Peggy RoweMany people wonder if a nonprofit needs an annual audit, and the answer is—it depends.Although there is no federal requirement that all tax-exempt organizations undergo an audit, many possible triggers can cause an organization to require one. Some state charitable registrations require audits for organizations over a certain size. For instance, the New York State Charities Bureau requires 7A only or DUAL filers to submit an audit if your organization receives total revenue and support greater than $1,000,000. If your organization receives total revenue and support greater than $250,000 and up to $1,000,000, a review report is required to be submitted. There are exemptions that can be found in the instructions for the NYS CHAR 500.
Receiving federal or state funds over certain thresholds can also trigger audit requirements. Even some foundation grants or loan agreements may have audit requirements. It’s important to understand the specific circumstances of your organization to determine whether you are required to have an audit performed.
What Are the Benefits of an Annual Audit?
Even when not required, conducting an annual audit can be a strategic move for many organizations. It demonstrates good financial stewardship and transparency. A financial statement audit provides management, including those charged with governance, and other financial statement users with an independent CPA’s opinion about whether the financial statements fairly present the entity’s financial position, changes in net assets and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In order to express their opinion, auditorsmust perform certain procedures in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS). Among other things, GAAS requires auditors to plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance (which is a high, but not absolute, level of assurance) that the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether caused by error or fraud.
Byproducts of an audit may include some or all of the following:
Training and Assistance: Some organizations, particularly smaller ones, may benefit from periodic assistance with their accounting processes and the drafting of financial statements. Auditors may provide these services while maintaining their independence, as long as they refrain from making management decisions. In many cases, an audit is a time when the entity’s financial staff receives a great deal of training and assistance.
Identification of Control Weaknesses and Recommendations for Improvements in Control and Operations: The auditor may identify weaknesses in an organization’s internal control over financial reporting as a result of the procedures performed during the audit and is required to communicate these weaknesses. Additionally, although not required, an audit may bring an evaluation of operations and controls that enables the auditor to provide input to the board and management. This allows the board and management to better understand risks, assess their internal controls and establish procedures to safeguard assets and improve future financial reporting. Ultimately, these actions help the entity govern and operate more effectively and efficiently.
Reduced Cost of Capital: Better, transparent and more reliable financial reporting not only reduces the cost of capital in the traditional sense, such as lower interest rates on borrowings, but also enhances a nonprofit’s ability to raise contributions. For example, many donors will not even consider contributing to a not-for-profit organization if it does not make available audited financial statements.
Are There Alternatives to an Audit?
There are many nonprofit organizations that are very small and have never had an audit. However, they could benefit from having a CPA review their records. There are some alternatives to having an audit performed. Such organizations may wish to consider having a review, compilation or agreed-upon procedures performed. A review is less in scope than an audit and generally costs about 40-50% of what an annual financial audit would cost. Another option is a compilation; however, compilation engagements do not provide a basis for obtaining or providing any assurance regarding the financial statements. The level of service needed by a CPA is often a function of the needs of the financial statement users and could include agreed-upon procedures over specific risk areas identified by the Board of Directors.
What Do Board Members Need To Know About Form 990?
IRS Form 990 is an informational return that most nonprofit organizations are required to file annually. It is a public document and the primary source of information regarding the organization’s finances, operations, executives, fundraising efforts, etc. Form 990 should be reviewed annually by the board (or a subcommittee thereof) BEFORE it is filed with the IRS. Board members should fully understand and verify the information in Form 990 and should feel comfortable asking questions until they are satisfied. A good industry practice is to post the public inspection copy of the filed Form 990 on the organization’s website.
Are Nonprofits Required to Post Financial Information on Their Website?
The federal government does not require nonprofit organizations to provide financial information on their website. However, the IRS does require NPOs to make their Form 990 publicly available, although they do not specify the method for doing so. In the interest of transparency, it is considered a good industry practice for nonprofits to post their Form 990 and annual financial statements on their website.
Are Not-For-Profit Organizations Allowed To Make a Profit?
ABSOLUTELY! In fact, a modest surplus or increase in net assets is a good goal for most nonprofit organizations. A positive change in net assets allows such organizations to build up reserves, which aids their long-term financial sustainability. The term “not-for-profit” comes from the fact that not-for-profit organizations exist for the benefit of the public and have no owners. Rather than distributing surpluses to shareholders or owners as done in for-profit organizations, nonprofits must use funds to carry out the purpose they were created.
Peggy J. Rowe, CPA, CFE, is an audit partner and the partner-in-charge of accounting and advisory services at Dannible & McKee, LLP, a public accounting firm headquartered in Syracuse, New York. For more information on audits and other financial services for nonprofits, feel free to contact Peggy at (315) 472-9127 or prowe@dmcpas.com. To find out more about Dannible & McKee, visit www.dmcpas.com.
