Legal Compliance and Non-profit Management

"The Center is one of WBGO's most important and aware legislative, regulatory and best practices watchdogs. If anything happens positively or negatively that could impact WBGO, the Center will share that information in a timely manner."
-- Cephas Bowles, President and CEO, WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM

Have a question?

Our non-profit HelpDesk information and referral service answers telephone and e-mail questions on non-profit legal and management issues such as IRS regulations, tax laws, fund raising issues, Board/staff roles and responsibilities and many others. More information

IRS Voluntary Program for Employers to Classify Workers Correctly

Employers who improperly classify their employees as independent contracts risk facing stiff fines and penalties if a government audit finds that the workers should have been designated as employees.  The IRS has implemented a program to encourage employers who have misclassified their workers to correct the situation without penalty and at a reduced cost. 

more information


IRS Exempt Organization Automatic Revocation List

A list you do NOT want to make...

In May 2010, the IRS began revoking the tax-exempt status of organizations that are required to file Form 990, Form 990-EZ, Form 990-N (E-postcard) or Form 990-PF (private foundations) and have failed to do so for 3 consecutive years. MOST NON-PROFITS ARE SUBJECT TO THESE REQUIREMENTS. If exempt status is revoked, the only way to reinstate it is to reapply for tax exemption.

On June 8, 2011, the IRS released its first list of over 275,000 organizations whose tax exemptions were automatically revoked for failure to file the required Form 990 information return for three consecutive years. This list is updated monthly.

The New Jersey revocation list includes over 7,800 organizations, more than 4,900 of which are 501(c)(3).

Click here for more information including a list of revoked organizations and what you can do if your status has been revoked

Click here to go to the IRS' Form 990 filing requirements summary page

For more information about e-filing of Form 990 and a low-cost, online e-filing solution, visit the Urban Institute's e-filing Web site at http://efile.form990.org/.


IRS Disclosure Regulations for Non-Profits - Public charities and private foundations are required to make copies of their Form 990 and 1023 available for public inspection at their principal place of business and to mail copies upon request or make them widely available by posting them on the Internet. It is important for non-profits to familiarize themselves with these regulations and adopt internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

NJ Charities Registration Raises Mandatory Audit Threshold for Non-Profits

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has approved new regulations that will raise the mandatory audit threshold for charities under the "Charitable Registration and Investigation Act." The amended regulations, published in the February 22, 2011, New Jersey Register, include a provision requested by the Center for Non-Profits that raises the audit threshold from $250,000 in gross revenue to $500,000.

The rule adoption means that any organization with less than $500,000 in gross revenue in its most recently completed fiscal year will no longer have to submit an independent audit in order to satisfy the requirements of New Jersey's fund raising statute. The Center estimates that the new change could save each covered organization an average of $7,000 annually, and will result in an annual combined savings of over $10 million for the non-profit community. more information


New Jersey's Family Leave Insurance Law

New Jersey's new Family Leave Insurance law (FLI) enables eligible employees to collect up to six-weeks of state paid monetary benefits when out of work to care for a newborn, newly adopted child, or an ill family member. This insurance law is an extension of the State Temporary Disability Benefits Program and applies to employers of all sizes. This article, posted with permission of the Employers Association of New Jersey, highlights the key provisions of the law.
Click here for article


 

Thinking of Forming a Non-Profit?
Spanish Version - Thinking of Forming a Non-Profit?

Thinking of Forming a Non-Profit? What to Consider Before You Begin

-- If you are considering starting a non-profit organization, read this guide first. This booklet explains the basics of what a non-profit is and portrays a realistic picture of what is involved in getting a new non-profit up and running. The booklet also provides information specific to faith based and religious institutions. Available in English and Spanish. More information.

 

 

 

 

Piensa en Formar una Organización sin Fines de Lucro?

Este folleto explica los conceptos básicos de lo que significa sin ánimo de lucro y presenta una imagen realista de los trámites para establecer una nueva organización sin fines de lucro. El folleto también ofrece información específica para las instituciones religiosas. Más detalle.

 

 

The Center's Legal Assistance Services for Newly Forming Non-Profits Read a quick overview about the incorporation/tax exemption process and the legal assistance available through the Center.


Hiring, Firing & Risk Management

Hiring, Firing & Risk Management: Employment Law for New Jersey Nonprofits

This comprehensive reference book is an essential resource for non-profit employers and would-be employers. Members receive a 25% discount. More details and a printable order form now available online. Order yours today!

For more information about e-filing and a low-cost, online e-filing solution, visit the Urban Institute's e-filing Web site at http://efile.form990.org/.

NJ Non-Profit Filing Fees - Some of the non-profit filing fees paid to the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue, effective July 1, 2002. more details

Use Caution When Fundraising Online -- Some issues to consider if you plan to use the Internet to generate revenue for your organization -- whether you solicit donations on your website, on someone else's, or if your organization has any sort of online presence.

IRS Disclosure Regulations for Non-Profits - IRS regulations require public charities to mail copies of their Form 990 and 1023 upon request or make them widely available by posting them on the Internet. It is important for non-profits to familiarize themselves with these regulations and adopt internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

The Federal Volunteer Protection Act

Eight Tips to Involve Your Board in Fund Raising

FTC Telemarketing Rules

DUNS number required for all federal grant applications -- click here to read the details.


Public Policy Updates

Visit our Public Policy page for additional information regarding new and emerging legislative and regulatory issues.



For other resources, please visit the Links page.

For older information please visit our Legal/Management Archive