IRS revoked a charity's exemption for personal expenses and inadequate records

Plain-English summary

The IRS revoked a charity's Section 501(c)(3) exemption after examining its finances and recordkeeping. The organization described itself as providing food, material aid, basic services, Bible studies, evangelism, and prayer in an economically depressed community. Its financial records showed payments for building work, utilities, vehicles, food, insurance, and other costs that could be personal expenses of its founders, and the organization did not provide requested records that could establish an exempt use. The IRS concluded that substantially all of the organization's income and assets were used for the founders' personal living expenses, causing prohibited private inurement. The IRS also found that inadequate books and records prevented the organization from showing that it continued to operate for exempt purposes.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Did the organization continue to qualify for Section 501(c)(3) exemption despite possible personal expenses and incomplete records?
• Outcome: revocation
• Key authorities: IRC §§ 501(a), 501(c)(3), 6001, 6033; Treas. Reg. §§ 1.501(c)(3)-1, 1.6001-1, 1.6033-2; Rev. Rul. 59-95

Full text (IRS public release)

Department of the Treasury                         Date:
Internal Revenue Service                          February 28, 2024
Tax Exempt and Government Entities                Taxpayer ID number (last 4 digits):
IRS Exempt Organizations Examinations             [redacted]
550 Main Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202-3222                         Form:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Tax periods ended:
                                                   [redacted]
Release Number: 202421008                         Person to contact:
Release Date: 5/24/2024                           Name:
UIL Code: 501.03-00                               [redacted]
                                                   ID number:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Telephone:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Fax:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Last day to file petition with United States
                                                   Tax Court: May 28, 2024

CERTIFIED MAIL - Return Receipt Requested

Dear [redacted]:

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
[redacted]. Your determination letter dated [redacted], 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 from tax under Section 501(a) must be both organized and
operated exclusively for exempt purposes and no part of the net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private
shareholder or individual. 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 demonstrated that you are organized and
operated exclusively for an exempt purpose or that you have been engaged primarily in activities that
accomplish one or more exempt purposes as required by Treas. Reg. section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1). Moreover,
because your organization paid personal expenses of your founders/officers, your income or assets have inured
to the benefit of private shareholders or individuals which is contrary to IRS Section 501(c)(3) and Treasury
Reg. section 1.501(c)(3)-(c)(2). As such, you have failed to meet the requirements of IRC Section 501(c)(3) and
Treasury Reg. section 1.501(c)(3)-1(a).

You failed to keep adequate books and records as required by I.R.C. Sections 6001, 6033(a)(1) and Rev. Rul.
59-95, 1959-1 C.B. 627. As such, you fail to meet the operational requirements for continued exemption under
I.R.C. Section 501(c)(3).

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
[redacted]

Telephone:
[redacted]
Fax:
[redacted]

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,

                                                   Lynn A. Brinkley
                                                   Director, Exempt Organizations Examinations

Enclosures:
Publication 1
Publication 594
Publication 892

cc:
[redacted]

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

Department of the Treasury                         Date:
Internal Revenue Service                          08/24/2023
Tax Exempt and Government Entities                Taxpayer ID number:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Form:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Tax periods ended:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Person to contact:
                                                   Name:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   ID number:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Telephone:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Fax:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Address:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Manager's contact information:
                                                   Name:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   ID number:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Telephone:
                                                   [redacted]
                                                   Response due date:
                                                   September 25, 2023

CERTIFIED MAIL - Return Receipt Requested

Dear [redacted]:

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.

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

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.

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,

                                                   Hilda Rodriguez, for
                                                   Lynn A. Brinkley
                                                   Director, Exempt Organizations Examinations

Enclosures:
Form 886-A
Form 6018

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

Form 886-A          Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service          Schedule number
(May 2017)                        Explanations of Items                             or exhibit

Name of taxpayer     Tax Identification Number (last 4 digits)     Year/Period ended
[redacted]           [redacted]                                    [redacted]

Issue:

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

Facts:

[redacted] was incorporated in the State of [redacted], under the
[redacted]. According to Attachment #1 to [redacted] Articles of Incorporation, the
organization is incorporated for the following purposes:

[redacted]

The Articles of Incorporation also contains a clause providing that [redacted] is organized exclusively
for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of
distributions to organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Code (or the corresponding section of
any future Federal tax code). [redacted] corporate charter also contains a clause providing that, in
the event of dissolution of the organization, any remaining assets shall be distributed for one or
more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Code or to the Federal
government or a state or local government for a public purpose.

In [redacted], [redacted] filed
[redacted], with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In its
[redacted], [redacted] describes itself as a nonprofit [redacted] service organization that provides
food, material aid, and some basic services to the poor in the economically depressed community
of [redacted]. The organization also assists local churches by conducting bible
studies, evangelism and prayer intercession. [redacted] did not state, represent, or otherwise claim to
be a church or operate as a church.

