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.

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.

January 22, 2021

At a Glance: Visa and Tax Policies for Foreign Guest Artists

The League is a global leader in helping artists - and the organizations that present them - as they navigate the U.S. visa process and tax withholding requirements. In a coordinated effort with other national performing arts organizations, orchestras are working with the White House, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), State Department, Treasury, and Congress to urge ongoing improvements to the visa process and tax procedures.

July 16, 2012

Tax and 501(c)3 Policy action - Archive

September 24, 2020

Overtime Policy Developments and Resources

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) announced changes to overtime compensation requirements, with new requirements taking effect on January 1, 2020. Final regulations issued by the DoL will increase the number of workers eligible for overtime compensation, with a more moderate approach than previously proposed under the Obama Administration.

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.

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.

January 23, 2020

UBIT Rules and New Requirements

Thanks to advocacy by the League and our member orchestras, in partnership with the broader nonprofit sector, the FY20 spending and tax package signed into law on December 20, 2019 retroactively repealed the UBIT on parking and commuting benefits. This means that orchestras that have paid the tax are eligible for a refund.

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.

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.