Charitable & Non-Profit Organizations

RJS LAW advises charitable & non-profit organizations at every stage of their life cycle. We provide legal and tax guidance on a wide range of matters, including:

1. Formation and Governance – If you are considering starting a tax-exempt organization, we can help you choose the most appropriate exempt status to meet your goals, form the entity, and apply for IRS tax-exempt status. We will also draft customized bylaws that clearly define your organization’s internal operations.

2. Internal Policies – Whether you are launching a new organization or managing an existing one, we can help develop the internal policies necessary to maintain compliance with tax laws. These may include, among others, a conflict-of-interest policy, gift acceptance policy, and a whistleblower policy.

3. Operational Compliance – Our team helps tax-exempt organizations navigate complex tax regulations to ensure their activities—and the way those activities are conducted—comply with applicable laws.

4. Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI) – If your organization engages in revenue-generating activities that may resemble commercial operations, we can assess whether the income qualifies as UBTI, ensure it remains within permissible limits, and guide the organization in proper reporting on its tax returns.

5. Lobbying and Political Activity – If your organization seeks to influence legislation or participate in political campaigns, we can help you understand the strict legal limitations, especially for Section 501(c)(3) entities, which are prohibited from political campaigning. We will provide guidance to ensure your advocacy efforts comply with all applicable laws.

6. Audits – Facing an upcoming audit can feel overwhelming for nonprofit organizations striving to fulfill their mission. Our dedicated legal team specializes in representing nonprofits through every stage of the audit process, delivering clear guidance, proactive advice, and steadfast advocacy. Trust us to manage the details so you can focus on making an impact.

Get Help from Experienced Professionals

Understanding charity and non-profits and being properly prepared can help mitigate potential risks and ensure compliance with California’s laws.

RJS LAW has years of combined experience in dealing with charity and non-profit organizations.  For a no-cost consultation, please contact RJS LAW on the web or by calling 619-595-1655 | San Diego | El Cajon.

Written by Chandara Diep, Esq., LL.M.