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Tax and 501(c)3 Policy

Orchestras are tax-exempt organizations and are part of the nation’s nonprofit charitable sector working to improve the quality of life in communities nationwide.  Orchestral activity is supported by an important combination of public volunteerism, private philanthropy, and civic support that is made possible by virtue of tax exempt status.

In the links below, the League provides the latest information about nonprofit tax policies impacting orchestras and opportunities to weigh in with Congress and the IRS about pending new regulations and laws.

Learn Advocacy

November 12, 2020

Orchestras' Guide to Ethics and Accountability

Orchestras depend on support from the public and must operate ethically and effectively to maintain the public’s trust. As nonprofit organizations around the country are shoring up their administrative and governance practices, orchestras must develop a transparent culture on issues ranging from employee and volunteer human resource policies to financial record-keeping.
Orchestras' Guide to Ethics and Accountability READ MORE

Learn Advocacy

December 6, 2012

Nonprofit Listening Post

As vital participants in the U.S. nonprofit community, orchestras contribute to the substantial public value produced by the nation’s charitable sector, and are likewise impacted by the policies and environment for nonprofits nationwide. The League and 75 member orchestras are participants in the Nonprofit Listening Post Project, an initiative of the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies.

Advocacy

Take Action: Tax and 501(c)3 Policy

Orchestras, like many other charitable organizations, are able to serve communities by virtue of their tax exempt status and the deductibility of private donations. Policymakers can increase charitable giving by protecting and improving tax incentives.

League Tax Updates

The League’s D.C. office reports on the latest developments as the Hill considers new rules for nonprofit taxation, governance, and management.

  • Advocacy

    April 7, 2025

    Latest News: Charitable Giving, Ticketing, and Supporting the Arts

    In This Issue: Urgent: Urge Congress to Support the Charitable Act; Ticket Fraud Policy Takes Center Stage; Advancing Arts Education for All; and Speaking Up for Federal Cultural Agencies Under Threat

  • Advocacy

    March 25, 2025

    Policy Landscape Resources, International Artist News, and Education Executive Order

    In This Issue: Urgent: Keep Pace with the U.S. Visa Process; U.S. Department of Education Directed to Close; and Resources on NEA and Big-Picture Policy Landscape

  • Advocacy

    January 30, 2025

    Latest Arts Policy Updates from D.C.

    In This Issue: New Administration, Executive Actions, and Impact on the Arts; Playing Your Part: League Webinar on Advocacy in 2025; Tax Reform Discussions Underway; and Reminder: New Form for International Guest Artist Visa Petitions

  • Advocacy

    December 17, 2024

    Urgent Year-End Policy Action and Updates

    In This Issue: Update! FTC Announces New Ticket Sales Rules and Congress Considers Action; Make Plans to Engage with Congress in 2025; Charitable Giving and Tax Reform; Act Now: How Well Do You Know Your Bow?; NEA Grant Guidelines for FY2026: Prepare Now; and International Artists Visa Assistance

  • Advocacy

    May 17, 2024

    Updates on Ticketing, Protected Species, NEA Grants and More

    In This Issue: Fixing Ticketing: Your Continued Advocacy is Needed, New! Essential Tips for Travel with Musical Instruments, Latest NEA Grant Awards and Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap Released in Senate, and New Overtime Rules and Resources

  • Advocacy

    February 8, 2024

    New Visa Fee Rules Finalized; Taking Action on Ticketing Policies

    In This Issue: Final Visa Rule Sets New Fees, Effective April 1, 2024,and Ticketing Action Continues in Congress and at FTC

  • Advocacy

    December 13, 2023

    Year-End News on Ticketing, Arts Education, Musical Instruments Policy and More!

    In This Issue: Ticketing Legislation Advances in U.S. House and Senate; Congressional Letter Urges U.S. Secretary of Education to Improve Access to Arts Education; Prepare for FY25 NEA Grant Applications; Traveling with Ivory: Canada Announces New Permit Rules; Visa Petitions to Texas Service Center

  • Advocacy

    March 10, 2023

    Last Chance to Weigh In on Drastic Artist Visa Fee Proposal

    The opportunity to respond to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed rule on visa filing fees has been extended and will now close on Monday, March 13. This proposal would more than triple the cost for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners.

  • Advocacy

    January 23, 2023

    DHS Proposes New Fees: Includes Steep Increases for Artist Visas, Harmful Policy Changes

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that would impose very steep increases to some of its filing fees, including for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners. The comment period is open until March 6, 2023, and DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expect to take several months to review public feedback and consider adjustments.

  • Advocacy

    November 21, 2022

    Post-Election Update and Peek at 2023

    In This Issue: Short-term Priorities for Year-End Legislating, Prepare for 2023 and Beyond, and Odds and Ends

See all Tax and 501(c)3 Policy News Items

Contact Congress

Raising your voice about key issues before Congress is essential. Contacting Congress is easy to do, and your communication with elected officials will ensure that communities nationwide continue to benefit from orchestral music.

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