Charity revoked for running real-estate "bargain sales" instead of education, with inurement to its founder

Plain-English summary

The IRS revoked a nonprofit's section 501(c)(3) exemption after an examination found it was not operated for charitable or educational purposes. The organization claimed its primary activity was free online business-and-entrepreneurship education, but the IRS found the website was a passive download of videos and slides with no enrollment tracking, no interaction, no testing, and almost no time or money spent on it. Its real primary activity was real-estate "bargain sale" transactions: acting as an accommodation party so that owners of distressed property could claim large charitable deductions, in exchange for cash fees paid to the charity. The IRS treated that as a substantial nonexempt business purpose, essentially selling the use of the organization's exempt status. The IRS also found private inurement and private benefit to the founder-president, who single-handedly controlled the funds, paid his own related website company, used the charity to advertise his book, and took a personal loan from the organization. Because bargain sales were more than an insubstantial part of its activities and its net earnings served private rather than public interests, the exemption was revoked prospectively, and contributions are no longer deductible under section 170.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Is an organization that mainly facilitates real-estate "bargain sale" tax-deduction transactions, and whose founder controls and benefits from its funds, operated exclusively for exempt purposes under section 501(c)(3)?
• Outcome: revocation (prospective; failed the operational test, with substantial nonexempt purpose, private inurement, and private benefit)
• Key authorities: IRC §§ 501(c)(3), 170, and 4958(c)(1)(A); Treas. Reg. § 1.501(c)(3)-1; Better Business Bureau v. United States, 326 U.S. 279 (1945); United Cancer Council v. Commissioner; Rev. Rul. 67-5

Full text (IRS public release)

Transcriber's note: this is a scanned document. The repeating Form 886-A header and page-footer furniture has been reduced to sequential [Page N] markers, obvious OCR misreads have been corrected, and unreadable scanner speckle has been removed. Wording is otherwise reproduced verbatim; redacted blanks are left as they appear.

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
1100 Commerce Street, MC 4920DAL
Dallas, TX 75242

TAX EXEMPT AND
GOVERNMENT ENTITIES
DIVISION

Date: 01/06/2021
Release Number: 202221013
Release Date: 5/27/2022

Taxpayer ID Number:
UIL Code: 501.03-00

Form:

Tax Period(s) Ending:

Person to Contact:

Identification Number:

Telephone Number:

CERTIFIED MAIL — Return Receipt Requested
LAST DAY FOR FILING A PETITION WITH THE TAX COURT:

Dear

This is a final determination that you do not 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 January 1,20 . Your determination letter dated February 13,
20 is revoked.

Our adverse determination as to your exempt status was made for the following reasons:

Organizations described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) of the Code and exempt
under Section 501(a) must be both organized and operated exclusively for
exempt purposes. You have not demonstrated that you are operated
exclusively for charitable, educational, or other exempt purposes within the
meaning of 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. You have not established that you have operated exclusively for an
exempt purpose.

As such, you failed to meet the requirements of IRC Section 501(c)(3) and Treasury
Regulations Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(a), in that you have not established that you were

organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes and that no part of your earnings
inured to the benefit of private shareholders or individuals.

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

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 www.irs.gov.

If you decide to contest this determination, you may file an action for declaratory judgment
under the provisions of IRC Section 7428 in one of the following three venues: 1) United States
Tax Court, 2) the United States Court of Federal Claims, or 3) the United States District Court
for the District of Columbia. A petition or complaint in one of these three courts must be filed
within 90 days from the date this determination was mailed to you. Please contact the clerk of
the appropriate court for rules and the appropriate forms for filing petitions for declaratory
judgment by referring to the enclosed Publication 892. You may write to the courts at the
following addresses:

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

U. S. Court of Federal Claims
717 Madison Place, NW
Washington, DC 20005

U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia
333 Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001

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).

You may be eligible for help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). 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 1-877-777-4778.

Taxpayer Advocate assistance can’t be used as substitute for established IRS procedures,
formal appeals processes, etc. The Taxpayer Advocate is not able to reverse legal or
technically correct tax determination, nor extend the time fixed by law that you have to file a
petition in Court. The Taxpayer Advocate can, however, see that a tax matter that may not have
been resolved through normal channels gets prompt and proper handling.

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

If you have any questions about this letter, please contact the person whose name and
telephone number are shown in the heading of this letter.

