Articles From Lumsden McCormick

Starting in 2026, nonprofits will face an expanded excise tax on compensation exceeding $1 million, which will apply to any employee, not just the top five earners. Donors will also see changes: nonitemizers can deduct up to $1,000 in charitable contributions, while itemizers must exceed a 0.5% AGI threshold to claim deductions, and corporations will face a 1% income floor for charitable deductions.

When deciding whether to give to charity now or later, it's important to weigh personal financial circumstances, tax implications, and the potential impact of your gift. Giving during your lifetime allows you to see the results of your generosity, while planned giving can ensure long-term support for causes you care about. Each approach offers unique benefits depending on your goals and legacy plans.

Nonprofits can host impactful meetings and events without overspending by making thoughtful choices around food, beverages, vendor contracts, and equipment. Strategic planning, early booking, and leveraging volunteers or in-kind donations can significantly reduce costs while still delivering a high-quality experience for attendees.

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, makes permanent several provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while introducing new deductions, such as for tips and auto loan interest, and expanding the child tax credit. It also raises the standard deduction and estate tax exemption, but eliminates green energy credits and personal exemptions, reshaping tax planning for individuals.

Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical systems, are revolutionizing manufacturing by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smarter decision-making. Originally developed by NASA, this technology is helping manufacturers optimize operations, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation. While implementation can be complex, the potential benefits make it a compelling investment for forward-thinking companies.

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act introduces a range of impactful tax changes for businesses, including the permanent return of 100% bonus depreciation, expanded Section 179 expensing, and immediate deductions for domestic R&E expenditures. It also enhances credits for employer-provided child care and paid family leave, while phasing out several clean-energy tax incentives. Some less favorable provisions, such as the permanent disallowance of excess business losses, also take effect.

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act permanently raises the federal gift and estate tax exemption to $15 million per individual, providing long-term clarity for estate planning. High-net-worth individuals can now implement strategies like SLATs and SPATs to reduce estate tax exposure while maintaining access to their wealth. These tools offer flexibility and protection, making them valuable components of a modern estate plan.

Nonprofits facing budget cuts must be careful not to compromise essential safeguards like internal controls and cybersecurity, as doing so can increase the risk of fraud. Strengthening oversight, maintaining separation of duties, and investing in basic training and secure technology can help protect the organization without significantly raising costs.

Republicans have successfully passed a comprehensive reconciliation bill, marking a significant legislative achievement. This bill encompasses a wide range of policy changes and reforms, reflecting the party's priorities and goals.

Accounting errors can significantly disrupt nonprofit operations by leading to financial misstatements, compliance issues, and loss of donor trust. These mistakes can also increase administrative costs, hinder strategic planning, and expose weaknesses in internal controls, ultimately threatening the organization’s mission and sustainability.