IRS revokes a charity's 501(c)(3) status on multiple grounds, a charter purpose broader than 501(c)(3) with no dissolution clause, failure to answer an audit, and court-ordered dissolution after a state attorney general's fraud suit

Plain-English summary

This is a final IRS determination revoking the federal tax-exempt status of an organization recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity through the streamlined Form 1023-EZ application. The final letter lists several independent grounds. First, the organization fails the organizational test: its Articles of Incorporation state a corporate purpose broader than the exempt purposes allowed by section 501(c)(3), with no clause limiting its purposes and no dissolution clause dedicating its assets to exempt purposes (and the state is not one of the eight states whose law supplies that dissolution provision under Rev. Proc. 82-2). Second, it fails the operational test: it ignored an IRS mail audit, never responding to the information document request or the follow-up delinquency notice, which also breaches the recordkeeping rules of sections 6001 and 6033. Third, a state court, on a suit by the state attorney general against the organization, its officers, and several related nonprofits, found violations of the state's Nonprofit Corporations Act (procuring the charter through fraud and repeatedly and willfully acting unlawfully) and ordered the organization involuntarily dissolved. The examiner noted the incorporator's address was a Mailbox Forwarding store and the organization's address was a UPS retail-store mailbox. Contributions are no longer deductible under section 170. (Note: the released PDF ends mid-sentence on the eighth page of the audit report; the closing analysis and conclusion were not included in the public release.)

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Should the organization's 501(c)(3) status be revoked when its charter is overbroad and lacks a dissolution clause, it ignored an audit, and it was dissolved by court order for fraud?
• Outcome: revocation (multiple grounds: organizational test not met, operational test not met, and court-ordered involuntary dissolution)
• Key authorities: IRC §§ 501(c)(3), 501(a), 6001, 6033, 170; Treas. Reg. §§ 1.501(c)(3)-1(a), (b)(1)(i), (b)(1)(iv), (b)(2), (b)(4), (c); Rev. Proc. 82-2; Rev. Rul. 59-95

Full text (IRS public release)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Tax Exempt and Government Entities

Date: 05/04/2023

Taxpayer ID number (last 4 digits):
Form:
Release Number: 202339030
Release Date: 9/29/2023
UIL Code: 501.03-00
Tax periods ended:
Person to contact:
Name:
ID number:
Telephone:
Fax:
Last day to file petition with United States Tax Court: 08/02/2023

CERTIFIED MAIL — Return Receipt Requested

Dear

Why we are sending you this letter

This is a final determination that you don't qualify for exemption from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(a) as an organization described in IRC Section 501(c)(3), effective [ ]. Your determination letter dated [ ], is revoked.

Our adverse determination as to your exempt status was made for the following reasons: Organizations described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) and exempt under IRC Section 501(a) must be both organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or other exempt purposes within the meaning of IRC Section 501(c)(3). You have not demonstrated that you are operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or other exempt purposes within the meaning of IRC Section 501(c)(3) and that no part of your net earnings inure to the benefit of private shareholders or individuals. You failed to respond to repeated reasonable requests to allow the Internal Revenue Service to examine your records regarding your receipts, expenditures, or activities as required by IRC sections 6001, 6033(a)(1) and Rev. Rul. 59-95, 1959-1 C.B. 627. Furthermore, you were involuntarily dissolved by the State of [ ] for violations of the [ ], by procuring the organization through fraud; repeatedly, willfully, and materially exceeding the authority conferred on it by law; and repeatedly, willfully, and materially conducting its affairs in an unlawful manner, demonstrating that you are not operated exclusively for exempt purposes. Further, you are not organized exclusively for exempt purposes as required by Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1), nor are your assets dedicated exclusively to exempt purposes as required by Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(4).

Organizations that are not exempt under IRC Section 501 generally are required to file federal income tax returns and pay tax, where applicable. For further instructions, forms and information please visit IRS.gov.

Contributions to your organization are no longer deductible under IRC Section 170.

What you must do if you disagree with this determination

If you want to contest our final determination, you have 90 days from the date this determination letter was mailed to you to file a petition or complaint in one of the three federal courts listed below.

