Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc
Boston Municipal Research Bureau: Strong Financial Health, but Transparency Could Improve
EIN: 222673755 · Boston, MA · NTEE: W20E · Updated: 2026-04-04
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $778K |
| Total Expenses | $752K |
| Program Spending | 75% |
| CEO/Top Officer Pay | $90,055. |
| Net Assets | $1.5M |
| Transparency Score | 85/100 |
Is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc directs 75% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc (EIN: 222673755) is a nonprofit organization based in Boston, MA, classified under NTEE code W20E. The organization reported total revenue of $778K and total assets of $1.4M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc is a small nonprofit that has been operating for 40 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -1.5%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $644K |
| Total Expenses | $752K |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-107,028 |
| Total Assets | $1.5M |
| Total Liabilities | $90K |
| Net Assets | $1.5M |
| Operating Margin | -16.6% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 5.8% |
| Months of Reserves | 24.7 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc reported a deficit of $107K with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 24.7 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 5.8% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.5%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +10.1% | +2.5% | +12.9% |
| 2022 | -35.0% | -8.6% | -28.2% |
| 2021 | +13.2% | +1.2% | +8.5% |
| 2020 | -4.0% | -3.0% | +22.8% |
| 2019 | +1.5% | -19.2% | +10.2% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1986 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc with a Mission Score of 85 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 15%
- programs: 75%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 75%, fundraising: 10%. With 75% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $107K, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 5.8%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation appears reasonable given the organization's size and revenue, with the highest reported compensation in 2023 being $90,055.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's IRS 990 filings:
- Lack of a dedicated transparency report or detailed program impact on their website.
- Fluctuations in revenue and expenses over the past few years, though assets remain strong.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc:
- Consistently strong asset base, exceeding $1.4 million in 2023.
- Healthy revenue streams, with 2023 revenue at $644,487.
- Positive net assets and no reported liabilities for several years.
- Long history of financial filings, indicating consistent operation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc
Is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc a legitimate charity?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc (EIN: 222673755) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in Massachusetts. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 85/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $778K. 2 red flags identified. 4 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc spend its money?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc directs 75% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 10%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc tax-deductible?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 222673755). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does the Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc CEO make?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's highest-compensated officer earns $90,055. annually. The organization reported $778K in total revenue. Executive compensation data is disclosed in IRS 990 filings.
What percentage of Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's spending goes to programs?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc directs 75% to programs, 10% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 85/100 (Excellent), Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc is above average for NTEE category W20E nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc located?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and files with the IRS under EIN 222673755. It is classified under NTEE code W20E.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc have?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $778K in total revenue.
What does Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc do?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc is a nonprofit organization in the Public & Society Benefit sector, located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is classified under NTEE code W20E.
How much revenue does Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc have?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc reported total revenue of $778,254. Based on 13 IRS 990 filings on record.
What are Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's total assets?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc holds total assets of $1,416,566 as reported in IRS 990 filings.
Where is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc located?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
What is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's EIN?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 222673755. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS for tax-exempt organizations.
What type of nonprofit is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc is classified under NTEE code W20E (Public & Society Benefit).
Is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc a registered 501(c)(3)?
Yes, Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc is recognized as a tax-exempt organization by the IRS. EIN: 222673755.
Does Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc file IRS Form 990?
Yes, Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc has 13 IRS Form 990 filings on record. The most recent covers tax period 202312.
What was Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's revenue in 2023?
In the 202312 filing period, Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc reported total revenue of $644,487, total expenses of $751,515, and net assets of $1,545,884.
Is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's revenue growing or declining?
Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's revenue is growing. Revenue went from $585,570 (202212) to $644,487 (202312), a +10.1% change. Based on 13 filings on record.
What is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's most recent 990 filing?
The most recent IRS Form 990 filing for Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc covers tax period 202312. It shows revenue of $644,487, expenses of $751,515, total assets of $1,545,884, and liabilities of $90,055.
How much does Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc spend on programs vs administration?
Based on IRS 990 analysis, Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc allocates approximately 75% of expenses to program services, 15% to administrative costs, and 10% to fundraising. This indicates strong program focus.
Is Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc a trustworthy charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 data, Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100 (Excellent). 2 red flags identified. 4 strengths noted.
What are the red flags for Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc?
The following concerns were identified: Lack of a dedicated transparency report or detailed program impact on their website.. Fluctuations in revenue and expenses over the past few years, though assets remain strong.. These flags are based on automated analysis of IRS 990 public filings and should be verified independently.
What are Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's strengths?
Positive indicators for Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc include: Consistently strong asset base, exceeding $1.4 million in 2023.. Healthy revenue streams, with 2023 revenue at $644,487.. Positive net assets and no reported liabilities for several years.. Long history of financial filings, indicating consistent operation.. These findings are derived from AI analysis of the organization's financial filings.
How does Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc compensate executives?
Executive compensation appears reasonable given the organization's size and revenue, with the highest reported compensation in 2023 being $90,055. Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require disclosure of officer, director, and key employee pay.
How does the organization's consistent asset growth despite fluctuating revenues impact its long-term sustainability?
The consistent growth in assets, reaching $1,545,884 in 2023, despite some revenue fluctuations, suggests strong financial management and a robust reserve, enhancing long-term sustainability and resilience against economic downturns.
What is the significance of the 'c0%' value in the financial filings?
The 'c0%' value likely indicates that the organization reported no lobbying expenses for those specific years, which is important for a research bureau focused on municipal affairs to maintain its non-partisan stance.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc's revenue has declined by 16.9%, moving from $776K to $644K. Total assets increased by 56.1% over the same period, from $991K to $1.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 2.8%, from $731K to $752K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc reported a deficit of $107K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $90K in liabilities against $1.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 5.8%), resulting in net assets of $1.5M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $644K | $752K | $1.5M | $90K | — | — |
| 2022 | $586K | $733K | $1.4M | $66K | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $901K | $802K | $1.9M | $97K | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $796K | $793K | $1.8M | $186K | — | — |
| 2019 | $829K | $817K | $1.4M | $57K | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $817K | $1.0M | $1.3M | $150K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $699K | $914K | $1.5M | $103K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $737K | $701K | $1.6M | $100K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.1M | $618K | $1.5M | $76K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $639K | $761K | $1.0M | $74K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $859K | $827K | $1.1M | $74K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $741K | $732K | $906K | $69K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $776K | $731K | $991K | $219K | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $644K, expenses of $752K, and assets of $1.5M (revenue +10.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $586K, expenses of $733K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue -35.0% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $901K, expenses of $802K, and assets of $1.9M (revenue +13.2% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $796K, expenses of $793K, and assets of $1.8M (revenue -4.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $829K, expenses of $817K, and assets of $1.4M (revenue +1.5% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $817K, expenses of $1.0M, and assets of $1.3M (revenue +16.8% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $699K, expenses of $914K, and assets of $1.5M (revenue -5.2% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $737K, expenses of $701K, and assets of $1.6M (revenue -34.8% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $618K, and assets of $1.5M (revenue +76.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $639K, expenses of $761K, and assets of $1.0M (revenue -25.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $859K, expenses of $827K, and assets of $1.1M (revenue +16.0% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $741K, expenses of $732K, and assets of $906K (revenue -4.5% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $776K, expenses of $731K, and assets of $991K.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Boston Municipal Research Bureau Inc is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.