Notice 2017-73, released on December 4, 2017, describes potential approaches that may be taken to address issues raised regarding the use of donor advised funds (“DAF”). The Treasury and IRS are considering developing proposed regulations under § 4967 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) that would, if finalized, provide that: (1) certain distributions from a DAF that pay for the purchase of tickets that enable a donor, donor advisor, or related person to attend or participate in a charity-sponsored event result in a more than incidental benefit to such person under § 4967; and (2) certain distributions from a DAF that the distributee charity treats as fulfilling a pledge made by a donor, donor advisor, or related person, do not result in a more than incidental benefit under § 4967 if certain requirements are met. In addition, the Treasury Department and the IRS are considering developing proposed regulations that would change the public support computation to prevent the use of DAFs to circumvent the private foundation rules. It would be great to secure additional guidance on these common issues facing DAFs and their donors.

[View source.]