IRS Offers Webinar on Starting Disaster Relief Charities

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) isn't the only government organization with tips during National Preparedness Month. 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is suggesting some additional steps this September.

If you intend to, or already have a tax-emempt disaster relief charity, it is essential to know what it takes to run it properly. 

The IRS webinar, "Starting and Operating Charities for Disaster Relief." will air Thursday at 1 p.m.

The webinar will explain the basic requirements for starting a tax-exempt disaster relief charity and the ways new and existing organizations can properly provide disaster relief under federal tax rules.

Enrolled agents and registered tax return preparers can earn one continuing education credit if they participate in the webinar for a least 50 minutes. Other tax pros can receive credit if the webinar meets their state and organization's continuing education requirements.

 Webinar topics include:

• Rules for recipients of disaster relief
• The various types of help organizations can provide
• What contributions are tax deductible
• Operational and record keeping requirements for both fundraising and working with volunteers

To register click here. The personal email used to register is the same used to login to the webinar. Participants will be sent an email which includes a certificate of completion about one week after the conclusion of the webinar.  For more information about becoming a charitable tax-exempt organization, visit the IRS website at IRS.gov/charities.