How to file your action for declaratory judgment

If you decide to contest this determination, you can file an action for declaratory judgment under the provisions of Section 7428 of the Code in either:

Letter 6337 (Rev. 8-2022)
Catalog Number 74808E

• The United States Tax Court,
• The United States Court of Federal Claims, or
• The United States District Court for the District of Columbia

You must file a petition or complaint in one of these three courts within 90 days from the date we mailed this determination letter to you. You can download a fillable petition or complaint form and get information about filing at each respective court's website listed below or by contacting the Office of the Clerk of the Court at one of the addresses below. Be sure to include a copy of this letter and any attachments and the applicable filing fee with the petition or complaint.

You can eFile your completed U.S. Tax Court petition by following the instructions and user guides available on the Tax Court website at ustaxcourt.gov/dawson.html. You will need to register for a DAWSON account to do so. You may also file your petition at the address below:

United States Tax Court
400 Second Street, NW
Washington, DC 20217
ustaxcourt.gov

The websites of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia contain instructions about how to file your completed complaint electronically. You may also file your complaint at one of the addresses below:

US Court of Federal Claims
717 Madison Place, NW
Washington, DC 20439
uscfc.uscourts.gov

US District Court for the District of Columbia
333 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
dcd.uscourts.gov

Processing of income tax returns and assessments of any taxes due will not be delayed if you file a petition for declaratory judgment under IRC Section 7428.

We'll notify the appropriate state officials (as permitted by law) of our determination that you aren't an organization described in IRC Section 501(c)(3).

Letter 6337 (Rev. 8-2022)
Catalog Number 74808E

Information about the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service

The IRS office whose phone number appears at the top of the notice can best address and access your tax information and help get you answers. However, you may be eligible for free help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) if you can't resolve your tax problem with the IRS, or you believe an IRS procedure just isn't working as it should. TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayer rights. Contact your local Taxpayer Advocate Office at:

Internal Revenue Service
Taxpayer Advocate Office

Or call TAS at 877-777-4778. For more information about TAS and your rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, go to taxpayeradvocate.IRS.gov. Do not send your federal court pleading to the TAS address listed above. Use the applicable federal court address provided earlier in the letter. Contacting TAS does not extend the time to file an action for declaratory judgment.

Where you can find more information

Enclosed are Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, and Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process, for more comprehensive information.

Find tax forms or publications by visiting IRS.gov/forms or calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). If you have questions, you can call the person shown at the top of this letter.

If you prefer to write, use the address shown at the top of this letter. Include your telephone number, the best time to call, and a copy of this letter.

You may fax your documents to the fax number shown above, using either a fax machine or online fax service. Protect yourself when sending digital data by understanding the fax service's privacy and security policies.

Keep the original letter for your records.

Sincerely,

[illegible signature]
Lynn A. Brinkley
Director, Exempt Organizations Examinations

Enclosures:
Publication 1
Publication 594
Publication 892

Letter 6337 (Rev. 8-2022)
Catalog Number 74808E

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities

Date: November 10, 2022

Taxpayer ID number:
Form:
Tax periods ended:
Person to contact:
Name:
ID number:
Telephone:
Fax:
Address:
Manager's contact information:
Name:
ID number:
Telephone:
Response due date: December 12, 2022

CERTIFIED MAIL — Return Receipt Requested

Dear

Why you're receiving this letter

We enclosed a copy of our audit report, Form 886-A, Explanation of Items, explaining that we propose to revoke your tax-exempt status as an organization described in Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3).

If you agree

If you haven't already, please sign the enclosed Form 6018, Consent to Proposed Action, and return it to the contact person shown at the top of this letter. We'll issue a final adverse letter determining that you aren't an organization described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) for the periods above.

After we issue the final adverse determination letter, we'll announce that your organization is no longer eligible to receive tax deductible contributions under IRC Section 170.

If you disagree

1. Request a meeting or telephone conference with the manager shown at the top of this letter.
2. Send any information you want us to consider.
3. File a protest with the IRS Appeals Office. If you request a meeting with the manager or send additional information as stated in 1 and 2, above, you'll still be able to file a protest with IRS Appeals Office after the meeting or after we consider the information.

The IRS Appeals Office is independent of the Exempt Organizations division and resolves most disputes informally. If you file a protest, the auditing agent may ask you to sign a consent to extend the period of limitations for assessing tax. This is to allow the IRS Appeals Office enough time to consider your case. For your protest to be valid, it must contain certain specific information, including a statement of the facts, applicable law, and arguments in support of your position. For specific information needed for a valid protest, refer to Publication 892, How to Appeal an IRS Determination on Tax-Exempt Status.

Fast Track Mediation (FTM) referred to in Publication 3498, The Examination Process, generally doesn't apply now that we've issued this letter.

4. Request technical advice from the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt Government Entities) if you feel the issue hasn't been addressed in published precedent or has been treated inconsistently by the IRS.

If you're considering requesting technical advice, contact the person shown at the top of this letter. If you disagree with the technical advice decision, you will be able to appeal to the IRS Appeals Office, as explained above. A decision made in a technical advice memorandum, however, generally is final and binding on Appeals.

If we don't hear from you

If you don't respond to this proposal within 30 calendar days from the date of this letter, we'll issue a final adverse determination letter.

Contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Office is a taxpayer right

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that can help protect your taxpayer rights. TAS can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a hardship, or you've tried but haven't been able to resolve your problem with the IRS. If you qualify for TAS assistance, which is always free, TAS will do everything possible to help you. Visit www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 877-777-4778.

For additional information

You can get any of the forms and publications mentioned in this letter by visiting our website at www.irs.gov/forms-pubs or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

If you have questions, you can contact the person shown at the top of this letter.

Sincerely,

[illegible signature] for
Lynn A. Brinkley
Acting Director
Exempt Organizations Examinations

Enclosures:
Form 886-A and Attachments
Form 6018

Letter 3618 (Rev. 8-2019)
Catalog Number 34809F

Form 886-A — Department of the Treasury — Internal Revenue Service
Explanations of Items

Name of taxpayer:
Tax Identification Number (last 4 digits):
Year/Period ended:

Issue:

Whether [ ] ( [ ] ) continues to qualify for exemption from Federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) as a charitable organization described in Code section 501(c)(3).

Facts:

[ ] was incorporated in the State of [ ] on [ ], under the state's nonprofit corporation law. [ ] organizing document, the Articles of Incorporation, was filed by [ ] electronically with the state and provides for the following corporate purpose in Article II:

[ ] Articles of Incorporation provides no other language regarding the organization's corporate purpose and activities. There are no clauses or language providing, for example, that the [ ] is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or other purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. Furthermore, the organizing document does not contain a dissolution clause setting forth the manner in which the organization's assets are to be distributed in the event of dissolution of the corporation.

[ ] Articles of Incorporation identifies the incorporator as [ ] with a residential or business address of [ ]. [ ] is also appointed as the resident agent of the corporation. According to Article IV, the street address of the registered office of the corporation (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable by the state) is [ ].

The three initial directors listed in Article VI of [ ] organizing document are [ ], [ ], and [ ]. [ ] has a mailing address in [ ], and [ ] has a mailing address in [ ]. A copy of [ ] organizing document is appended as Exhibit A.

The street address in [ ] furnished by [ ] as his residential or business address corresponds to a retail store called Mailbox Forwarding which offers mailbox services. See Exhibit B. The website for Mailbox Forwarding contains the following description of mailbox services offered to its customers:

"We provide you with a unique street address box number where you can have all your mail sent. When a new piece of mail arrives, our staff automatically scan the front of the envelope. You can then manage your mail through an online control panel and can request that we open and scan the contents, shred and recycle the item, or forward-ship it to your home or business address."

In [ ], [ ] filed Form 1023-EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Form 1023-EZ application is signed by [ ] as the Executive Director according to the declaration on page 3 of the Form 1023-EZ application. Part I of the Form 1023-EZ requires applicant organizations to list the names, titles and mailing addresses of all officers, directors, and trustees. [ ] is listed as the Executive Director. [ ] is identified as the Managing Director. The third director is identified as [ ] with an address in [ ].

The mailing address furnished for [ ] on its Form 1023-EZ application is:

[ ] address in [ ] corresponds to a UPS retail store which offers mailbox services. According to information posted by UPS on the Internet, the retail store located at [ ] in [ ] offers the following mailbox services:

• A real street address in lieu of a P.O. Box.
• Package and mail receipt notifications
• Mail holding and forwarding
• Call-in mail check

A copy of the pertinent website content posted by or on behalf of the UPS store located in [ ] in [ ] is appended as Exhibit C.

