ASAE-Led Coalitions Advocate for Key Tax Bill Changes

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and its coalitions played a crucial role in shaping the tax bill passed by Congress last week, successfully advocating for policy advancements that benefit the nonprofit sector. The Community Impact Coalition, launched by ASAE in January, led advocacy efforts to preserve the current tax treatment of nonprofit organizations, ensuring that sweeping tax increases were not introduced in draft legislation. The coalition's efforts, combined with those of the Tomorrow's Workforce Coalition, resulted in the removal of two narrower tax provisions and the inclusion of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, which expands the use of 529 plans to cover postsecondary training and credentialing.

Key Takeaways:

• The ASAE-led Community Impact Coalition launched in January successfully advocated for preserving the current tax treatment of nonprofit organizations, preventing sweeping tax increases.
• The coalition's efforts resulted in the removal of two narrower tax provisions: taxing nonprofit organizations' expenses on parking and transportation fringe benefits and taxing royalties generated from a nonprofit's name and logo.
• The ASAE-led Tomorrow's Workforce Coalition advocated for the inclusion of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, which expands the use of 529 plans to cover postsecondary training and credentialing.
• The act transforms college savings plans into career savings plans, creating more viable pathways to career success.
• The ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, expressed appreciation for Congress's engagement with association leaders in shaping the tax bill.
• ASAE applauds the approach of Congress in these critical areas and encourages continued engagement with the association community to strengthen the economy.
• Nonprofit organizations, including associations, professional societies, and charities, operate in the private sector to deliver services that help people meet their basic needs and ensure they are well-equipped to succeed in today's economy.
• Preserving their current tax treatment allows nonprofit revenues to continue to be dedicated to their mission.

Statistics:

• Over 50,000 association executives and industry partners are members of ASAE.
• ASAE has been in operation for 105 years.
• The ASAE Research Foundation supports learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession.
• The tax bill passed by Congress includes the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, which expands the use of 529 plans to cover postsecondary training and credentialing.

Sources:

• ASAE press release, no date provided
• Quote from ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE