The formation and maintenance of religious or not-for-profit organizations involve much more than complying with applicable tax laws.
Our team has extensive experience representing religious and not-for-profit organizations and our attorneys understand the intricate issues such entities face. With a focus on Mission Driven Development™, our firm provides these organizations with a wide range of legal services, including assistance with the corporate governance process, tax exemption filings, and subsequent compliance, and real estate and development projects, including drafting petitions for approval from the Attorney General or Supreme Court. Our clients comprise of a wide range of tax exempt entities, including churches, synagogues, education institutions, healthcare institutions, private and public foundations, and charities.
Corporate Governance
Our firm expertly advises clients on their corporate governance, guides non-profit organizations on tax regulations and assists in furthering the mission and economic goals of the entity. Whether the transaction involves the formation of a new entity, creation of corporate governing documents such as bylaws, resolutions and a certificate of incorporation, advising officers or directors on best practices and fiduciary duties, our firm can assist throughout the entire process.
Tax Exemption
The scope of work undertaken by our attorneys include obtaining tax-exempt status and supervising the ongoing process, filing property and income tax exemption forms and renewals, submitting tax exemption reinstatement applications, reviewing state law and federal filings, advising clients on unrelated business taxable income and working with governmental agencies. Our attorneys are devoted to relieving our clients’ stress of navigating through the highly regulated and complicated laws for tax-exempt entities.
Mission Driven Development™
We have developed a proven process for successful not-for-profit redevelopment projects from preparing a mission plan through the construction process and beyond, including an in-depth analysis of development and deal structures appropriate for religious organizations.
Real Estate
Our firm focuses on safeguarding the assets of not-for-profit entities and religious organizations to ensure long-term growth and sustainability of their mission. We represent our clients on sophisticated real estate transactions, including purchases and sales, ground leases, use and occupancy licenses, air rights transfers, joint ventures and market rate and affordable housing development projects. Our attorneys can guide not-for-profit organizations petitioning the New York State Attorney General and Supreme Court for approval of a sale or dispositions of assets and religious corporations petitioning for the approval of a lease exceeding five years or the sale or mortgage of property.
Videos from our Annual Interchurch Center Conference
Important Updates on the Laws that Affect Religious Organizations 2017 Conference
Important Updates on the Laws that Affect Religious Organizations 2016 Conference
Important Updates on the Laws that Affect Religious Organizations 2015 Conference