In its Form 1023-EZ application, [ ] attested that it is both organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes. [ ] did not furnish a copy of its Articles of Incorporation since the organizing document is not required to be filed with the streamlined Form 1023-EZ application. Based on the representations and attestations made by [ ] in its Form 1023-EZ, the IRS issued a favorable determination letter dated [ ], granting recognition of exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Code effective [ ]. [ ] was classified as a public charity under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Code based on its attestation regarding public support in Part IV of the Form 1023-EZ.

IRS records show that [ ] filed Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard), only for the [ ] and [ ] calendar tax years. [ ] filed Form 990-N in lieu of a Form 990 or Form 990-EZ return. The organization indicated on Form 990-N that its gross receipts are normally $[ ] or less. The address reported by [ ] on its Forms 990-N is the same address reported on the Form 1023 application — [ ].

In [ ] the Tax Exempt and Governmental Entities (TE/GE) division of the IRS selected [ ] for examination of its books and records covering the [ ] calendar year. The notice of examination package, which is dated [ ], consists of IRS letter #6031, Form 4564, Information Document Request (IDR), Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, Notice 609, Privacy Act Notice, and Publication 3498-A, The Examination Process (Audits by Mail). The notice of examination package was mailed to [ ] at the last known address on file for the organization, which is as follows:

As noted on page 1 of the 2-page IDR issued with the examination notice, the examination of [ ] books and records is intended to verify that the organization:

1. Operates in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Code
2. Is eligible to file Form 990-N based on gross receipts, and
3. Filed all required returns including information returns.

As part of standard audit procedures, the IRS examiner requested that [ ] furnish certain records and information needed to determine whether the organization is operating in furtherance of charitable and other exempt purposes described in section 501(c)(3) of the Code. IDR #1 issued to [ ] on [ ], requests copies of the following records and information covering the [ ] calendar year under examination:

• Chart of accounts
• General ledger
• Adjusted trial balance
• Cash disbursements journal.
• Monthly bank statements for [ ] primary operating (checking) account together with canceled checks or check images furnished by the bank.
• Monthly statements for all credit cards that may have been issued to [ ].
• Minutes of meetings held by [ ] Board of Directors and committees of the Board.
• Internal policies and procedures regarding the handling and recording of cash donations.
• Lease agreements and other information relating to any office or other facility used by [ ] to conduct activities.
• Contracts and other arrangements with individuals and/or organizations which solicit and raise funds for [ ] including, but not limited to, professional fundraising organizations.
• The organization's website address, if any, and the identity of the party that hosts the website. If no website is maintained, [ ] was requested to provide copies of records which describe the activities conducted in [ ]. In the absence of formal marketing and fundraising materials, [ ] was asked to provide a statement describing the activities, services, programs, and events conducted by the organization in [ ].
• Information regarding the accounting software used by [ ] for preparation of its books and records.

The response due date for IDR #1 was [ ]. [ ] did not respond to the IDR or otherwise contact the IRS examiner or the group manager by the due date. In accordance with established IRS procedures, a follow-up "Delinquency Notice" letter was issued to [ ] with a copy of IDR #1 on [ ], with a response due date of [ ]. The delinquency notice states, in part, that if the organization does not fully respond to the IDR by the response due date, the IRS will propose revocation of [ ] exempt status. The delinquency notice was not returned by the post office as undeliverable.

[ ] did not respond to the delinquency notice or otherwise contact the IRS examiner. Neither the IRS examiner nor the group manager subsequently received any of the requested records and information from [ ] or any other officer or director of [ ].

Despite its name, there is no evidence that [ ] is an affiliate or chapter of the [ ] network of charities that operate within the United States. The national organization maintains a website which allows users to search for local chapters. [ ] is not among the local or state chapters listed. The Form 990-N filed by [ ] with the IRS in [ ] does not identify a website address in section E.

A search of the State of [ ] corporate database, which provides information on the status of entities incorporated under state law, shows that [ ] was formally dissolved as a corporation by court order effective [ ]. A copy of the entity status search for [ ] secured from the State of [ ] online filing system is appended as Exhibit D. An electronic copy of the court ordered dissolution of [ ] was also made available online and is appended as Exhibit E.

