The Nonprofit FAQ

How has the federal law governing nonprofit organizations developed?

"I have been asked to provide the Committee with a summary of the history and evolution of the federal tax law pertaining to the charitable sector of the United States. The term "charitable" includes charitable, educational, scientific, and religious organizations within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section ("IRC §") 501(c)(3)). This sector thus embraces both public charities and private foundations. "Tax exemption for these organizations is traceable to the Revenue Act of 1913 and can be found in earlier laws. Therefore, we are rapidly approaching the centennial of these rules." The rest of Bruce Hopkins' statement can be read at http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=view&id=2603 Bruce R. Hopkins is the author of The Law of Tax-Exempt Organizations and Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization : A Legal Guide. You can order these books from Amazon.Com through the links below; if you do, a royalty will be paid which helps maintain the Nonprofit FAQ. Use this link to read more about and order http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471268208/internetnonprofi"> The Law of Tax-Exempt Organizations from Amazon.Com. Use this link to read more about and order http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470397934/?tag=internetnonprofi">Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization : A Legal Guide from Amazon.Com.) Posted 5/25/05 -- PB