Tax and 501(c)3 Policy
In This SectionOrchestras 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
Learn Advocacy
December 6, 2012
Nonprofit Listening Post
Advocacy
Take Action: Tax and 501(c)3 Policy
Guides
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Learn | Advocacy
Overtime Policy Developments and Resources
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Learn | Advocacy
UBIT Rules and New Requirements
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.
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March 11, 2021
Advocacy Work Continues!
Please continue to speak up to let your members of Congress know the ways in which COVID relief is supporting your orchestra and your community. While much attention has been given to COVID relief legislation, there are other bills that will need support in the coming weeks and months as well.
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October 9, 2020
Universal Charitable Deduction and the Latest Giving Trends
Building on years of advocacy by orchestras in partnership with the broader nonprofit sector, a new universal charitable deduction was created under the CARES Act in March, allowing the growing number of taxpayers who do not itemize their returns to receive a tax deduction of up to $300 per tax return for cash charitable donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations during calendar year 2020.
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June 24, 2020
Ask Your Senator to Cosponsor Universal Charitable Deduction Bill
Some good news, as the League and orchestras join the broader nonprofit sector in seeking increased incentives for the charitable giving that supports communities nationwide: Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced the bipartisan Universal Giving Pandemic Response Act (S. 4032) (PDF) to expand the current above-the-line deduction for charitable giving made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March.
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February 12, 2020
Did your orchestra pay taxes on transportation benefits? Refunds now available!
The 21% Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) on parking and commuting benefits that was created by comprehensive tax reform signed into law in December 2017 has now been retroactively repealed.
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February 12, 2020
Reminder! IRA Rollover is a key giving incentive
Many orchestras have received significant new contributions since the IRA Charitable Rollover provision was made permanent in 2015, allowing individuals age 70-1/2 and older to make direct, tax-free transfers of up to $100,000 per year (up to $200,000 for married couples) from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) to qualified charities.
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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