The court order indicates that the complaint was filed against [ ], the individuals [ ], and [ ], and multiple related nonprofit organizations by the Attorney General of the State of [ ]. Following a hearing, the court held that the [ ] and the related defendants engaged in unlawful conduct in violation of the Nonprofit Corporations Act ( [ ] ), [ ], by procuring the organizations through fraud; repeatedly, willfully, and materially exceeding the authority conferred on it by law; and repeatedly, willfully, and materially conducting its affairs in an unlawful manner. An order for default judgment was filed with the corporations' division on [ ].

Applicable Law:

Section 501(c)(3) of the Code provides that an organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable or educational purposes is exempt from Federal income tax, provided no part of its net earnings inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(a)(1) of the Treasury Regulations states that to be exempt as an organization described in section 501(c)(3), an organization must be both organized and operated exclusively for one or more of the purposes specified in such section - charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. If an organization fails to meet either the organizational test or the operational test, it is not exempt.

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1)(i) of the regulations provides that an organization is organized exclusively for one or more exempt purposes only if its articles of organization (as defined in subparagraph (2)) limit its purposes to one or more exempt purposes and do not expressly empower it to engage, otherwise than as an insubstantial part of its activities, in activities which in themselves are not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes.

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1)(iv) of the regulations provides that in no case shall an organization be considered to be organized exclusively for one or more exempt purposes if, by the terms of its articles, the purposes for which such organization is created are broader than the purposes specified in section 501(c)(3). The fact that the actual operations of such an organization have been exclusively in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes shall not be sufficient to permit the organization to meet the organizational test. Similarly, such an organization will not meet the organizational test as a result of statements or other evidence that the members thereof intend to operate only in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes.

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(2) of the regulations provides that the term "articles of organization" or "articles" includes the trust instrument, the corporate charter, the articles of association, or any other written instrument by which an organization is created.

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(4) of the regulations provides that an organization is not organized exclusively for one or more exempt purposes unless its assets are dedicated to an exempt purpose. An organization's assets will be considered dedicated to an exempt purpose, for example, if, upon dissolution, such assets would, by reason of a provision in the organization's articles or by operation of law, be distributed for one or more exempt purposes, or to the Federal government, or to a State or local government, for a public purpose, or would be distributed by a court to another organization to be used in such manner as in the judgment of the court will best accomplish the general purposes for which the dissolved organization was organized. However, an organization does not meet the organizational test if its articles or the law of the State in which it was created provide that its assets would, upon dissolution, be distributed to its members or shareholders.

Rev. Proc. 82-2, 1982-1 C.B. 367 identifies the states and the circumstances in which the IRS will not require an express provision for the distribution of assets upon dissolution in an exempt organization's articles of organization to satisfy the organizational test requirement described in section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(4) of the regulations. Section 3.03 of the revenue procedure lists eight states which have statutes applicable to nonprofit charitable corporations that will satisfy the provisions of regulations section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(4). The State of [ ] is not included among the eight listed states. Section 3.03 of Rev. Proc. 82-2 further provides that a nonprofit corporation in a jurisdiction not listed needs an adequate dissolution provision in its organizing document to satisfy section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(4).

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c) of the regulations describes the operational test requirements for 501(c)(3) exemption. The operational test focuses on how the organization is actually operated, regardless of whether it is properly organized for tax-exempt purposes.

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1) of the regulations provides that an organization will be regarded as "operated exclusively" for one or more exempt purposes only if it engages primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of such exempt purposes specified in section 501(c)(3). An organization will not be so regarded if more than an insubstantial part of its activities is not in furtherance of an exempt purpose. This is referred to as the "primary activities" test.

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(2) of the regulations provides that an organization is not operated exclusively for one or more exempt purposes if its net earnings inure in whole or in part to the benefit of private shareholders or individuals.

Section 511 of the Code imposes a tax at corporate rates under section 11 on the unrelated business taxable income of certain tax-exempt organizations.

Section 6001 of the Code provides, in part, that every person liable for any tax imposed by this title, or for the collection thereof, shall keep such records, render such statements, make such returns, and comply with such rules and regulations as the Secretary may from time to time prescribe. Whenever in the judgment of the Secretary it is necessary, he may require any person, by notice served upon such person or by regulations, to make such returns, render such statements, or keep such records, as the Secretary deems sufficient to show whether or not such person is liable for tax under this title.

