Tax Alert: Nondeductible Parking Expenses
Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed into law on Dec. 22, 2017, not-for-profits have been joining together with a common mission – to repeal the tax imposed under the new Internal Revenue Code Section 512(a)(7), attributable to nondeductible parking expenses. This highly controversial tax code has changed the tax-exempts landscape by eliminating a deduction for qualified transportation and other fringe benefits that were previously allowed for all employers. For tax-exempt organizations, however, this elimination of a deduction directly converts to an increase in unrelated business taxable income (UBTI).
Driven by a collective mission, the not-for-profit community has consistently advocated through various sources that the new tax disproportionately hurts tax-exempt entities by imposing a tax on an expenditure, as opposed to a revenue-generating activity. This unified effort is beginning to gain traction by catching the ear of lawmakers. On Feb. 28, 2018, the not-for-profit community received a glimmer of hope when the Lessening Impediments From Taxes (LIFT) for Charities Act was announced. In addition to this bill, other bills to repeal the tax have been introduced, including The Stop the Tax Hike on Charities and Places of Worship Act and the Nonprofits Support Act.
Although the passage of the repeal legislation is uncertain, many organizations like the National Council of Nonprofits are continuing to push for this bipartisan legislation.
While we are in a wait-and-see game with Congress to determine the ultimate future of Internal Revenue Code Section 512(a)(7), it is still important to reach out to your tax advisor to help evaluate the risks and uncertainties to your organization in relation to potential taxable income and UBTI exposure from parking.
For more information about nondeductible parking expenses, please read our recent article on this topic.
Lori Rothe Yokobosky, CPA, Partner, CohnReznick Not-for-Profit & Education Industry Practice
lorirothe.yokobosky@CohnReznick.com
(973) 403-6940
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Any advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues. Nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. This has been prepared for information purposes and general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice specific to, among other things, your individual facts, circumstances and jurisdiction. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and CohnReznick LLP, its partners, employees and agents accept no liability, and disclaim all responsibility, for the consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.
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