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Does your form 990 or 990-EZ tell your story, your accomplishments, your outcomes, who you are and what you do.  An often requested form with grant applications and accessible with a few clicks of the mouse, a properly crafted 990 should support your organization's overall fundraising efforts.  There are three types of 990's, which one are you required to file or should you file?  Many organizations that are only required to file the 990-N or 990-EZ choose to file the 990, why and what benefits does that offer?  Let us help you answer these questions and more.

Audits, reviews and compilations generally represent the three types of reports on financial statements CPA's can provide.  What's the difference and which is best for your organization?  Are there differences in cost?  Which type of report do foundations and other funders want to see?  We're required to have an audit under Government Auditing Standards or the Uniform Guidance (formerly known as an A-133 audit), how are those different and do they typically cost more?  These are just a few of the questions we can help you answer.

How do we form a non-profit organization and what are the first steps?  How do we get tax-exempt status?  What kind of non-profit organization should we form and what does it cost?  When can we start to accept contributions, have fundraising events or begin programming  activities?  What about a board of directors?  These are just a few of the questions we often get regarding forming a non-profit organization.  Let us help you make take the right steps and guide you through the process.

There are numerous types of tax-exempt organizations under section 501(C) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Should you apply as a charitable organization under section 501(C)(3) or under another section?  If you are applying as a 501(C)(3) can you use the EZ form or must you use the long form?  How long will it take to get your tax-exempt status from the IRS?  In addition to the application, what else do you need to provide?  What happens if your application is rejected?  What are some of the common pitfalls in the application process?  You need your tax-exempt status ASAP, can you jump to the head of the line?  These are just a few of the many questions we hear when discussing application for tax-exempt status.  If you have these same questions or others, let us provide you with answers.

Accounting and bookkeeping for non-profit organizations is unique to that of other types of organizations.  Contributions, grants, allocating costs to various programs, administration and fundraising functions, restricted net assets, just to name a few of the many areas only non-profit organizations need to consider.  We have been assisting non-profit organizations with their accounting and bookkeeping needs for many years. Whether it be performing the accounting or bookkeeping function, assisting with the monthly or annual close and the production of financial statements, helping set up the chart of accounts, or simply providing training and being a resource to your staff.  Contact us to see how we can help you solve your accounting and bookkeeping needs.

Was your tax-exempt status revoked for not filing your 990 for 3 consecutive years or for other reasons?  Can you get reinstated back to the date of revocation or will you be reinstated at a later date?  What are the consequences of having a gap between the date your organization was revoked and the date it was reinstated?  Time can be of the essence in resolving revocation issues so contact us to see how we can help your organization apply for reinstatement.

Was your tax-exempt status revoked for not filing your 990 for 3 consecutive years or for other reasons?  Can you get reinstated back to the date of revocation or will you be reinstated at a later date?  What are the consequences of having a gap between the date your organization was revoked and the date it was reinstated?  Time can be of the essence in resolving revocation issues so contact us to see how we can help your organization apply for reinstatement.

Unsure if your non-profit accounting software is the best fit for your organization or looking for more integration between your development software and accounting software?  Are you not getting the most out of your existing software? Do you need to move to a fund based accounting program to keep track of restricted fund activities?  Look at the latest non-profit software review under the non-profit tab and contact us to see how we can help.

What policies and procedures should you establish to help ensure all proceeds collected at special events is properly accounted for, secured, recorded and deposited into your bank account?  Whether it be auctions, raffles, ticket sales, merchandise sales or participation fees, special events present unique challenges  to ensure you have the optimal policies and procedures in place to prevent or detect fraud.  Let us consult with you on your policies and procedures and together we can determine if you have best practices in place at your event.

What types of non-profit organizations can conduct raffles in Ohio?  How often can a raffle be conducted and are their restrictions on the proceeds?  We want to have a casino night, is that considered gaming?  Can we have a fundraiser that involves gambling and if so how often?  What does Ohio consider gaming?   I heard you cannot raffle off alcohol in Ohio, is that true and are their other restrictions?  

The rules on conducting raffles and charitable gaming activities in Ohio can be confusing and difficult to understand, but can be essential components of successful fundraising efforts.  Yet there can be serious consequences to violating the statutes and regulations surrounding these activities.  If you have questions pertaining to raffles and charitable gaming in Ohio, we can help.

Every state has their own unique statutes and requirements on soliciting, operating and conducting fundraising activities.  Do you need to register with a state, file an annual information return or meet any other state requirements?  Let us help you stay compliant in each state you solicit, operate or conduct fundraising activities in.

 Fiscal agent and fiscal sponsorship arrangements allow organizations that generally operate in your area of exempt activities, and who themselves are not exempt, to use your organization to receive contributions and grants.  Should you have a fiscal agent/sponsorship agreement and if so, what content should be present?  Do you have any risk exposure to being a fiscal sponsor/agent?  Can you charge an administrative fee?  How should you do the accounting for such activity?  We are available to answer your questions on fiscal agent/sponsorship arrangements.