Sincerely,

Enclosures:
Publication 892

Sean E. O'Reilly

Director, Exempt Organizations Examinations

¥% Department of the Treasury Pate ine 42, 2020

Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer ID number:
IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities

Form:

Tax periods ended:

Person to contact:
Name:
ID number:
Telephone:
Fax:
Address:

Manager’s contact information:
Name:
ID number:

Telephone:
Response due date:

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.

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

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).

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

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

Enclosures:
Form 886-A
Form 6018
Pub 892
Pub 3498

Sincerely,

Sean E. O’Reilly
Director, Exempt Organizations
Examinations

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

ISSUES:

1. Whether . is operated exclusively for exempt purposes
described within Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3)?
1.a Whether is engaged primarily in activities that accomplish
an exempt purpose?
1.b Whether is operated to serve a public rather than a private
interest?
1.c involvement in bargain sales transactions is
more than an insubstantial part of its activities?
2. Whether any part of the net earnings of inured to the benefit
of any private shareholder or individual?
3. Whether revocation of exempt status is appropriate?
FACTS:
hereinafter, was incorporated on January 30, 20 in

as a not-for-profit corporation and was recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-
exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) in February 20. The articles of
incorporation state its purpose is to improve the quality of life for those in need by providing
humanitarian assistance and educational programs. was recognized
by the IRS as exempt from federal income tax as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code in February 13, 20

was founded by , an entrepreneur. Per
for ; is the President; , Secretary;
, Treasurer; and , Executive Director of the organization. does not
have any employees and is operated solely by . The organization is located at

purports to provide online education to train individuals to become entrepreneurs and to
develop business skills necessary to improve the quality of their life. The organization purports to
provide training materials for US and international students.

[Page 1]

During the examination periods, claimed that it contracted with

herelnafter referred to as to ralse funds for the organization. A contract was not
provided for review. Funds are raised by through participation in bargain sale transactions.
The majority of revenue is generated through the purchase and sale of real estate by the
organization. During the interview, the president stated that does not receive any public
charitable contributions to fund the activities. The organization solely relies on income earned
through bargain sale transactions to fund activities and to pay expenses, earned $ in
annual revenue in 20 and $ in 20 . Financial information provided by showed
that it received % and % of its revenue from bargain sales for tax years 20 and 20 ,
respectively. For 20 , expended approximately $ for expenses. Of this amount

$ was paid to for the amount owed for the creation of the
website and its content which was completed in 20 and 20 . filed Form 990-N (e-
Postcard) in 20 and 20 , and Form 990-EZ return in 20 . made charitable contributions
totaling $ in 20 and 20 to cover medical expenses for a disabled law enforcement
officer, payment to missionary in Africa and other persons selected by the founder.

Purported Primary Activity: Educational Programs:

states that its primary focus is on education and focuses on entrepreneurial business skills.
The program integrates religious teachings from the bible with business law teaching to develop
students into successful entrepreneurs. Also, purpose is to improve the quality of life for
individuals in pursuit of business education.

produces educational training programs for viewing via their website for students worldwide.
The program provides courses in business skills and teaches students how to become a
successful entrepreneur. The program is free to all students. Students log onto the website
. Per copy of invoice from
_ the billing was for content creation which consisted of hours of video

recordings and production. The billing was also for PowerPoint slides including a study guide.
As indicated by the invoice, the website and materials were created by

. IDR 6 indicated that the information was created in 20 and20  .According to IDR 6,
"The course is online. There are = sessions totaling over —_ hours of teaching time. Students
can follow the sequence of video lessons, as that is in effect, their syllabus". "Instead of training
handbooks, everything is digital and downloadable. All of the lessons have corresponding
PowerPoint slide presentations they can print out if so desired".

Course materials are available at no cost to students. Students can download all the training
sessions and learn at their individual pace. Per IDR 6, students are not required to take a written
examination. The response also stated that "classes are not LIVE, so not possible for LIVE
interaction. However, they are welcome to contact us at the email address provided with any
questions they may have." The student population includes international students, veterans, law

[Page 2]

enforcement and anyone Interested in learning business skills. According to the website, students
attend from ; ; , ; and the

was asked in IDR 6 "How do you keep track of who access your website?". In response,

stated that it is unable to track who visit the site and when. Thus, it was unable to provide the
percentage of students who were foreign students or were veterans. IDR 6 also asked about who
was responsible for maintenance of the website and are the PowerPoints modified or updated? In
response, stated that was responsible for maintenance and
that the PowerPoints can be updated. The educational program is not accredited and not
recognized by US Department of Education.

engaged in the following activities during 20 , 20 and 20

Fundraising: Bargain Sales

president promotes bargain sales to fund activities. As demonstrated in the schedule
below. For 20, generated total revenue of $ . Of this amount, $ was
generated from bargain sales. The bargain sales represent approximately % of the revenue
generated.

