IRS Offers Workshops to Help Non-profits Avoid Losing Exempt Status

The Internal Revenue Service is offering workshops to make sure tax-exempt organizations in South Alabama are aware of the changes in filing requirements for smaller non-profits.

The IRS will hold one-day "Stay Exempt" workshops in two locations: Jan. 24 in Montgomery, Ala. and Jan. 26 in Mobile, Ala. Since the new filing requirements took effect, nearly 5,000 Alabama non-profits have lost their tax-exempt status due to failure to file certain annual information returns.

More organizations lose exempt status with each passing month as filing deadlines are missed. To help still-exempt organizations avoid this fate, the workshops will focus on helping non-profits know how to meet their tax obligations and maintain their tax-exempt status. The workshops are led by experienced IRS Exempt Organizations specialists and are approved for continuing education credits by practitioner licensing authorities in Alabama. Important in an election year, workshop topics include discussion of activities that can jeopardize 501(c)(3) status, such as political activity.

The workshops cost $45 per person and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, visit the Charities and Non-profits page of the IRS website at www.irs.gov/eo and click the “Calendar of Events” link, or contact Ashley Collier at aac0007@auburn.edu or call (334) 844-5100.