Based on the information furnished by [redacted] in its [redacted], the IRS issued a
determination letter dated [redacted], granting [redacted] recognition of exemption from
Federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Code as a charitable and religious organization
described in Code section 501(c)(3). [redacted] was also classified as a public charity described in
sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Code based on the nature and sources of actual
financial support derived by the organization.

IRS records show that [redacted] filed [redacted], beginning with the
[redacted] calendar year. [redacted] filed [redacted] in lieu of a [redacted]. The
organization indicated on [redacted] that its gross receipts are normally $[redacted] or less.

Catalog Number 20810W                  Page 1                  www.irs.gov          Form 886-A (Rev. 5-2017)

Form 886-A          Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service          Schedule number
(May 2017)                        Explanations of Items                             or exhibit

Name of taxpayer     Tax Identification Number (last 4 digits)     Year/Period ended
[redacted]           [redacted]                                    [redacted]

In [redacted], the IRS selected [redacted] for examination of its books and records covering the
[redacted] calendar year. The notice of examination package, which is dated [redacted], was
mailed to [redacted] at the last known address on file for the organization. The notice of examination
package for [redacted] consists of IRS letter [redacted],
[redacted]. As specified on page [redacted] of the [redacted],
the examination of [redacted] 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 [redacted] based on gross receipts, and
3. Filed all required returns including information returns.

As part of standard audit procedures, the IDR prepared and issued by the IRS examiner
requested that [redacted] furnish copies of basic financial records including the general ledger,
adjusted trial balance and cash disbursements journal. [redacted] was also requested to provide
copies of monthly bank statements and canceled checks (or check images) furnished by the bank,
copies of policies and procedures relating to the handling and recording of cash donations and
sales, and copies of minutes of meetings held by [redacted] Board of Directors. [redacted] was also
asked to provide information and records related to any real property owned by the organization
including a copy of any deed evidencing ownership and the costs of any improvements made.
[redacted] was given additional time to compile and furnish the records and information due to
[redacted]. The response due date on the [redacted].

In response to [redacted] issued by the IRS examiner, [redacted] representative furnished copies of an
income statement titled Profit & Loss together with a document titled Profit and Loss Detail
covering the [redacted] calendar year. Monthly bank statements were also furnished for the checking
account maintained by [redacted] with [redacted]. For reasons that are not clear, the organization did
not furnish its general ledger, adjusted trial balance, or other records which show balance sheet
accounts relating to [redacted]. The income statement reports total revenue for [redacted] in the amount of
$[redacted]. General contributions account for $[redacted] of the [redacted] total revenue. The balance
($[redacted]) is derived from [redacted].

Expenses reported by [redacted] on the income statement total $[redacted] and include, but are not
limited to, the following items and amounts:

• Automobile Expense                          $[redacted]
• Automobile Insurance                        $[redacted]
• Building Repairs and Maintenance             $[redacted]
• Food and Refreshments                        $[redacted]
• [redacted]                                   $[redacted]
• Cable Television and Internet                $[redacted]
• Insurance                                    $[redacted]
• Propane                                      $[redacted]
• Telephone Expense                            $[redacted]

Catalog Number 20810W                  Page 2                  www.irs.gov          Form 886-A (Rev. 5-2017)

Form 886-A          Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service          Schedule number
(May 2017)                        Explanations of Items                             or exhibit

Name of taxpayer     Tax Identification Number (last 4 digits)     Year/Period ended
[redacted]           [redacted]                                    [redacted]

• Trash Removal                                $[redacted]
• Utilities                                    $[redacted]
• Donations to Other Organizations             $[redacted]

The [redacted] filed by [redacted] with the IRS contains attachments indicating that the
organization was founded by [redacted]. [redacted] of the
[redacted] indicates that both [redacted] are not compensated by the
organization. [redacted] has the title of Chairman of the Board of Directors.
[redacted] is also a member of [redacted] Board of Directors and has the titles of Secretary and
Treasurer according to [redacted]. There are [redacted] other individuals listed as non-
compensated Board members.

[redacted] indicates that directors may receive stipends or living expenses in
the future if funds are sufficient. Financial budgets prepared by or on behalf of [redacted], which are
included as an attachment to the [redacted], reference several assumptions.
Assumption #1 states as follows:

[redacted]

The address listed for [redacted] on its [redacted] is
[redacted]. Supporting documents furnished by [redacted] with its [redacted] including news updates for
the organization also reference the same [redacted] address for the organization. This address
corresponds to the residential address listed for the [redacted] founding members of [redacted],
[redacted]. [redacted] did not list any land, building, or other depreciable assets in the
balance sheet section (Part IX) of its [redacted]. Supporting records indicate that [redacted]
founders purchased the building as early as [redacted] and used [redacted] funds to make renovations to
their property used as a personal residence.

