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.

12.8

MILLION

refunded or waived fees totaling $12.8 million over the last year

98

PERCENT

customer retention rate

2.0

MILLION

dollars in recovered excess loss claims since 2010

30

PERCENT

average employer tax savings since 2015

Testimonials

PORT Health Services has had a great experience with the Unemployment Savings Program offered through First Nonprofit. Throughout the years we have been involved in the program, we have increased our reserve account significantly through this program and find the reporting we receive both timely and useful. We look forward to our continued involvement with this program and our connection with First Nonprofit for many years to come.

PORT Health Services, Greenville, NC

Job One was spending a lot of money on unemployment. Our insurance broker, Mark Simcosky, recommended that we switch over to First Nonprofit. We did just that! This switch has been a huge savings for us! This switch saved us over $10,000 in the first year. Their customer service is Superior! Any time we have a question, we get a response very quickly. Any time we send them a report and they have a question; they call rather than just assuming. They were very responsive during COVID, even when they were in crisis mode their selves. They also were always there when we needed during COVID and very helpful! We would 1,000% recommend First Nonprofit to anybody that could benefit from it!

Job One, Independence, MO

My experience with FNP has always been positive. Every time I have had to contact them, I’m always put in contact with a friendly and knowledgeable person. If something is missing from our account, they reach out to us to request it. It’s nice to work with a company that makes sure our account is current. I would recommend them to any nonprofit looking to reduce their unemployment insurance costs.

Family Counseling Center, Gloversville, NY

We’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars PER YEAR by changing to become a reimbursing employer, freeing funds for much needed capital investment. FNP has been a valued partner in this process, providing assurance that we have stopgap coverage for extraordinary claims and keeping claims response painless and simple. It’s a huge Win/Win!

NC UM Camp & Retreat Center, Garner, NC

First Nonprofit gets an A+ in my book. You are so easy to work with & very knowledgeable! Whether it is my quarterly correspondence with Kim or my random interactions with Dawn about a bond … I am so pleased that I get to work with such a helpful company. Thank you!

Women's Choice Network, Pittsburgh, PA

When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.

Homes of Hope, Greenville, SC

FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.

Daniel Kids, Jacksonville, FL

Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.

Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago, IL