IRS revokes a 501(c)(3)'s exemption for ignoring an audit of its records

Plain-English summary

This final IRS letter revokes a small charity's 501(c)(3) exemption on a single ground: it would not cooperate with an audit. The organization was incorporated as a nonprofit, recognized as a public charity, and filed Form 990-N (the e-postcard for very small nonprofits). When the IRS examined its records, it asked for standard financial documents (general ledger, bank statements, board minutes, and the like). The organization never responded to the document request or to the follow-up delinquency notice. Because an organization cannot show it is "operated exclusively" for charitable purposes if it will not let the IRS inspect its books (as Sections 6001 and 6033 require), the IRS found the operational test unmet and revoked exemption back to the first day of the year under exam. The audit report adds context: the organization's mailing address was a retail-store mailbox that has since closed; the state had placed the organization in delinquent status for not filing annual reports and had mailed it a notice of administrative dissolution that came back undeliverable. It also notes that at the original application stage the group failed to include its organizing document and the IRS let it simply attest that the document met the requirements. The IRS revoked only on the operational test. Contributions are no longer deductible under Section 170.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Does an organization keep its 501(c)(3) exemption when it ignores repeated IRS requests to examine the books and records that would show it operates for exempt purposes?
• Outcome: Revocation (operational test not met), effective the first day of the year under examination.
• Key authorities: IRC §§ 501(c)(3), 501(a), 170, 6001, 6033; Treas. Reg. §§ 1.501(c)(3)-1(a), -1(c), 1.6001-1, 1.6033-2; Rev. Rul. 59-95.

Full text (IRS public release)

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

Date: 04/18/2023

Taxpayer ID number (last 4 digits):
Form:

Release Number: 202339035
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:

07/17/2023

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.

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:

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

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

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).

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:

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.

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

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
Exempt Organizations Examinations

Date: December 07, 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: January 06, 2023

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

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

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 (May 2017)
Department of the Treasury — Internal Revenue Service
Explanations of Items

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

Issue:

Whether (Taxpayer) 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:

Taxpayer was incorporated in the State of [ ] on [ ] under the state's nonprofit corporation law. In [ ], Taxpayer filed Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Form 1023 application is signed by [ ] as the Managing Director according to the declaration on page [ ] of the Form 1023 application.

[ ] is [ ] individuals listed as directors in Part V of Form 1023, which requires applicant organizations to list the names, titles and mailing addresses of [ ] officers, directors, and trustees. The [ ] identified as directors, [ ] and [ ], provide a mailing address located in [ ].

Taxpayer provided the following mailing address on the Form 1023 for the organization and its Managing Director, [ ]:

[ ]

Public records maintained by the State of [ ] show that a person named [ ] is currently the registered agent for Taxpayer. The office address for the [ ], which is [ ], is the same address listed as Taxpayer's principal office on the state's corporate records database. See Exhibit A attached. The [ ] furnished by Taxpayer on records filed with the State of [ ] and on the Form 1023 filed with the IRS, corresponds to a [ ] retail store which has since closed. [ ] retail stores typically offer the following mailbox services:

• [ ]
• Package and mail receipt notifications
• Mail holding and forwarding
• Call-in mail check

The Form 1023 application is accompanied by several attachments providing narrative responses to certain questions in Form 1023. According to the attachment providing a narrative description of past, present, and planned activities as requested in Part IV of Form 1023, Taxpayer states the following:

[ ]

The Form 1023 was not accompanied by a conformed copy of Taxpayer's organizing document filed with the state. The IRS determination specialist who reviewed Taxpayer's Form 1023 application identified this omission and issued a letter to the organization dated [ ]. Rather than requesting a copy of the organizing document erroneously omitted by Taxpayer, the IRS determinations specialist allowed Taxpayer to attest that its organizing document contains a proper corporate purpose, dissolution clause, and other language needed to satisfy the organizational requirements for federal exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Code. Taxpayer furnished a reply signed by [ ] indicating that the organization's organizing document (or any amendments) satisfies the requirements. A copy of Taxpayer's response to the IRS specialist is appended as Exhibit B.

Based on its Form 1023 application and accompanying records including Taxpayer's statement affirming that it meets the organizational requirements, the IRS issued a favorable determination letter dated [ ] granting Taxpayer recognition of exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Code effective [ ]. Taxpayer was classified as a public charity under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Code based on its planned fundraising programs and projected financial support.

IRS records show that Taxpayer filed Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard), beginning with the [ ]. Taxpayer 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 [ ].

