Trim Training Costs With a Playbook for Employees
For most businesses, it’s time-consuming and expensive to bring new employees up to speed and train existing employees to perform new duties. The costs involved in training don’t show up as a line item on any ledger, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. So what can you do? Create how-to manuals that clearly spell…
Updating Your Workplace Drug Use Policy and Enforcement Strategies
Several recent trends are causing some employers to revise their drug use policies. Here are some issues to consider to help ensure your company’s strategy is effective and up-to-date. Changes in the Workplace In general, workplace drug testing is losing popularity, except for hazardous jobs in which drug impairment could lead to serious accidents and…
Unrelated Business Income Tax: The TCJA Has Changed the Rules
Many not-for-profit organizations are concerned about the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that are affecting charitable giving. But the law also contains some important requirements involving unrelated business income tax (UBIT). If you engage in “unrelated business” — and even if you don’t — you could find that your UBIT liability…
Answer an Important Question: Are Your Directors Independent?
Not-for-profit organizations that file IRS Form 990 must indicate the number of independent voting members or directors of the governing body. (This is entered on Parts 1 and VI.) The IRS is not the only group interested in these facts. Two other groups also focus on the number of independent directors: state attorneys general and prospective…
Giving Information Can Lead to Lawsuits
Legal hassles can arise when you give references for former employees. These former employees might turn around and sue your organization for defamation. Here’s a quick review of the ins and outs of giving references for former employees. First the facts: Defamation involves communicating false information. Defamation with malice involves communicating information — even true information when…
Internal Audit is a Critical Investment for Nonprofit Organizations
By their nature, tax-exempt entities are under extraordinary scrutiny. With the IRS, external auditors, donors, watchdogs and stakeholders all analyzing their finances, nonprofit organizations must implement effective internal controls that decrease the likelihood of fraud, accounting mistakes or other inappropriate accounting practices that could impact the organization’s finances and reputation. Many organizations who have established…
A Revised Fundraising Strategy Can Help Nonprofits Reduce the Impact of TCJA on Charitable Giving
By Jorge Estrada, CPA | Nonprofit Audit and Tax Senior Manager The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed at the end of 2017 made the most far–reaching changes to the tax code since 1986. While many in the nonprofit industry believe the changes in the tax law are creating a more challenging environment for…
Identifying Contributions vs. Exchange Transactions Clarified with ASU 2018-08 (Topic 958)
By Lindsay Dean, CPA | Nonprofit Audit Senior Manager In June 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-08, Not-for-Profit Entities (Topic 958): Clarifying the Scope and Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made. Nonprofit organizations with fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2018 and make or receive contributions should be prepared to…