094: The Anxiety Conga Line

094: The Anxiety Conga Line

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD September 7, 2023 Duration: 20:38

In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I bravely step into the IRS maze. 

Don't worry - we've got a flashlight and a sense of humor to guide us through! 

We talk about the unexpected humanity we found within the walls of this bureaucratic behemoth. We also unravel the often confusing and frustrating world of the IRS's automated systems, swapping anxiety for some much-needed clarity. 

In the second half, we take a deep dive into the world of nonprofit tax filing compliance. From the importance of filing your 990 with the IRS to the potentially disastrous consequences of neglecting it - we cover it all. 

But it's not all doom and gloom! 

Meghan and I underline the benefits of electronic filing and emphasize the importance of getting proof of filing from a trusted CPA. And yes, we also talk about the dire implications of a three-year filing lapse - buckle up, it's a wild ride!

Finally, we discuss having the right professionals guiding your nonprofit's finances. Why? Because the stakes are high, and a wrong move with the IRS can be catastrophic. We also share why you need a CPA who specializes in nonprofit accounting and how these professionals can help your nonprofit grow. 

Remember, Meghan and I are here to help you navigate these choppy IRS waters!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • The bureaucratic complexities of the IRS

  • The difficulties in dealing with the IRS's automated systems and some common frustrations

  • Nonprofit management and tax filing compliance 

  • The serious consequences of neglecting to file a 990 form with the IRS

  • The implications of a two-year filing lapse

  • Why not filing taxes for two years can cause a loss of C3 status

  • How electronic filing can save you hassle

  • The critical role of professional guidance in nonprofit management

  • Hiring a CPA specializing in nonprofit accounting

  • How a CPA can help guide a nonprofit's growth

Resources from this Episode

Sign up for Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


Ever find yourself wishing for a direct line to seasoned nonprofit leaders, a chance to unpack the real challenges that don’t make it into the glossy annual reports? Charity Therapy is that conversation. With host Jess Birken, who brings her background as a lawyer and a Master of Nonprofit Management to the table, each session feels like pulling up a chair with a trusted advisor. The discussions move beyond theory, tackling the granular details of operations that leaders actually face-whether it’s navigating a tricky IRS compliance question, rebuilding a fundraising strategy from the ground up, or managing the complex interpersonal dynamics that define any mission-driven team. This podcast digs into the operational heart of the sector, offering pragmatic insights you can apply directly to your own work. It’s a resource built on the understanding that running a nonprofit is a continuous practice of problem-solving, and Jess guides these explorations with clarity and a deep respect for the work. Tune in for honest dialogue that treats the daily grind of management as the serious and nuanced craft that it is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Charity Therapy
Podcast Episodes
129: Varying Degrees of F'd Up | Giving Up Your IRS Nonprofit Status [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:44
On today's episode of Charity Therapy, we're diving right in with a big question - what REALLY makes a nonprofit a nonprofit? (Spoiler alert - it's more than just the IRS status!) If you ever wondered if a nonprofit shou…
125: True Crime Mukbangs | Understanding Scammy Nonprofits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:14
In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into the wild world where nonprofits and for-profit businesses collide. Ever wondered what happens when one person owns both a nonprofit and a business? Spoiler…
124: Oxford Comma Drama | The Role of a Nonprofit Board of Directors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:41
On this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving headfirst into the tricky world of nonprofit boards. You're not alone if you've ever wondered why your board seems more like a roadblock than a support system.…