In [ ], the Tax Exempt and Governmental Entities (TE/GE) division of the IRS selected Taxpayer for examination of its books and records covering the [ ]. 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 Taxpayer at the last known address on file for the organization which is as follows:

[ ]

Taxpayer changed its address from the one based in [ ] to the current address in [ ] when it filed its Form 990-N with the IRS in [ ]. The [ ] furnished by Taxpayer also corresponds to a [ ] retail store which offers mailbox services described above. A copy of the pertinent website content posted by or on behalf of the store located in [ ] is appended as Exhibit C.

As noted on [ ] IDR issued with the examination notice, the examination of Taxpayer's 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 [ ] requested that Taxpayer 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 [ ] issued to Taxpayer on [ ] requests copies of the following records and information covering the [ ] under examination:

• Chart of accounts
• General ledger
• Adjusted trial balance
• Cash disbursements journal.
• Monthly bank statements for Taxpayer's 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 Taxpayer.
• Minutes of meetings held by Taxpayer's 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 Taxpayer to conduct activities.
• Contracts and other arrangements with individuals and/or organizations which solicit and raise funds for Taxpayer 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, Taxpayer was requested to provide copies of records which describe the activities conducted in [ ]. In the absence of formal marketing and fundraising materials, Taxpayer 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 Taxpayer for preparation of its books and records.

The response due date for IDR [ ] was [ ]. Taxpayer did not respond to the IDR or otherwise contact the [ ] or the [ ] by the due date. In accordance with established IRS procedures, a follow-up "Delinquency Notice" letter was issued to Taxpayer with a copy of IDR [ ] 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 Taxpayer's exempt status. The delinquency notice was not returned by the post office as undeliverable.

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

Despite its name, there is no evidence that Taxpayer is an affiliate or chapter of the [ ] that operate within the United States. The [ ]. Taxpayer is not among the [ ] listed. The Form 990-N filed by Taxpayer with the IRS in [ ] does not identify a website address in section E.

A search of the online corporate database maintained by the State of [ ] and available for download by the public shows that Taxpayer was placed in delinquent status as of [ ] for failure to file annual reports. State records also show that Taxpayer was issued a Notice of Administrative Dissolution on [ ] that was returned as undeliverable. A copy of the entity status search for Taxpayer secured by the [ ] from the state corporate database on [ ] is appended as Exhibit A.

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(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:

Taxpayer's position is unknown at this time.

Government's Position:

Analysis

The facts indicate that Taxpayer received recognition of exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Code in [ ] based on information presented in its Form 1023 application and related attachments and correspondence including Exhibit B.

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. Taxpayer filed Form 990-N, an electronic notice, for the [ ].

Operational Test Not Met

Taxpayer was selected for audit to ensure that the organization's activities and operations align with their approved exempt status and to verify that the filing of Form 990-N was proper based on the organization's 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 Taxpayer filed an electronic notice in lieu of a return, the organization is nevertheless required to produce records and other information requested by the IRS to verify that it operates in furtherance of its exempt purpose. See regulations section 1.6033-2(i)(2).

As part of standard audit procedures, the [ ] requested basic financial records including books of account, minutes of Board meetings and records and information pertaining to Taxpayer's activities. Such records and information are needed to verify whether Taxpayer continues to be operated exclusively for one or more of the exempt purposes specified in section 501(c)(3) of the Code. Taxpayer failed to respond to repeated reasonable requests to allow the IRS to examine its books and records including its receipts, disbursements, and other items required to be kept and maintained pursuant to sections 6001 and 6033(a)(1) of the Code.

Accordingly, Taxpayer has failed to meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3) of the Code and sections 1.501(c)(3)-1(a) and 1.501(c)(3)-1(c) of the regulations, in that the organization has not established that it is operated exclusively for exempt purposes and that no part of its net earnings inures to the benefit of private shareholders or individuals. See also Rev. Rul. 59-95.

Conclusion:

For the reasons stated above, the IRS has determined that Taxpayer is no longer exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Code as an organization described in Code section 501(c)(3). The IRS is proposing to revoke Taxpayer's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status effective [ ], the [ ] day of the [ ] under examination.

Please note that this Form 886-A, Explanation of Items, which is also known as the revenue agent report (RAR), constitutes an integral part of the attached 30-day letter #3618. Please refer to the attached letter #3618 for additional information including appeal rights and other options available to the organization and, the instructions for how to respond.

Catalog Number 20810W Form 886-A (Rev. 5-2017)