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 163/2014
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Tag Cloud
News
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An Even Smaller Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced an even smaller version of the tiny computer that will fit into a DIMM slot.
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Newly Discovered Android Vulnerability Causes Privilege Escalation
A new class of problems lets a malicious app pre-configure an invisible privilege update.
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Facebook Rolls Out New PHP-like Programming Language
New Hack language adds static typing and other conveniences.
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Fedora Announces Innovative Crytography Policy System
New crypto policy system will offer easier configuration and more uniform security.
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Shuttleworth Calls for Declarative Firmware
Ubuntu founder denounces insecurity in proprietary, close-source software blobs.
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New TLS Attack Takes the S out of HTTPS
Vulnerability affects many Linux web servers
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Munich Adopts Kolab
The Bavarian capital shuns Microsoft, Google, and other alternatives to implement an open source groupware solution.
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Canonical Announces Ubuntu Smartphones
Phone vendor partnerships bring Mark Shuttleworth's dream of Ubuntu on a phone a step closer to reality.
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Piviti Seeks Funding
Donors will get to vote on new features for the free video editor.
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Debian Tech Committee Votes for systemd
Debian project puts init out to pasture and says no to Ubuntu's Upstart.