Article Archives: Karen Dunn

When the home office deduction for employees was disallowed effective in 2018, no one anticipated the transformation the 2020 pandemic would have on the workplace. Now, with so many people working remotely,

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Crowdfunding has become a popular way to raise funds for particular causes, but donors and recipients should be aware of the tax requirements involved.

In crowdfunding, typically, a third party raises funds for a charity or cause through their internet platform and then turns the contributions over to the charity or beneficiary,

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The 21% tax on compensation over $1 million could apply to more organizations than one would think. This tax applies not only to compensation over $1 million but also to excess parachute payments.

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After a long wait, the IRS finally issued proposed regulations on the unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) “siloing” rules on April 24, 2020.

These rules, under section 512(a)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code,

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At long last, the process for applying for exemption has entered the twenty-first century. Currently the Form 1023, the application for exemption under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), may be submitted electronically.

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This article was originally published in NetRaising.

Your website may inadvertently cause tax risks to your organization. A website communicates an organization’s mission, programs,

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This is updated from an article that was originally published on 8/1/2017.

It is time again to prepare to file the Form 990. Calendar year returns for 2018 are due May 15 and may be extended to November 15.

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Now is a good time to update employee expense reimbursement plans, given changes brought about by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), effective beginning in 2018. The new law disallows tax deductions for some commonly reimbursed business expenses.

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Beginning in 2018, unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) must be computed separately for each unrelated trade or business. Net operating losses (NOL) from one unrelated trade or business may not be used to offset income from another unrelated trade or business.

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By Karen Dunn, JD, LLM

Typical year-end tax planning advice for individuals and corporations expounds on the virtues of accelerating deductions and deferring income. Charities and private foundations would be wise to consider the possible impact this advice may have on donations.

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By Karen Dunn, JD, LLM

Your charity just received a donation of a painting valued at $6,000. You have diligently sent the donor a thank you note that includes all the information that an acknowledgment must have for the donor to take a charitable deduction.

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By Karen Dunn, JD, LLM

It is an election year and a CEO of a charitable, exempt organization personally endorses a presidential candidate at a forum sponsored by another public charity.

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By Karen L. Dunn, JD, LLM

September 6th is the due date for filing the notification of intent to operate as a 501(c)(4) organization, if the organization existed on July 8,

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By Karen Dunn, JD, LLM

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH) was signed into law December 18th and includes many provisions affecting charities. Last month,

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By Karen Dunn, JD, LLM and Amber Busch, CPA 

With all the hubbub among accountants about the new tangible personal property regulations, should exempt organizations be concerned, or is it,

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By Karen Dunn, JD, LLM

More due diligence and reporting is required than ever before for grant making and, in particular, foreign grants and programs. To maintain its exempt status,

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By Megan Ryan, CPA and Karen Dunn, JD, LLM

With the holiday season approaching, organizations may find that individuals or groups who benefit from the organization’s services, desire to make year-end gifts to the organization’s employees for their loyal service.

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By Karen Dunn, JD, LLM

No prohibition exists against a 501(c)(3) organization using the internet for fundraising, the IRS said in a recently released information letter. Web or email fundraising should comply with the same rules* that apply to other solicitations.

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By Karen Dunn, JD, LLM

Although the IRS is currently under fire for its practices around screening applications for exemptions, we should assume they are still “open for business,”

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