I fellow I was talking with told me that any non-profit company must dislcose its finances to anyone who asks for them.
This sorta set off my bullsh*t meter, as it seems that competeing NP’s (such as PACs) could massively inconvenience each with large numbers of demands.
Anyone know a reference as to what NP’s must reveal and to whom? I’m sure the IRS can get it on demand, but what about hte average Joe?
Yeah, they have to disclose a LOT. And believe it or not, much is available online. Check out the links in the following thread:
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=140376
(Credit where credit is due: As you will see in the thread I learned about this stuff myself from some very well-informed and helpful dopers.)
They are required to give you a copy of the 990 (Fed Tax Return for non-profits). I believe they can charge a duplicating fee.
Churches, however, don’t need to file a 990.
In MA, you can go to attorney generals office and see the latest 990 on file and other info that is filed annually. You can also get a copy by mail for a fee. That is useful if you want to check the financials of a non-profit w/o alerting them by showing up and asking for a 990.
I happen to be sitting next to a Grants Librarian as I type this. He says yes, all NPs have to make their 990s public.
http://www.guidestar.org is a good place to start for specific organizations.
Thanks guys, I see that there is a “990 on the web” clause that would prevent abuse of this system. That and the reasonable cost per page prevents abuse.