IDR 6 requested a job description for duties and responsibilities of . The
response indicates that his primary responsibilities include the following:

Approaching property owners with real estate for sale and discussing bargain sale options

Preparing offers on prospective properties

Creating and teaching content

Creating corresponding PowerPoint slides

Recording video lessons

Creating and maintaining website

Creating and maintaining learning lab where students access training.

Per Form 990-EZ for 20 __, it reported that he works an average of hours per week.

Per response to IDR 5, first became aware of in the Spring of 20 when it
was contacted by to see if was interested in becoming a nonprofit client for

. The response also Indicated that and , the founder
of , have known each other over many years because was a Sale trainer
and had done sales training for various companies.
According to the president, participated in “bargain sales” with the help of ,a
national commercial and residential real estate company. specializes in serving

real estate investors and nonprofit organizations. The transaction begins with a donor of
distressed property who wants to unload the property and a 501(c)(3) charity is willing to

[Page 3]

purchase the property. being a middleman facilitates the transaction by providing a

501(c)(3) buyer from its list of charities. At closing, the donor receives a combination of cash and
substantial tax deduction (when the appraised value is greater than the FMV). The public charity
acts as an accommodation party in the arrangement.

brokers handle the solicitation of donations and the subsequent sale of properties on
behalf of According to IDR 5, contacts to see if they were interested in
entertaining a bargain sale offer. If interested, would proceed forward with a bargain sale
offer on behalf. prepares the letter of intent and/or draft purchase agreement which
is sent to for them to approve or reject. prepares all legal documents for the sale
which are signed by president. IDR 5 specified that disclosed the property
specifics as indicated in the Letter of Intent and/or the draft purchase agreement. The initial
acquisition, brokerage representation, financial services, appraiser services, underwriting,
management and disposition are handled by . An escrow account is also open in the name
of by . IDR 5 asked who provided the initial deposits on each real estate purchase
transaction?

In response stated that “ would advance funds to the seller and/or agent on behalf of
for the initial deposits and later recover those advances from the sale or loan proceeds." An
acknowledgement letter is issued to the donor by . The acknowledgement letters thanks, the
donor for the contribution, states the amount of cash received, value of the property and the gift
value (charitable contribution). When the sale is completed, manages the property for the
provides the Form 8283 that states the appraised value of the property.

in some cases, has a buyer waiting to purchase the property from at closing. When
the property is sold by brokers, is paid a fee after from the net cash left from the
sale. The cash payments are the benefit paid for the use of the exempt status

Some properties are sold within days of purchase. For properties not immediately sold, a

is established in a fictitious name to hold title to the property. The property is re-
sold by when a buyer is located. Once the sale is completed, pays the charity a
fee. The fee is reported on Form 990 by the exempt organization. The transaction is a Quid pro
quo. The charity receives cash in exchange for providing tax-exempt charitable deduction to the

seller. files Form 8282 with the IRS to report the sale of the property.
participated in bargain sale transactions with . received direct deposit of
$ from on April 04, 20 . The following schedule is a list of properties and the
amount paid by to for "bargain sales" of the assets:

[Page 4]

Legal Name   Date Acquired   Date Property Sold   Gross Proceeds from Sale   Fees
_ Sold from Sale
maintains one checking account at . The account is used to deposit funds and
make disbursements. has sole signature authority and control over the checking

account used during the examination periods.

does not have any employees and is operated solely by from his home in
. He does not accept a salary from the organization. During the interview, the
president stated that receives income from through participation in bargain sale
transactions. A review of books and records reveals deposited $
dollars in account at in April 20

website has a "contact" link which includes an “Initial Inquiry Form" (inquiry form). The
inquiry form stated the following
". The Form also has the following information:

[Page 5]

« REAL ESTATE

e PLANES, BOATS, AUTOMOBILES, RV'S, INVENTORY, SCRAP METAL ETC.

