IRS Approves Leave-Based Programs That Contribute To Non-Profits Fighting Ebola

On Wednesday, the Internal Revenue Service announced the release of Notice 2014-68 that encourages contributions to non-profits, including religious non-profits, that are engaged in fighting the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.  Under the ruling, employers may set up leave-based programs under which the employer will make a contribution to fight Ebola when an employee forgoes vacation, sick leave or personal leave.  Contributions made by the employer will not be considered gross income or wages of the employee. Concomitantly, the employee may not claim a charitable deduction for the payments.