with a mission “to assist individuals in finding their true passion, path, and purpose through creative introspective experiences.” As of 2014, A.Bevy, Incorporated is properly recognized as a section 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

Located in Laurens, South Carolina, A.Bevy, Incorporated hosts a number of fundraising events including banquets, tournaments, shows, festivals, forums, and workshops. The funds produced from these events are used to sponsor future events, but more importantly, to finance a variety of annual scholarships for South Carolina college students. Since its modest beginnings, A.Bevy, Incorporated has graciously grown into six collegiate sectors including Rock Hill’s very own Winthrop University.

Through educational events, media stimulating contemplative journeys towards self-purpose, and generous investments into the future minds of America, A.Bevy, Incorporated will continue to grow as a recognizable force throughout South Carolina and beyond. Thank you, A.Bevy, Incorporation - a shining example of #nonprofitnovember.

For more information about A.Bevy, Inc., you can check out the organization’s website for contact info. And if there are any other nonprofits or charities you would like to see showcased for #nonprofitnovember, let us know in the comment section below.

It doesn’t matter if your nonprofit is large or small, if it’s been around for years, or if you're just starting out. ExpressTaxExempt is your online solution for exempt organization e-filing. E-file tax-exempt return forms, extensions, and soon you can even apply for tax-exempt status with our section 501(c)(3) applications. Our live support team in Rock Hill, South Carolina can assist you with the e-filing process. Call us at (704) 839-2321; we’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. We also offer 24/7 email support through support@expresstaxexempt.com, and live chat at www.expresstaxexempt.com.

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Final Exempt Organization Deadline of the Year

It’s on its way! If your exempt organization operates on a calendar tax year, and you filed Part II of Extension Form 8868 back in August, then Monday, November 16, is the last day you can file your tax-exempt return on time.

“Which tax-exempt return needs to be filed?”
This final deadline is for organizations who are required to file Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.

Reminder: Form 990 needs to be filed by exempt organizations with gross receipts greater than $200,000 and total assets greater than $500,000.
Form 990-EZ is to be filed by exempt organizations with gross receipts over $50,000, but less than $200,000, and total assets less than $500,000.

You also need to have been approved for Part II of the Extension Form 8868. If you have not been granted a second extension, or never e-filed for one, then your last due date was months ago and this November deadline does not apply.

“I was told my deadline was November 15.”
That is correct. Under normal circumstances, the final deadline would be the fifteenth of November. However, November 15 is on a Sunday this year. According to the IRS, if any tax day falls on the weekend, or a national holiday, it is pushed back to the next business day.

“How do I know if my organization operates on a calendar tax year?”
Your tax year period will tell you which tax year your organization works with.

• Calendar Tax Year - Only if your “tax begin date” is Jan 1. and your “tax end date” is Dec 31. can your organization be considered as operating a calendar tax year.

• Fiscal Tax Year - If your beginning and ending dates are not Jan 1. and Dec 31., then the November deadline doesn’t apply to you. You could possibly have a final deadline of December 15 if your begin date is Feb 1. and end date Jan 31.

Note: No matter if you use a calendar or fiscal tax year, your original due date will always be the 15th day of the 5th month after your tax end date. At that point, you can either file your tax return, or you can file an extension.

“What if I file the e-Postcard?”
If you normally file Form 990-N (e-Postcard), then this deadline doesn’t apply to you unless you have November 15 as your original due date to file. You can find out by using the IRS Exempt Organization Select Check. Search using your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and it’ll show when you last filed an e-Postcard along with your tax dates, and basic organization details.

Important: A tax extension cannot be filed for Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Exempt organizations are encouraged to e-file by their original due date.

Don’t wait any longer!!! ExpressTaxExempt has everything you need to stay compliant with the IRS regarding exempt organizations. We offer support for 990 forms, extensions, and coming soon our service will include applications for tax-exempt status.

Need some assistance? Have no worries because our live support team in Rock Hill, South Carolina is ready to get you through the in’s and out’s of the e-filing process. Contact us at (704) 839-2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., EST. Help is only a few keystrokes away with our 24/7 email at support@expresstaxexempt.com, or through live chat at www.expresstaxexempt.com.