Use of Assets

is sole owner and operates hereinafter,“ ”
a related business. During the examination periods, contracted with " " to develop a
website for the organization. produced educational videos and maintains the organization’s
website.
The website was created in20 and 20. According to ; was not paid in 20 _ ,
20 or20 _ because the organization did not have enough revenue to cover the expense. In
April 20 received $ for production of the training contents as noted on the invoice

discussed above.

Review of website showed an advertisement for a book titled that was
authored by posted to the website. books and records did not show that was
compensated for posting private book advertised on its website.

Also, in 20, obtained a personal loan for $ from

The loan was timely repaid. The interest rate charged was reasonable. The repaid loan was
deposited into bank account.

[Page 6]

LAW:

IRC § 501(c)(3) exempts from Federal income tax: corporations, and any community chest, fund,
or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for
public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or
animals, no part of net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or
individual, no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise
attempting to influence legislation and which does not participate in or intervene in (including the
publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for
public office.

Regulation section 1.501(c)(3)-1(a)(1), Organizational and operational tests, provides that in order
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. If
an organization fails to meet either the organizational test or the operational test, it is not exempt.

Regulation section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1) provides that an organization will be regarded as “operated
exclusively” for one or more exempt purpose 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.

Regulation section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(2) 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 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(ii) of the regulations provides that an
organization is not organized or operated exclusively for one or more exempt purposes unless it
serves a public rather than a private interest. Thus, it is necessary for an organization to
establish that it is not organized or operated for the benefit of private interests such as designated
individuals, the creator or his family, shareholders of the organization, or persons controlled,
directly or indirectly, by such private interests.

Treas. Reg. § 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(3) defines the term educational as the instruction or training of the
individual to improve or develop his capabilities, or the instruction of the public on subjects useful
to the individual and beneficial to the community. The regulation further provides that an
organization may be educational even though it advocates a particular position or viewpoint, so
long as it presents a sufficiently full and fair exposition of the pertinent facts to permit the public to
form an independent opinion or conclusion. An organization is not educational if its principal
function is the mere presentation of unsupported opinion. Treas. Reg. § 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(3).

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(2) of the regulations provides that the term "charitable" is used in section
501(c)(3) of the Code in its generally accepted legal sense and includes the promotion of

education

[Page 7]

In Better Business Bureau of Washington, D.C., Inc. v. U.S., 326 U.S. 279 (1945), the Supreme
Court stated that an organization is not operated exclusively for charitable purposes if it has a
single non-charitable purpose that is substantial in nature.

The words “private shareholder or individual” in section 501 refer to persons having a personal
and private interest in the activities of the organization. Treas. Reg. § 1.501(a)-1(c)

The inurement prohibition provision “is designed to prevent the siphoning of charitable receipts to
insiders of the charity...” United Cancer Council v. Commissioner, 165 F.3d 1173 (7" Cir. 1999).
A “private shareholder or individual” for purposes of a private inurement analysis has been
interpreted to mean an insider of the organization. See Orange County Agricultural Society, Inc. v.
Commissioner, 893 F.2d 529, 534 (2d Cir. 1990). The prohibited private inurement involves using
the assets of the exempt organization for the benefit of the insider; examples include payment of a
percentage of revenue, lending money, and payment of personal expenses. Founding Church of
Scientology v. United States, 412 F.2d 1197 (Ct. Cl. 1969).

Prohibited inurement is strongly suggested where an individual or small group has exclusive
control over the management of the organization’s funds. The Church of Eternal Life and Liberty,
Inc. v. Commissioner, 86 T.C. 916, 927 (1986); Basic Bible Church v. Commissioner, 74 T.C. 846,
857 (1980); Church of the Transfiguring Spirit v. Commissioner, 76 T.C. 1, 7 (1981).

Section 4958(c)(1)(A) of the Code, in part, defines an "excess benefit transaction" as “any
transaction in which an economic benefit is provided by an applicable tax-exempt organization

Inurement and Private Benefit

Revenue Ruling 67-5, 1967-1 C.B. 123, it was held that a foundation controlled by the creator's
family was operated to enable the creator and his family to engage in financial activities which
were beneficial to them, but detrimental to the foundation. It was further held that the foundation
was operated for a substantial non-exempt purpose and served the private interests of the creator
and his family. Therefore, the foundation was not entitled to exemption from Federal income tax
under section 501(c)(3).

