IRS offers free online mini-courses for nonprofits

Five new mini-courses on the redesigned Form 990 are now available at StayExempt.org.  These mini-courses provide information on preparing to file the new Form 990 as well as a walk-through of the entire form and frequently used schedules.

There is a virtual, interactive Stay Exempt Workshop designed to help representatives of new 501(c)(3)s get up to speed on IRS rules and regulations. In addition, there are online presentations on these topics:

• Navigating IRS Resources for Tax-Exempt Organizations -- An overview of what the IRS web site contains for exempt organizations.
• Political Campaigns and Charities:  The Ban on Political Campaign Intervention -- A 501(c)(3) organization jeopardizes its exempt status when it intervenes in a political campaign. This mini-course provides examples of prohibited activities and explains steps an organization should take to avoid an inadvertent violation.
• The Wonderful World of Foundation Classification (Part I) -- All 501(c)(3) organizations also have something called a “foundation classification.”  This mini-course covers the basics of two of the more common types.
• Can I Deduct My Charitable Contributions? -- Is this a question you hear from your donors? This brief overview of deductibility can help your exempt organization understand the rules of what’s deductible and what’s not.
• Applying for Tax-Exempt Status -- If your organization is brand-new, and you’re thinking about applying for tax-exempt status, this mini-course will provide information about IRS resources that will make the process easier and quicker.
• Preparing to File the New Form 990 -- For the 2008 filing year, exempt organizations will be working with a completely redesigned Form 990 or 990EZ – the first major overhaul of these documents in 30 years. This course provides an overview of the changes IRS has made, and the next four courses provide a line-by-line walkthrough of the different sections of the course and provide guidance and tips to completing an error-free return.
• The Redesigned Form 990 –Part I -- General instructions for completing the form and walk through the heading and financials sections.
• The Redesigned Form 990 –Part II -- The Accomplishments, Compliance, and Compensation sections of the new 2008 Form 990.
• The Redesigned Form 990 –Part III -- The Governance, Management, Disclosure, Summary sections, the Checklist of Required Schedules and Schedule A.
• The Redesigned Form 990 –Part IV -- Schedules C, F, G, I, M and R.