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‘Tis the Charity Season

During the last few weeks of the year, surveys show that charities and nonprofits raise close to 50% of their annual contributions. And it’s the time once again when nonprofits are gearing up for the upcoming waves of donations and contributions during the holiday season. Thanks to the Internet, you can find an abundance of ways your organization can make the most with this upsurge of generosity. Here are some tips to drive those donations towards the end of the year:

Stories to Share - Ask those that your organization helps to express or tell their story. You can showcase that story as a post or a video, and share with donors the type of impact they create. The showcase doesn’t have to necessarily ask for donations; you can provide other ways supporters can help, and then list donations as a secondary option.

Signify the Holidays - From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, and every holiday in between, you should make an effort to be active with your supporters. For New Year’s, you can have donors contribute as a New Year resolution, or have them donate in recognition of someone they’re thankful for around Thanksgiving. Christmas could be donating a gift for those in need; the possibilities could be limitless.

#GivingTuesday - The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is the national day of giving. Your nonprofit could take advantage by offering special donation rewards like matching a donation dollar for dollar, or a two-for-one donation offer.

Transparency is Key - Be able to clearly convey to your supporters how their donations are used; that can be done with a simple email, or a grand presentation of some kind. Donors are gratefully at ease when they know how far every dollar goes.

Hosting & Promoting - Events are best this time of year for receiving donations. And even though they may require proper planning, you always have your network of supporters and volunteers to rely on. Food shelters can host a canned food drive, animals shelters can have a day where kids make animal-shaped holiday cards, and homeless shelters can serve meals.

Check out the popular, event-planning website, Inspherio, for ways to coordinate your holiday event, and post photos of your event or donation gathering on social media with #nonprofitnovember.

Giveaways - Offer a holiday themed giveaway. You could be giving away event tickets, consumer items, or even team up with a local grocery store to give away coupons. Whatever you decide to do, promote it often on every social media channel your organization has.

The list can go on and on, but however you decide to engage your supporters, now is the perfect time. And all those contributions can quickly and easily be reported on your Form 990 (Long) or Form 990-EZ through ExpressTaxExempt. Our bulk upload feature allows you to enter all of your contributors at once with no hassle.

Our live team of professionals in Rock Hill, South Carolina is ready to contribute with any assistance you may need e-filing your exempt tax return. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, at (704) 839-2321, or email us 24/7 at support@expresstaxexempt.com. Chat with us too at www.expresstaxexempt.com.

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Introducing Express990

It is with great fanfare and excitement that we announce our newest addition to the ExpressTaxZone family: Express990. With Express990, tax-exempt organizations can easily and quickly file their Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, or 990-PF. We are currently offering free filing for current tax year, Form 990-N (the e-Postcard) - it’s easy and will only take you less than 5 minutes from start to finish.

More about the form(s) provided by Express990:

• Form 990-N (e-Postcard) is an annual IRS E-filing requirement for small non-profit organizations and charities that make $50,000 or less a year in gross receipts.

Coming Soon to Express990:

• Form 990 - (Long form of 990) is the form that tax-exempt organizations use to report income, expenses, and other company information to the IRS. It is typically used by organizations with gross receipts in total of $200,000 and $500,000 of assets.

• Form 990-EZ - (short form of 990) is the form that tax-exempt organizations use to report income, expenses, and other company information to the IRS. It is used by organizations with gross receipts totaling less than $200,000 or total assets of less than $500,000.

If you’re always on the go, you can easily access our mobile site, m.expresstaxexempt.com from your mobile device and start filing IRS Form 990-N anywhere at any time. Or if time just isn’t on your side you can file an automatic extension of up to 6 months with our sister product, ExpressExtension.com. The entire process is simple and the easy-to-follow prompts will guide you through the entire process.

Need a little help?
 Our US-based support team located in Rock Hill, South Carolina is always available to help make your filing process as simple and easy as possible. You can reach us by phone at 803.514.5155 or by email at support@expresstaxexempt.com with any questions you might have.

So the biggest question is: what are you waiting for? File with Express990 and get back to doing what you love.

Express990 - filing your taxes has never felt so good.

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