Author Archives for Chris Purnell
About Chris Purnell
Chris serves as Tax Counsel, Partner, CRI Advisors, LLC†, and Partner, CRI Capin Crouse Advisors, LLC†. A licensed attorney, Chris advises exempt organizations of all sizes on a wide range of issues, including tax and employee benefit related matters, representation before state and federal tax authorities, and assistance with firm audit or advisory engagements to formulate advice and counsel on important operating and tax issues. Chris also assists clients with general tax issues, unrelated business income, charitable solicitation, and missionary employment structures. Note: Although licensed to practice law in Indiana, Chris's services through CapinCrouse do not involve the practice of law and consequently do not result in the creation of an attorney-client relationship.
February 18, 2026 9:44 am
Published by Chris Purnell
February 18, 2026 - Treasury and the IRS have provided initial guidance on the prohibited foreign entity restrictions on certain clean energy credits introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This includes what upcoming proposed regulations are expected to include and interim safe harbor information.
October 20, 2025 8:16 am
Published by Chris Purnell
October 20, 2025 — Church bookstores can be wonderful resources for attendees and the church. It’s important to be aware, however, that your church bookstore may generate what the IRS considers unrelated business income (UBI), which is taxable. This article will help you understand the requirements for operating in a tax-exempt manner and how to remain in compliance.
September 30, 2025 11:10 am
Published by Chris Purnell
Employer-provided educational assistance programs, also known as Section 127 plans, have been permanently expanded to include payments toward qualified education loans. Here are the steps your organization should take if you want to implement a plan or update an existing one.
August 25, 2025 9:05 am
Published by Chris Purnell
August 25, 2025 - A written benevolence program policy can help your church respond quickly and graciously to assist others during times of emergency or financial crisis. It can also protect the tax-exempt status of your church and the deductibility of donations made, and shield fund recipients from mistaken taxation.
July 29, 2025 12:46 pm
Published by Chris Purnell
July 29, 2025 - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBBA”) introduces significant changes for tax-exempt organizations, from churches and educational institutions to charitable foundations and advocacy groups. Learn about the key provisions affecting nonprofits.
July 24, 2025 10:19 am
Published by Chris Purnell
July 24, 2025 - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBBA”) signed into law on July 4, 2025, brings significant modifications and new considerations for higher education institutions. Learn more about these changes.
August 16, 2024 10:24 am
Published by Chris Purnell
August 16, 2024 - The IRS has reopened its Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Voluntary Disclosure Program to allow organizations with erroneous ERC claims to repay the funds at a 15% discount and avoid future audits, penalties, and interest. Applications are due by November 22, 2024.
January 3, 2024 8:54 am
Published by Chris Purnell
January 3, 2024 - The IRS has announced a voluntary disclosure program for organizations that want to pay back the funds they received after filing Employee Retention Credit claims in error, thereby avoiding potential interest, penalties, and litigation. Organizations accepted into the program will be required to repay 80% of the funds received.
October 26, 2023 7:36 am
Published by Chris Purnell
October 26, 2023 - If your organization is considering applying for the ERC or you have already filed a claim and are questioning in hindsight if you are eligible, this article provides updates and insights to help you through the next steps.
April 20, 2022 12:35 pm
Published by Chris Purnell
April 20, 2022 - Answers to common questions about the Employee Retention Credit, including how to determine eligiblity, what qualified wages are, how to claim it, and more.