Section 1.6001-1(c) of the regulations provides that in addition to such permanent books and records as are required by paragraph (a) of this section with respect to the tax imposed by section 511 on unrelated business income of certain exempt organizations, every organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) shall keep such permanent books of account or records, including inventories, as are sufficient to show specifically the items of gross income, receipts and disbursements. Such organizations shall also keep such books and records as are required to substantiate the information required by section 6033. See section 6033 and regulations sections 1.6033-1 through 1.6033-3.

Section 1.6001-1(e) of the regulations provides that the books or records required by this section shall be kept at all times available for inspection by authorized internal revenue officers or employees and, shall be retained as long as the contents thereof may be material in the administration of any internal revenue law.

Section 6033 of the Code provides, in general, that every organization exempt under IRC 501(a) shall file an annual return, stating specifically the items of gross income, receipts, and disbursements, and such other information for the purpose of carrying out the Internal Revenue laws as the Secretary may by forms of regulations prescribe, and shall keep such records, render under oath such statements, make such other returns, and comply with such rules and regulations as the Secretary may from time to time prescribe.

Section 6033 of the Code provides an exception to the annual filing requirement in the case of an organization described in section 501(c) (other than a private foundation or a supporting organization described in section 509(a)(3)) the gross receipts of which in each taxable year are normally not more than $50,000. See section 1.6033-2(g)(1)(iii) of the regulations.

Section 1.6033-2(g)(5) of the regulations provide that an organization that is not required to file an annual return by virtue of the gross receipts exception must submit an annual electronic notice notification as described in section 6033(i) of the Code.

Section 1.6033-2(i)(2) of the regulations provides that every organization which is exempt from tax, whether or not it is required to file an annual information return, shall submit such additional information as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service for the purpose of inquiring into its exempt status and administering the provisions of subchapter F (section 501 and following), chapter 1 of subtitle A of the Code and section 6033.

Rev. Rul. 59-95, 1959-1 C.B. 627, concerns an exempt organization that was requested to produce a financial statement and statement of its operations for a certain year. However, its records were so incomplete that the organization was unable to furnish such statements. The Service held that the failure or inability to file the required information return or otherwise to comply with the provisions of section 6033 of the Code and the regulations which implement it, may result in the termination of the exempt status of an organization previously held exempt, on the grounds that the organization has not established that it is observing the conditions required for the continuation of exempt status.

Organization's Position:

[ ] position is unknown at this time.

Government's Position:

Analysis

The facts indicate that [ ] received recognition of exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Code in [ ] based on information presented in its Form 1023-EZ application. [ ] attested that it is both organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes.

The TE/GE division of the IRS maintains an examination program for exempt organizations to determine whether they are complying with statutory requirements regarding their tax-exempt status, the proper filing of returns, and other tax reporting matters. [ ] filed Form 990-N, an electronic notice, with the IRS for the [ ] calendar year.

Organizational Test Not Met

[ ] was incorporated in the State of [ ] as evidenced by the Articles of Incorporation appended as Exhibit A. [ ] corporate purpose as specified in its organizing document is to [ ]. Such purpose is broader than the exempt purposes specified in Code section 501(c)(3) and can be accomplished by activities that are not exclusively charitable in nature. [ ] organizing document contains no provision that limits its purposes or activities to those exempt purposes described in section 501(c)(3) of the Code. See sections 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1)(i) and (iv) of the regulations.

An organization is not organized exclusively for one or more exempt purposes unless its assets are dedicated to an exempt purpose. See section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(4) of the regulations. The issue of the applicability of state law in relation to Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(4) as to a particular organization arises only where the organization itself has not provided for the distribution of its assets upon dissolution in its organizing document. See Rev. Proc. 82-2 cited above. As a nonprofit corporation organized in the State of [ ], [ ] needs an adequate dissolution provision in its organizing document to satisfy section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(4). An organizing document can be amended only in accordance with State law which generally requires the filing of the amendments with the applicable governmental authority. [ ] fails to satisfy the organizational test.

Operational Test Not Met

[ ] was selected for audit to ensure that the organization's activities and operations align with their approved exempt status and to verify whether [ ] was eligible to file Form 990-N based on gross receipts.

Section 6001 of the Code and the regulations thereunder impose requirements on exempt organizations to keep books and records to substantiate information required under section 6033 of the Code. Although [ ] filed an electronic notice in lieu of a return, the organization is

[The IRS public release ends here. The Form 886-A is cut off mid-sentence at the bottom of its eighth page; the remainder of the operational-test analysis and the conclusion were not included in the released PDF.]