Our firm has the experience and focused knowledge to advise tax-exempt organizations of all sizes, helping them remain in full compliance with the Tax Code while fulfilling their organizational objectives. We make sure that our clients’ organizational form and structure meet all Tax Code requirements for tax-exempt status, advise them on governance and operational issues, and work in close collaboration with them to help them pursue and achieve their missions with confidence.
Client focus
- Public charities
- Private foundations
- Planned giving departments
- Charitable trusts
- Trade and professional associations
Services to non-profit and charitable clients
Tax counseling
We ensure that our clients’ organization and structure meet all Tax Code requirements for tax-exempt status as a Section 501(c)(3) charitable or 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. That includes making tax-exempt status application to the Internal Revenue Service, securing letters of determination, and responding to audits and inquiries.
Bequest management
Our lawyers fully understand the laws concerning investment, use and spending of endowment, charitable trusts, support foundations and other restricted funds, and we use this knowledge to help our clients remain in full compliance with bequest terms and with the Tax Code.
Governance advice
Our lawyers represent nonprofit organizations in their everyday operational concerns, including corporate governance, and officer and director liability. We routinely draft and review nonprofit corporate documents to conform with changes in the law or organizational needs. We also advise on the governance implications of the tax law as it relates to the compensation of nonprofit executives, and transacting business with for-profit entities.
Services to trade and professional associations
We help association clients meet the general requirements of tax-exempt compliance and governance, including the maintenance of their 501(c)(6) trade association status. In addition, our lawyers help associations avoid antitrust problems, by advising on how to approach discussions between direct competitors, information exchanges, and attempts to set industry standards without violating the competition statutes.
