Section 527 Political Groups

A political organization subject to Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code (usually called a 527 organization) is a party, committee, association, fund, or any other type of organization run primarily to directly or indirectly accept contributions and/or make expenditures for an exempt function. The exempt function of a political organization is influencing or attempting to influence the nomination, election, or any other type of selection of an individual to any public office or to an office in a political organization.

Mortgage Interest Credit

Low-income taxpayers who purchase a residence may be entitled to a federal income tax credit for part of their home mortgage interest paid each year. The credit is a direct dollar for dollar reduction of taxes owed. Generally, a qualifying principal residence may not cost more than 90 percent of the average area purchase price, but it can go as high as 110 percent in some targeted areas.

Excessive Compensation of Officers by Tax-exempt Organizations

The Internal Revenue Service is concerned that some charities and private foundations are abusing their tax-exempt status by paying exorbitant compensation to their officers and other insiders. In an attempt to identify and combat this abuse, the IRS has established the Tax Exempt Compensation Enforcement Project, which seeks to gather information from almost 2,000 organizations about their compensation practices and procedures. The enforcement project consists of examinations as well as other contacts.

What to Do If You Have Not Received a Form W-2

You are familiar enough with the tax laws to know that you should receive a "Wage and Tax Statement" (also known as a Form W-2), from every one of the employers that you worked for during the year. You need it to prepare your federal, state, and local income tax returns because it contains a summary of your taxable and non-taxable wages along with all the taxes, both income and social security, that have been withheld.

Tax-exempt Organizations and Political Activities

Non-profit groups organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign either in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Generally, this applies to religious organizations, including churches, charities, and educational institutions.