GOVERNMENT’S POSITION:
The 501(c)(3) tax exempt status of should be revoked because it is not operated exclusively
for tax exempt purposes. has failed to demonstrate that its primary activity was educational.
The online website available to individuals interested in learning business skills does not provide
any interaction between students and instructors, and no requirements for students to
demonstrate they are learning the materials. claimed that its charitable purpose was

[Page 8]

educational training, but its primary emphasis was placed on the bargain sale transactions to
generate revenue.

bargain sales activities were not insubstantial. As illustrated in the example below:

purchased property located at , , on March 1, 20 from
The purchase price for the property was § , payable at closing
date. Based on the Appraiser’s opinion on March 1, 20 _ , the fair market value of the property
(as-is) was S ). There was a bargain sale
agreement executed between the seller ( ) and the buyer (
). acknowledges in an acknowledgement letter dated April 14,20 to

, that the difference between the purchase price ($ ) and fair market value

( ) is a charitable gift of $

sold the above property on behalf of to in April 20 for
$ and filed Form 8282, Donee Information Return, to report the transaction. As the
transaction reveals, the original seller, received a substantial charitable
gift of $ . also benefited because they retained $ of the sales price for
services and fees while only received $ from the transaction.

stated reason for raising funds were to fund charitable purposes, however, only
expenditures for charitable purposes were $ in20.. , founder and president
controls the management, operation and financial affairs of the organization. He makes all
decisions for . He has exclusive controls over and the use of its funds. The operations of
serves a private interest rather than a public interest. There is a substantial private benefit to
the president.

Purported Educational Activity

claimed that its educational activities are conducted via its website which was created by

in20 and20 . The website requires the individual to create an account by entering an
email address and creating a password. It asked for no other information such as name or
address. The purported educational activity posted on the website appears to be merely a
download of information to a website without any active ongoing involvement or monitoring. There
was no information provided such as emails, notices, etc. to show that actively reaches out
to the general public to inform them of the availability of its program. The inquiry form on its
website, while it seeks inquiries on bargain sales, solicits no inquires relative to its purported
educational activities. cannot demonstrate that the materials on the website are being used
by the general public neither does attempts to determine who or if the materials are being
used. Although, claims that students could send emails to if they had any questions, it
provided no emails to support such claim. does not request for participants to notify them
upon completion of the topics and provide no type of acknowledgment to the participants. There is

[Page 9]

no testing done upon completion and no certificates are issued. Review of books and records
showed that no significant amount of time or expenses were expended or incurred by in
conjunction with its purported educational activity. The president is the sole person conducting
work for the charity and according to the Form 990 for fax year 20, he expended approximately
hours each week on activities relating to the organization. While the IDR 6 listed
responsibilities to include creating and teaching content; creating corresponding PowerPoint
slides; recording video lessons; creating and maintaining a website; and creating and maintaining
learning lab, the copy of the invoice provided showed that was compensated in 20 for the
provision of such services which were done in 20 and20 .Thus, the hours being spent
could not have been for educational activities since it was supposed to have been done by
and there appears to be no ongoing active educational activities being conducted. Since the
development of the website, there was no evidence provided to show that continued to
expend funds to maintain or update the website. When asked in IDR 5 if the website was
updated, responded that it could be updated. Thus, implying that it has not been updated
since the original posting. It made no claim that the website was actually maintained or updated
periodically or consistently. The financial records did not show any expenditures in 20 and 20

for website services incurred for the 20 tax year. Thus, no expenses were incurred in 20 and
20 relative to the purported educational activities.

The activity of merely making a website available for public use does not demonstrate that
students obtained any practical skills. failed to provide contact information on students,
dates, and personnel involved in conducting the educational training. The review of the website
only shows a listing of business topics students can select to read. There is no formal organized
syllabus or outline of a course of study. failed to provide any minutes to show discussions
about its educational activities. There was no correspondence on file relative to its educational
activities.

Based on analysis above, does not conduct activities similar to that discussed in Treas.
Reg. § 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(3) which defines the term educational as the instruction or training of the
individual to improve or develop his capabilities, or the instruction of the public on subjects useful
to the individual and beneficial to the community. It has not demonstrated that it provides
educational activities in furtherance of its exempt purpose.

