IRS Issues
Renewed Push for Universal Charitable Deduction
14 Mar 2023 |
Nonprofit Counsel, Governance & Compliance
Strategic Legal Counsel for Nonprofits and Tax-Exempt Organizations Nationwide
At For Purpose Law Group (FPLG), we focus exclusively on serving the unique legal needs of nonprofit organizations and tax-exempt entities across the country. Our attorneys work with a wide range of organizations, including public charities, private foundations, social welfare organizations, business leagues, and advocacy groups. We understand the complex regulatory landscape that nonprofit leaders navigate—and we are committed to providing legal solutions that support mission-driven work.
At FPLG, we work exclusively with mission-driven organizations. Our attorneys understand the real-world challenges nonprofits face because we have firsthand experience as nonprofit founders, executive leaders, board members, and counsel. We bring practical, strategic insight to every engagement, helping nonprofit organizations achieve their missions while minimizing legal risk.
Our focus is always the same: delivering clear, actionable legal guidance that empowers your organization to thrive.Whether you are launching a new organization, expanding your programs, managing compliance obligations, or responding to regulatory inquiries, our nonprofit attorneys deliver strategic, responsive, and mission-aligned support at every stage.
Outside General Counsel for Nonprofits
Many nonprofits need consistent legal guidance but aren’t ready for a full-time in-house attorney. FPLG serves as Outside General Counsel for nonprofits, providing responsive support on governance, contracts, compliance filings, risk management, employment matters, and day-to-day operational questions. We become a strategic partner for your leadership team, helping anticipate legal challenges and protect your organization’s mission.
Nonprofit Formation and IRS Exemption
Launching a nonprofit organization requires more than passion—it demands careful legal planning. Our nonprofit formation attorneys assist founders through entity formation, preparation and filing of IRS Form 1023 or 1024 applications, and compliance with state registration requirements. We ensure your new organization is structured for success from the very beginning, with a clear path to tax-exempt status.
Corporate Compliance
When a nonprofit falls out of compliance with the IRS, state taxing authorities, or the Attorney General’s office, the consequences can be serious—ranging from suspended or revoked status to loss of tax exemption, penalties, or even asset freezes. At FPLG, we help organizations quickly assess the scope of the issue and take immediate, strategic action to resolve it.
Whether your nonprofit has received a delinquency notice, is listed as suspended by the California Franchise Tax Board, or is facing scrutiny from the California Attorney General for failure to properly manage charitable assets, our attorneys will guide you through the reinstatement process. We prepare and file back reports, respond to government inquiries, and help restore your organization’s good standing with all necessary agencies.
From revocation and suspension to missed filings and unresolved compliance issues, we bring clarity to what’s at stake—and a clear legal path to getting back on track.
Nonprofit Governance
Good governance isn’t just best practice—it’s a legal obligation for every nonprofit organization. At FPLG, we help boards of directors and executive leadership teams establish strong governance frameworks that promote accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability. Our nonprofit attorneys provide guidance on fiduciary duties, draft and review bylaws and board policies, develop conflict-of-interest procedures, and support effective decision-making at the board level.
We also assist with governance audits, board training sessions, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to your organization’s structure and stage of growth. Whether your organization is navigating leadership transitions, exploring strategic partnerships, or responding to inquiries from regulators, our legal counsel ensures your governance practices are solid, compliant, and aligned with your mission.
Nonprofit Property Tax Exemption
In California, eligible nonprofits may qualify for the welfare exemption, which can eliminate or significantly reduce property tax liability on real or personal property used for exempt purposes. At FPLG, we help organizations secure and maintain this exemption by managing the full application process, including obtaining the required Organizational Clearance Certificate (OCC) from the California Board of Equalization.
Whether you’re applying for the first time, responding to an assessor inquiry, or correcting a lapse in exemption, our attorneys guide you through every step—ensuring compliance, preserving your exemption, and protecting your charitable assets.
Cause-Related Marketing & Commercial Co-Ventures
Cause-related marketing partnerships between nonprofits and businesses can be powerful tools for fundraising, awareness, and mission alignment—but they also come with legal requirements. FPLG provides legal support for structuring and reviewing commercial co-venture agreements, ensuring your campaigns comply with state charitable solicitation laws, disclosure regulations, and fundraising guidelines.
Our attorneys advise both nonprofits and corporate partners on how to structure cause-marketing initiatives that protect the nonprofit’s tax-exempt status, uphold public trust, and meet regulatory requirements across jurisdictions. Whether you’re planning a charitable sales promotion or a long-term brand collaboration, we help you build campaigns that are strategic, compliant, and purpose-driven.
