tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations nonprofits tax exempt do nonprofits pay unemployment tax

Are nonprofits exempt from unemployment tax?

tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations nonprofits tax exempt do nonprofits pay unemployment tax

Are nonprofits exempt from unemployment tax?

The short answer is yes, and First Nonprofit (FNP) can help your organization review its State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) options via a no-obligation evaluation of your employer profile. Request an evaluation by completing this form. FNP provides state-compliant, individually insured, cost-saving options to satisfy SUI requirements for 501(c)(3) nonprofit, governmental, and tribal entities. We have been the nationwide leader in providing the greatest variety, most unique, and enduring programs for managing state unemployment reimbursing risk for nearly three decades.


How FNP Programs Work

Nonprofit, governmental, and tribal entities can choose to cover their mandatory unemployment costs in one of two ways: paying the SUI tax (also referred to as SUTA) or going through reimbursement financing (self-insurance). The latter option is a legal right available only to 501(c)(3) nonprofit, governmental, and tribal entities, allowing them to opt-out of paying SUI taxes and to reimburse their state unemployment agency dollar-for-dollar for unemployment claims paid to former employees.

However, though opting out of paying SUI taxes can save money in the short term, it exposes organizations to potential risks such as unexpected loss of funding or program closures that can lead to layoffs. A well-thought-out strategic plan should accompany the decision to change unemployment financing on how to pay for future unemployment claims and limit claim liability.

Note: 501(c)(3) nonprofit, governmental, and tribal entities are all exempt from paying Federal Unemployment Taxes (FUTA).

That’s where we come in.

Major benefits to all First Nonprofit customers include vital security, greater efficiency and cost effectiveness. Our services are individually insured and we partner with third-party claims administrators who insure state compliance, accuracy of benefit charging, and complete satisfaction.

24.5

MILLION

refunded or waived fees totaling $24.5 million over the last year

98

PERCENT

customer retention rate

1.9

MILLION

dollars in recovered excess loss claims since 2010

30

PERCENT

average employer tax savings since 2015

Testimonials

Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.

Prevent Blindness America, Chicago, IL

Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.

Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Chicago, IL

It has been our sincere pleasure to maintain a strong, vibrant business partnership with First Nonprofit. We greatly admire their strong industry knowledge, technical expertise, constant professionalism, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. They are always extremely responsive, personable and provide us with the necessary guidance and recommendations on a numerous variety of employment scenarios.

Thresholds, Chicago, IL

NYCON members who use First Nonprofit’s programs enjoy enduring savings and improved efficiency. Our association knows that success, because from the beginning, we achieved the same great benefits. Great savings, seamless technology, and responsive service. NYCON highly recommends First Nonprofit’s remarkable unemployment solutions.

New York Council of Nonprofits, Albany, NY

Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY

Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!

Neurologic Music Therapy Services of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ

First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY

The Ensight Skills Center has enjoyed working with First Nonprofit for several years. We are enrolled in their Unemployment Savings Program and although we have not required a lot of intervention, there have been a few times. I know others have dealt with the same problem of unemployment fraud over the last year and in our case, a call to First Nonprofit (they actually answer their phones) cleared up the issue. They also sent us a letter to send to all our employees telling them what they needed to do to prevent this in the future and protect themselves. What a relief! Over the years if I have questions or concerns, they are happy to listen, advise and help if they can. Another BIG advantage of using First Nonprofit is that all the money that is paid into the Unemployment Savings Program lives on my balance sheet as an asset. The money continues to be Ensight’s not the governments. First Nonprofit has certainly given me peace of mind.

Ensight Skills Center, Inc, Fort Collins, CO