Bargain Sales
Bargain sales activity is not insubstantial but rather is primary activity. bargain sales

activity furthered a substantial business purpose that is not related to the exempt purpose to foster
education. engagement in bargain sales is non-charitable purpose that is substantial in
nature. The organization’s tax exemption is being exchanged for money. The seller receives a
form 8283 that gives the appraised value of the property. The seller also is issued an

[Page 10]

Form 886-A Depariment of ihe Treasury — Internal Revenue Service

acknowledgement letter with an inflated value on the deduction. The seller can write off the
charitable donation on their tax return.

website included an inquiry form which is a solicitation for bargain sales transactions.
Thus, also uses it website to promote its bargain sales. The message on the inquiry form
noted the following:

1

In IDR 5, stated thatin 20 it contracted with to represent in finding and
executing bargain sale transactions. was involved in  bargain sales in 20 and
bargain sales for 20 resulting in a total of  or the two-year period. The bargain sales were
the primary source of revenue for . It represents approximately % and % of total
revenue for tax years 20 and20_, respectively, demonstrating that bargain sales were its
primary activity.

included in the description of his responsibilities "

However, according to IDR 5 and 6, the arrangement with for20 and20 ~~ didnot
include such activities. In reviewing responsibilities listed in IDR 6, it was determined
that since was paid for the creation of content on the website and that no claims were ever
made that was involved in the bargain sales, then would be the person handling the
bargain sales. As president, would be the person who would have
contacted with a potential bargain sale via the letter of intent and draft purchase agreement which
he needed to review and then inform to go forward or not. In conjunction with the sale,
several legal documents were sent to for review and signature. Such documents include —
Letter of Intent, Real Estate Purchase Agreement, Deed and Settlement Statement.

would also be the person that prepared the acknowledgement letters and the Forms 8282. Thus,
even at hours per week, it appears that % of this time would be spent on the bargain sales,
especially since the records showed no other actions taking place.

The bargain sales activity is not an exempt activity within 501(c)(3) of the Code. For the years

under examination, primary activity is bargain sales since its president expends % of
his time on bargain sale; % of the revenue is from bargain sale; and it expends no time or
resources on educational activities. Thus, does not operate exclusively for exempt purposes

as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Code since its bargain sales transactions is more than an
insubstantial part of its activities.

Private Benefit
Although has a board of directors, they are not involved in the decisions and daily
operations. The president has sole control and authority of the organization management,

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activities, bank account, disbursements, and assets. There are no indications that other board
members have any involvement with the finances of the organization.

Upon receipt of the $ in20 , president paid which is a company solely owned
by president for services it claimed were done in prior years. While there is a website in
place, the books and records showed no accounts payable or liability owed to . In addition,
borrowed § from Although the loan was repaid with interest, it appears that
unilaterally loaned the money to his company to further his own personal interest or
benefit

A review of website showed that uses website to market his products such
as books without compensating . Thus, the use of website without reasonable
compensation.

, founder and president controls all the management affairs of and used his
exclusive control to use funds for personal benefit in the form of the loan and payment to
his company without any supporting documentation the management, operation and financial
affairs of the organization. He makes all decisions for . He has exclusive controls over the
organization. serves a private interest rather than a public interest. There is a substantial
private benefit to the president.

For the organization to be exempt from federal income tax, it must operate exclusively for one or
more exempt purposes specified in section 501(c)(3). The non-existence of a charitable activity or
de-minimus amount of charitable activities does not satisfy the operational test under section
501(c)(3) of the Code. An organization described in section 501(c)(3) must establish that no more
than an insubstantial part of its activities is not in furtherance of an exempt purpose. Treas. Regs.
§ 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1)

Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(1)(ii) of the regulations states that an organization is not organized
exclusively for any of the purposes specified in section 501(c)(3) of the Code unless it serves
public, rather than private interests.

Based on the facts of this examination, has failed to substantiate that it is exclusively
operated for exempt purposes. does not qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3)
as a charitable organization. Inurement and private benefit to the president outweighs any and all
public interest served.

TAXPAYER’S POSITION
Taxpayer's position with respect to the issues, facts, applicable law and conclusions is unknown.

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CONCLUSION
charitable activity is minimal and incidental to its focus on bargain sales. is therefore

not operated exclusively for exempt purposes because it does not engage primarily in activities
that accomplish an exempt purpose. In addition, more than an insubstantial portion of
activities are in furtherance of a non-exempt purpose. More than a substantial part of net
earnings inures to the benefit of a private shareholder or individual is operated for the
purpose of serving the private interest of rather than public interest. Accordingly,

is not an organization described in section 501(c)(3). It is recommended that exempt
status be revoked effective January 1,20 . is not exempt from income tax under section
501(c)(3) effective January 1, 20

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