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The IRS recently announced 2026 amounts for Health Savings Accounts
The IRS recently released the 2026 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Employees will be able to save a modest amount more in their HSAs next year. HSA basics An HSA is a trust created or organized exclusively for the purpose of paying the “qualified medical expenses” of an “account beneficiary.” An HSA can…
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Crowdfunding can be easy, but the tax implications may not be
Does your not-for-profit use crowdfunding platforms — such as Kickstarter, GoFundMe and Indiegogo — to raise money? Many nonprofits have found they’re a great way to engage potential supporters, particularly younger adults. However, there are tax implications that may be different from what you’re used to with other fundraising methods. Let’s take a look. IRS definition…
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When corporate sponsorships raise UBIT issues
Under the Internal Revenue Code, “qualified sponsorship payments” to not-for-profits aren’t subject to unrelated business income tax (UBIT). Qualified payments refer to money, property transfers or the performance of services by a business without an expectation or arrangement that the business will receive any “substantial return benefit” in exchange. However, some corporate sponsorships don’t qualify,…
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Planning a summer business trip? Turn travel into tax deductions
If you or your employees are heading out of town for business this summer, it’s important to understand what travel expenses can be deducted under current tax law. To qualify, the travel must be necessary for your business and require an overnight stay within the United States. Note: Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,…
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Nonprofits: Beware of shady investment advisors
For the past couple of years, investment fraud has been the costliest type of scam reported to the FBI’s Crime Complaint Center. The FBI generally defines investment fraud as schemes where criminals misrepresent themselves or lie to victims to gain control of assets that the perpetrators then mishandle or steal. This may not sound like…
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The One, Big, Beautiful Bill could change the deductibility of R&E expenses
The treatment of research and experimental (R&E) expenses is a high-stakes topic for U.S. businesses, especially small to midsize companies focused on innovation. As the tax code currently stands, the deductibility of these expenses is limited, leading to financial strain for companies that used to be able to expense them immediately. But proposed legislation dubbed…
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Review your nonprofit’s revenue like an auditor
Without a predictable revenue stream, you’ll have a hard time budgeting, funding priorities and planning for the future. Right now, many organizations are grappling with sudden federal grant cuts. If this is your nonprofit’s situation — and even if it isn’t — you should assess your revenue streams between audits using the same techniques professional…
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Your nonprofit has lost an executive. Now what?
A fictional nonprofit lost its executive director (ED) when she died unexpectedly. The charity had a basic contingency plan, but the document didn’t name an actual successor for the ED position. Fortunately, the plan outlined procedures for finding a new leader, and the already-assembled search team was able to interview several candidates and hire a…
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Still have tax questions? You’re not alone
If you filed your 2024 tax return, you may still have a few questions: 1) When will you get your refund? Go to the IRS website and click “Get your refund status.” You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status and the exact refund amount. 2) How long should you keep tax records? In general,…
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Disaster victims may qualify for tax relief … including on amended returns
Victims of presidentially declared disasters in recent years who couldn’t previously claim a casualty loss deduction may now be able to claim a refund. Additional tax relief also might be available. Read on to learn more about the potential opportunities for victims of certain disasters. Loosened restrictions for casualty losses The tax relief comes via…
