Private Foundation Bookkeeping

Empower Your Foundation with Expert Financial Management

At CPA KPA, we understand that managing the financial records of a private foundation can be a daunting task. We recognize that foundation leaders are passionate about making a difference in the world, and their expertise lies in their mission, not necessarily in accounting. That's where we come in.

Our dedicated team specializes in providing comprehensive bookkeeping and accounting solutions tailored specifically for private foundations. We are committed to streamlining your financial processes, ensuring accuracy, and alleviating the burden of complex accounting rules. With our support, you can focus wholeheartedly on driving positive change while we take care of the books.

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"A man's true wealth is the good he does in the world" ~ Kahlil Gibran
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How It Works

One-on-One Expert Support

At CPA KPA, we believe in providing personalized support tailored to your specific needs. That's why we match you with a dedicated US-based expert bookkeeper who will work closely with you to maintain perfect books. Your bookkeeper will take care of you by importing bank statements, categorizing transactions, and updating financial statements on a monthly basis. With just a quick phone call or email, you'll have access to the answers and guidance you need.

Accurate & Timely Financial Reporting

With our bookkeeping service, you can trust that your financial records will be accurate and up-to-date. We provide you with quarterly financial statements, including an income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, to keep you in full control of your foundation's financial health. Say goodbye to feeling in the dark about your finances – we'll keep you well-informed every step of the way.

QuickBooks Online Software

We understand the importance of using reliable and efficient accounting software to support your foundation's financial management. That's why we offer expertise in QuickBooks Online, a widely trusted cloud-based accounting platform. With QuickBooks Online, you'll have secure,24/7 access to your books and records from anywhere with an internet connection. The platform provides a range of powerful features, including bank account synchronization, check-writing and printing, customizable reporting, and more.

Customized Services Include

In addition to our comprehensive foundation accounting services, we offer the following tailored solutions:

Audit preparation & support

Grant & restricted fund tracking

Payroll service & coordination

Budget creation

Online bill pay

1099 filing

Revenue & expense allocation

Custom requests

We proudly serve

Private Foundations

Grant-making Foundations

Independent Foundations

Family Foundations

Operating Foundations

Corporate Foundations

Charitable Foundations

Non-Operating Foundations

Startup Foundations

Kyle has been such a pleasure to work with.

There is a vast array of knowledge and expertise that a generalist CPA must have - Kyle focuses on Private Family Foundations so that he can go broad and deep in this particular financial & tax area.  That is of great benefit to Private Family Foundations like my family's.  Kyle has allowed me to focus on our foundation's mission and giving strategy and lightened my burden of keeping up to date on tax and compliance issues.  His response to questions has been timely and thorough.  We have been extremely pleased with Kyle and strongly recommend him to other PFF's.

Angel Veltichkov
Debbie Suchan
The Five Stones Charitable Foundation

Interested in our Foundation Tax or Private Client Tax Services?

Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch tax support tailored to the unique needs of private foundations and high net-worth individuals. Whether you require assistance with private foundation tax returns (Form 990-PF) or personalized income tax planning, we have the expertise to ensure your financial success. Trust us to handle your tax matters with precision and efficiency, allowing you to focus on what truly matters to you.

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Foundation Tax Services
Private Client Tax Solutions
Private Foundation Tax Services | CPA KPA

You might be wondering

What is a private foundation?

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What are the benefits of a private foundation?

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What is the 5% rule for private foundations?

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Private Foundation Tax Services | CPA KPA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1. What is Form 990-PF?

    Form 990-PF is the federal tax return that must be filed by every organization formally classified as a private foundation. The IRS requires private foundations to file Form 990-PF to report their activities to the federal government. Private foundations use Form 990-PF to provide public disclosure of their financial information and activities, and to complete a number of required calculations and disclosures.

  • 2. What information is included on a private foundation tax return?

      A private foundation tax return includes the disclosure of financial information such as revenues, expenses, and charitable distributions. It also includes a calculation of the excise tax on net investment income as well as a computation of required annual distributions. Additionally, the form is used to disclose a substantial amount of background information including the fair market value of all assets, information on trustees, officers, and key employees, a complete list of grants awarded including dollar amounts, and various other declarations about activities and compliance with the law.

  • 3. How often must private foundations file a tax return?

    Private foundations must file a tax return with the IRS on form 990-PF every year.

  • 4. What are private foundation excise taxes?

    The Internal Revenue Code imposes six distinct categories of excise taxes on private foundations. The most common and significant one is the tax on net investment income, which is computed and reported using Form 990-PF. The remaining five excise taxes specific to private foundations are less common and generally come into play when a private foundation engages in certain prohibited activities. The other five less common excise taxes are: (1) excise taxes on self-dealing between private foundations and disqualified persons; (2) excise taxes for failing to distribute approximately 5% of assets annually for charitable purposes; (3) excise taxes on excess business holdings; (4) excise taxes on jeopardizing investments; and (5) excise taxes on expenditures unrelated to a private foundation's charitable mission.

  • 5. What is the current rate for the excise tax levied on private foundation investment income?

    The current rate for the excise tax levied on private foundation investment income is 1.39%.

Latest Blog & News

Foundation

Are Private Foundations Required to Obtain an External Audit of Their Financial Statements?

Private foundations are generally not required to obtain an external audit under federal law, except in exceptionally rare circumstances. However, state audit requirements vary significantly, with some states mandating audits based on revenue thresholds while also considering a foundation’s activities, such as public fundraising, while others have no audit requirement at all. Each state sets its own rules, creating a complex and inconsistent regulatory landscape that foundations must navigate.

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Foundation

How Many Directors or Trustees Are Required for a Private Foundation Organized as a Nonprofit Corporation Versus a Trust?

The number of directors or trustees required for private foundations varies based on state law, with nonprofit corporations generally requiring a board of at least three directors under state corporate statutes, while trusts often require only one trustee under state trust law.

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Foundation

2024 Tax Planning Guide for Private Foundations

The CPA KPA Tax Planning Guide for Private Foundations offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate complex tax and compliance challenges. From annual tax return requirements and the benefits of charitable donations to detailed distribution rules and the tax implications of unrelated business income, our guide simplifies the intricate regulations, providing clear guidance on a wide range of compliance topics.

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Foundation

Are Scholarships, Grants, and Awards from Private Foundations Taxable to Individual Recipients?

The taxability of scholarships, grants, and awards from private foundations to individual recipients depends on their purpose and structure. Proper compliance ensures that both foundations and recipients can maximize the benefits of these funds while minimizing potential tax burdens.

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Foundation

Private Foundation Guidelines: Avoiding Self-Dealing at Fundraising and Entertainment Events

Private foundations must carefully navigate federal tax regulations to avoid self-dealing when involved in fundraising or entertainment events, especially when benefits like tickets are offered. To ensure compliance, foundations should use personal funds for tickets or thoroughly document any legitimate business needs for attendance, thereby preventing any personal benefit from foundation assets.

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Foundation

Can Private Foundations Make Loans?

Private foundations can make loans for charitable purposes or as part of their investment strategy, but they must adhere to strict regulations to avoid legal violations, such as self-dealing or jeopardizing investment rules. Careful evaluation is required to ensure all loans comply with these requirements.

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