Ep. 13 - The Form 990

NonProfit Counsel Podcast

Genevra Williams, an attorney practicing at Mendrygal Law in Dallas, Texas, specializing solely in representing tax-exempt organizations, joins May Harris to explore the Form 990 and its different iterations. May underscores the distinction that while all tax-exempt organizations are nonprofit, not all nonprofits enjoy tax-exempt status. The conversation will delve into the consequences of nonprofit organizations using an incorrect reporting tool. This episode aims to guide listeners in determining whether they can manage these forms independently or if seeking legal assistance is necessary.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:14] Genevra discusses how she came to practice nonprofit law and why she is an advocate of the Form 990

• [6:53] Genevra explains what she can learn from the Form 990

• [12:26] Genevra and May discuss Schedule 0

• [15:37] Genevra discusses two other policies she loves

• [18:53] The 990N and how to avoid issues in the future and other forms necessary to the IRS

• [25:53] Genevra mentions churches and other religious organizations' filings

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [5:39] The Form 990 provides substantial information about a client or potential client.

• [8:11] There are dead giveaways on Form 990 that Genevra uses to make recommendations to her clients on whether they should donate to a particular nonprofit.

• [15:18] You should have a conflict of interest policy everyone understands, particularly regarding gift acceptance.

RESOURCES:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin

Genevra Williams - LinkedIn

ABOUT THE HOST:

May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Genevra Williams

Genevra brings an insider’s perspective to her client’s issues. Prior to entering private practice, she was the sole in-house attorney for a prominent community foundation in Dallas, Texas, where she managed all issues related to legal compliance, board governance, and risk management. While in this role, she trained in-house staff, worked with ultra-high-net-worth donors, and consulted internal stakeholders on development and planned giving topics.

Genevra’s law practice focuses exclusively on the representation of tax-exempt organizations on a wide range of matters, including governance, tax compliance, endowments, executive compensation, complex gifts, fiscal sponsorship structures, intellectual property issues, and employment matters. She has counseled private foundations, public charities, supporting organizations, community foundations, churches, and other religious organizations on a wide range of issues. Genevra has been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list (2022) and The Best Lawyers in America® for Non-profit / Charities Law (2024).