Churches, Schools, and the Unvaccinated Movement
Those of us in our late 50s or older have probably never been vaccinated for measles, mumps, chicken pox, or other “childhood” diseases. Why? Because we had those diseases as children. In fact, anyone born before 1957 is automatically considered to have immunity to measles.
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Intermediate Sanctions – New Regulations
Perhaps the most important change in the last 30 years in the area of nonprofit law occurred on July 30, 1996, when the Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 added section 4958 to the Internal Revenue Code. Section 4958 adds intermediate sanctions as an alternative to revocation of the exempt status of an organization when private persons benefit from transactions with a nonprofit organization.
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Charitable Giving: American Bar Association Web Article
As we approach the end of the year, one concern that often arises is how to reduce your overall tax burden. A common step is to make one or more charitable contributions. Is this a good idea? If you decide to give, what organization(s) are worthy of your contribution? And what type of contribution are you prepared to make?
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RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF A DIRECTOR OF A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
With many nonprofit organizations, there has been a tendency to select members of the board of directors on the basis of the prestige these directors will lend to the organization. Many directors respond by regarding the position as an “honorary” or “figurehead” type of position, rather than actively participating in the direction and oversight of the organization.
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FLEECING THE SHEEP: Avoiding Christian Ripoffs
There are so many fraudulent schemes within the church that an Investor Alert, Preying on the Faithful, was issued by the North American Securities Administrators Association and the Council of Better Business Bureaus. It states:
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CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL WRONGS
“A church may not discriminate on the basis of such characteristics as sex, but it can discriminate on the basis of religion. For example…”
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KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY
“The number of church disputes ending up in court has recently increased dramatically. Contrary to the scriptural admonition to settle disputes within the church, civil courts are now full of cases involving churches.”
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TROJAN HORSE: How many congregations should one church have?
Then a new board member asked for more information and the board discovered that in addition to services at the church, these groups had outside bible services, were sending their people (including children) door to door to witness, were having potluck dinners and were taking children on outings, some poorly supervised. It was unclear if these activities were covered by the church’s liability insurance.
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YOU CAN’T DEDUCT THE FUR COAT
Around this time of year, we all have to face the fact that it’s time again to prepare our income tax returns. If you’re like me, you’ll look for every possible deduction that may be available. When we contributed to our churches last year, we may have been laying up treasures in heaven. For those of us who itemize, our giving has the additional benefit of giving us an additional tax write-off. Or has it?
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WHY I’M NO FUN AT ALL: What should you expect of your attorney?
Okay, I admit it. If you call me up to tell me about this great idea you have, I don’t do backflips. I don’t tell you it’s wonderful. In fact, what I immediately start to think about are all of the problems — all the things that could go wrong with your “great idea.” Am I being negative? Am I trying to discourage you? No. I am being a lawyer.
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