Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Entities
Nonprofit organizations operate in a highly regulated environment that demands careful planning, disciplined governance, and ongoing compliance. We advise public charities, private foundations, trade associations, religious entities, and other tax-exempt organizations throughout all stages of their life cycle—from formation and exemption applications to board operations, charitable giving, and regulatory reporting. Our attorneys combine technical tax knowledge with a practical understanding of nonprofit management to help organizations fulfill their missions while maintaining strong legal and operational footing. Whether a client is launching a new nonprofit, refining governance practices, or navigating IRS and state regulatory requirements, we provide clear, strategic guidance tailored to each organization’s goals.
Formation & Structure>
Establishing a nonprofit requires more than filing organizational documents—it involves making foundational decisions that determine how the organization will operate, be governed, and maintain its tax-exempt status. We assist clients in selecting the appropriate entity type, drafting charters, bylaws, and governance policies, and preparing applications for recognition of tax exemption. Our attorneys ensure that structures are aligned with the organization’s mission, compliant with legal requirements, and adaptable as the organization grows. Whether forming a public charity, private foundation, or other exempt entity, we help clients establish a strong and sustainable legal framework from the outset.
Tax Compliance & Reporting>
Tax-exempt organizations face extensive federal and state reporting obligations, and maintaining exemption requires ongoing adherence to complex IRS rules. We guide clients through annual Form 990 filings, public-support tests, unrelated business income tax (UBIT) issues, charitable solicitation registrations, and state reporting requirements. Our attorneys advise on day-to-day tax-compliance questions, transactions that may pose private-benefit or excess-benefit concerns, and responses to IRS inquiries or audits. Our focus is on helping organizations operate confidently within the tax-exempt framework while avoiding costly compliance pitfalls.
Governance & Operations>
Strong governance is essential to fulfilling a nonprofit’s mission and preserving its tax-exempt status. We counsel boards and leadership teams on governance best practices, board composition and duties, conflicts-of-interest policies, fiduciary obligations, and the development of operational procedures that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Our attorneys also assist with operational matters such as contract review, program structuring, grantmaking processes, volunteer engagement, and risk management. By supporting both governance and day-to-day operations, we help organizations build durable, well-managed structures capable of advancing their mission over the long term.
Charitable Giving & Foundation Management>
Charitable giving and foundation administration involve complex tax rules and operational considerations. We advise donors, public charities, and private foundations on structuring charitable contributions, establishing donor-advised funds, forming and operating private foundations, and managing grantmaking programs. Our attorneys help clients navigate excise taxes, self-dealing restrictions, minimum distribution requirements, and reporting obligations. Whether guiding individual philanthropists or supporting ongoing foundation operations, we provide practical, tax-informed strategies that help maximize charitable impact while safeguarding compliance and long-term sustainability.