Want To Help Disaster Victims?

In the wake of recent weather-related disaster declarations, the Internal Revenue Service is rebroadcasting its webinar titled: “Starting and Operating Charities for Disaster Relief.” The rebroadcast is free and will be available on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.

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.

This webinar will cover a variety of topics including:

•  Rules for recipients of disaster relief;

•   The various types of help organizations can provide;

•   Deductibility of contributions;

•   Operational and recordkeeping requirements for both fundraising and working with volunteers.

Charitable organizations have traditionally been involved in providing assistance to victims of disasters, from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans to Tropical Storm Irene in Connecticut.

Enrolled agents and registered tax return preparers can earn one continuing education credit if they participate in the Webinar for a minimum of 50 minutes. Other tax professionals may receive credit if the webinar meets their state and organization continuing education requirements.

To register go to: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=89315 and enter your email address. Participants will use this same email address to log in to the webinar on September 20, 2012. Participants will be sent an email which includes a certificate of completion approximately one week after the conclusion of the webinar.  For more information about becoming a charitable tax-exempt organization visit the IRS website at www.IRS.gov/charities.