two boardroom tables

Nonprofits & Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance

If you’ll think back to the early 2000s, in the aftermath of the Enron scandal (among others such as Tyco, Global Crossing, and WorldCom) the climate of distrust and dramatic malfeasance demanded reform of corporate accounting, governance,…
hands in huddle

Volunteering time NOT tax deductible, but out-of-pocket expenses ARE

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Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month? Celebrate and make an impact at the same time by donating your time, energy, and skills to the causes you care most about. However, unlike the charitable contribution deduction on federal…
table with book and tea

Don't Be Heathcliff: Wuthering Heights and Estate Planning

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Often when I'm reading fiction I’ll find estate planning-related issues that cause conflicts, both big and small, for the characters. And, while the stories may be fictitious, the lessons they give us serve as valuable reminders of the importance…
hands of 2 grooms

Love, Death, & Taxes: Estate Planning Considerations for Same-Sex Spouses

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Everyone needs an estate plan! This goes for if you're a young professional or have minor children or are retired. And, it goes for all married couples!  This year marks a decade since Iowa Supreme Court decision of Varnum v. Brien, which…
Retirement Benefit plans helping charity

3 Ways to Use Your Retirement Benefit Plans to Help Your Favorite Charities

Much of Iowans’ wealth can be found in retirement benefit accounts, like IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and so on. Funds from retirement benefit plans can be easy and tax-savvy ways for you to support your favorite causes and organizations! IRA…
employees as a desk

When is an Employee Handbook not an Employee Handbook?

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An employee handbook is just an employee handbook...or so you may think. But, what happens when it doesn’t have an appropriate “disclaimer?” Incorporate a Disclaimer In addition to smart employment policies, all nonprofit entities should…