Dammit, IRS, I'm an actor not a tax lawyer.

August 23, 2008 1:13 PM

Where can a theater company get legal and tax advice in NYC?

We're finally incorporating as a theater company and have many questions (for example: how long after we start the 501(c)(3) process can we start accepting tax-deductible donations?). I've heard there are lawyers who do pro bono work for non-profits; how can I find them? Is it possible to get tax advice without spending a lot of money? If we do have to hire someone, how much does it usually cost?

posted by crookedneighbor to Media & Arts (5 answers total)

Try calling California Lawyers for the Arts, and ask if they have any NYC compatriots. Or former volunteers who have since moved to NY. Good luck!
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 1:25 PM on August 23, 2008

Best answer: Oooh, looky what I found on the above linked page:

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Contact: Alison Mattera, Mediateart Program Coordinator
1 East 53rd Street, 6th floor
New York, NY 10022
Tel: [phone] Ext. 1
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 1:28 PM on August 23, 2008

ClaudiaCenter is dead on, VLA is the group to contact.
posted by Falconetti at 1:48 PM on August 23, 2008

Response by poster: Thanks, VLANY looks pretty interesting. They have a $425 package that includes lawyer consultation and help getting a pro bono lawyer to file for incorporation--I wonder if that's a reasonable price.
posted by crookedneighbor at 2:05 PM on August 23, 2008

Consider hiring an accountant who has experience in not-for-profit work, if you have not already.
posted by toaster at 3:12 PM on August 23, 2008