Linux Kernel Tax-Exempt
The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) has recognized the Linux Kernel project as a private operating foundation and exempted it from income tax.
Recognition as a private operating foundation by the IRS has given the Linux Kernel Organization a status similar to that of a registered charity. Pursuant to paragraph 501(c)3, the organization is permitted to issue receipts for donations and gifts which are tax-deductible for the giver. Linux Kernel Organization can also distribute the Linux kernel and other Open Source software and engage in tax-exempt operations.
The Linux Kernel Organization is assured of its status as a non-profit organization without regular income, funded by donations for at least a year. After the first year, Kernel Org will be required to submit documents on an annual basis to demonstrate its continued status.
Official recognition is extremely important to the continued existence of the organization, and gives Kernel Org the ability to canvas for funds that would normally be subject to taxation. In addition to this, tax exemption makes the organization more attractive to sponsors who can set off their donations.
The Linux Kernel Organization was founded in 2002. Its current President is H. Peter Anvin, with Jeff Uphoff as Treasurer and Chris Wright as Secretary. The Board also includes Kees Cook and Linus Torvalds.
Issue 172/2015
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News
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Cisco Releases Annual Security Report
Spammers go low-volume, and 90% of IE browsers are unpatched.
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Zero Day Exploits Target Flash
Adobe scrambles to release patches for vulnerable Flash Player.
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Intel Unveils Compute Stick
Four-inch-long computer on a stick lets you boot a full Linux system from any HDMI display device.
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Obama Proposes Personal Data Notification Law
New statute would require companies to report break-ins to consumers.
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TGXf Project Warns of File Transfer through Screen Pixels
Weird data transfer technique avoids all standard security measures.
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Industry Giants Announce a Fix for the Password Mess
FIDO alliance declares the beginning of the end for old-style login authentication.
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Poll: Vote for the Best Open Source Software for Photographers
The Linux New Media Awards have honored the most significant products, projects, people, and organizations for open source/Linux every year since 2000.
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Debian Gets Forked
Legendary Uber-distro splits over the systemd controversy.
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Linux Mint Project Releases Mint 17.1
New LTS version offers many refinements for the Cinnamon and Mate desktops and significant improvement under the hood.
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CeBIT Open Source Forum Call for Papers
One of CeBIT’s most successful forums returns in 2015.