Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Legal Hotspots for Churches with Rob Showers
Rob Showers, the managing partner of the Northern Virginia/Metropolitan D.C. branch of Simms Showers LLP, and Daniel Hebda, an associate attorney with the firm will be presenting a seminar on “Legal Hotspots for Churches” at Antioch Baptist Church on June 13thfrom 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Mr. Showers is a former Chief Assistant US Attorney with… Read More »
Excise Tax Goes Into Effect for Small Employers on June 30, 2015
It was common practice for small churches and nonprofits to allow their employees to purchase insurance on their own, then seek reimbursement for the cost of the premiums from the church or nonprofit. This arrangement had been considered a non-taxable fringe benefit for many years and was a favorable arrangement for all the parties… Read More »
Do’s and Don’ts of Effective and Legal Use of For-Profits with Non-Profits
Increasingly, it has become common practice for churches and non-profits to combine their ministry with a related for-profit endeavor. Whether it’s a coffee shop or a manufacturing enterprise, non-profits can often be seen involving themselves in successful and profitable businesses. Because of the significant differences between for-profit and non-profit activities and structures, an unwary… Read More »
The Importance of Taking Pictures Following a Motor Vehicle Accident
The damage caused by a motor vehicle accident is not limited solely to costly vehicle repairs. Serious injuries and the ensuing legal fees can complicate an already inconvenient situation. Taking photos immediately after an accident can potentially save you from further problems. The old saying goes “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but… Read More »
“Top Ten Legal Hotspots” for Lawyers Serving on Boards for Churches and Non-Profits
If you are “THE lawyer” on a church or non-profit Board of Directors, then you’re familiar with the unwarranted expectation that, despite your actual area of legal expertise, all potential legal liabilities are now covered by your presence. However, you also know that this is tantamount to expecting that a talented orthopedic surgeon can… Read More »
How Does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Affect Your Tax-Exempt Organization?
When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010, it fundamentally altered the health insurance landscape in the U.S. Although the ACA become law five years ago, it still has not been fully implemented. Instead, the federal agencies tasked with implementing the law, namely, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal… Read More »
Responsibilities of Non-Profit Board Members
In one of our recent newsletter articles, we highlighted some legal potholes that could harm your non-profit organization and how you can alert your board of directors to these risks. This article turns the lens inward and addresses the risks to board members, if duties are not performed properly. The board of a non-profit… Read More »
Radical Changes Coming to Salary & Overtime Regulations in 2016
By July 2016, the Department of Labor is slated to release new regulations that will raise the minimum salary requirement for exempt employees. Currently, in order to be exempt from the overtime requirements of the FLSA, an employee must earn a minimum salary of $23,660 and have specific job responsibilities. Under the proposed rules,… Read More »
Going Deeper: Does FLSA Apply to My Church or Nonprofit?
Generally, all employers are subject to the minimum wage requirements and overtime pay requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) if they meet interstate commerce requirements either corporately or individually. Thankfully, non-profits and churches enjoy some special exemptions under FLSA, some of which may help exempt many churches and religious nonprofits. There is… Read More »
To Merge or Not to Merge: That is the Question
Increasingly, churches and nonprofits are thinking about mergers and “acquisitions” due to the challenging financial times, increased tax exempt regulations and aging membership/decreased donations. While there appear to be some resources which discuss whether a church or nonprofit should merge or not, there is little guidance about practical applications and/or how to legally effectuate… Read More »