The IRS examiner prepared and issued IDR #2 to [redacted] representative to ascertain whether
[redacted] funds were used to pay the personal expenses of one or more officers or directors.
[redacted] reported total expenses in the amount of $[redacted] on the income statement furnished to the
IRS examiner. Building repair and maintenance expenses, which total $[redacted] as noted above,
comprise the single largest expense paid by [redacted]. IDR #2 requested, in part, that [redacted]
provide records and information regarding the facility used by the organization in [redacted]. More
specifically, [redacted] was asked whether the organization owned or leased any real property and, if
so, to provide a copy of any deed or lease agreement, respectively. IDR #2 also requests copies
of certain monthly invoices relating to utility and cable bills paid for by [redacted]. Copies of the IDR's
are included in the IRS examiner's administrative file.

[redacted] building repairs and maintenance expense account includes regular and recurring
monthly payments to [redacted] in the amount of $[redacted] which suggest a credit line or revolving credit
card account. There are other payments to [redacted] for smaller, irregular amounts. There are also
regular and recurring payments to [redacted] included in the building repairs and maintenance

Catalog Number 20810W                  Page 3                  www.irs.gov          Form 886-A (Rev. 5-2017)

Form 886-A          Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service          Schedule number
(May 2017)                        Explanations of Items                             or exhibit

Name of taxpayer     Tax Identification Number (last 4 digits)     Year/Period ended
[redacted]           [redacted]                                    [redacted]

expense account. Such monthly payments range from $[redacted] ([redacted]) through $[redacted] ([redacted]).
The address on record for the organization during [redacted] is [redacted].

[redacted] was requested to provide copies of the monthly statements/invoices pertaining to any
credit cards (or credit lines) issued by [redacted] that were paid for by [redacted].
The IRS examiner also requested that [redacted] provide copies of the monthly statements/invoices
pertaining to the [redacted] credit card paid for by [redacted]. These requests cover statements
for any corporate account opened by or on behalf of [redacted] and statements for any personal
account which were paid by [redacted]. See IDR #2, items 1e and 1f.

In the case of automobile expenses, the Profit and Loss Detail shows regular and recurring
payments throughout the year to [redacted], a [redacted], in
amounts typically ranging from $[redacted] to $[redacted]. There are also several larger payments to auto repair
shops and/or auto parts suppliers totaling approximately $[redacted]. Monthly bank statements for
[redacted] account show that the payments posted as electronic point of sale (POS) withdrawals
through one or more debit cards linked to the account.

[redacted] was asked whether the organization leased or purchased any vehicle for use by any
officer, director and/or volunteer. For any automobile expenses relating to a personal vehicle,
[redacted] was asked to explain why the expenses were paid for directly using a debit card linked to
[redacted] bank account in lieu or reimbursing the party under an accountable plan.

The IRS examiner also issued IDR #3 requesting records and information regarding
internal controls including, but not limited to, the identity of [redacted] officers or other individuals
having the authority to open corporate bank accounts, perform online banking transactions, sign
checks, make cash withdrawals, possess debit cards, and perform other banking transactions.
[redacted] was also requested to identify the officers, directors, or other individuals responsible for the
preparation of the organization's books and records including specific record-keeping functions.

Neither [redacted] nor its designated representative provided any records or other information in
response to IDR's #2 and #3. Furthermore, the IRS has no record of [redacted] filing any type of
information return to report the value of any noncash benefits or other form of compensation paid
or furnished by the organization to or on behalf of [redacted] for the
[redacted] calendar year. The IRS has no record of [redacted] filing or issuing Form W-2, Wage and Tax
Statement, to any employee. Similarly, the IRS has no record of [redacted] filing or issuing any Form
1099 information return to report non-employee compensation or other reportable amounts paid to
any independent contractor or other party.

During a follow-up telephone call with [redacted] representative on [redacted], the status of the
examination was discussed including [redacted] failure to respond to IDR #2. The IRS examiner
informed [redacted] representative that a report proposing revocation of [redacted] tax-exempt status
was being drafted since the organization had not demonstrated that it was operated exclusively for

Catalog Number 20810W                  Page 4                  www.irs.gov          Form 886-A (Rev. 5-2017)

Form 886-A          Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service          Schedule number
(May 2017)                        Explanations of Items                             or exhibit

Name of taxpayer     Tax Identification Number (last 4 digits)     Year/Period ended
[redacted]           [redacted]                                    [redacted]

charitable or other purposes described in section 501(c)(3) of the Code and that no part of its net
earnings inured to the benefit of the organization's officers and directors.

During the [redacted], telephone call, [redacted] representative intimated that the organization
was no longer active and may decide to formally dissolve its corporate charter. The representative
was given the opportunity to communicate with his client and to contact the IRS examiner to
advise whether the organization intended to formally dissolve its charter with the state. The IRS
examiner was not subsequently contacted by [redacted] representative. Voicemail messages left by
the IRS examiner were not returned by [redacted] representative.

In [redacted], the IRS examiner spoke with [redacted] representative. He stated that the
organization was in the process of formally dissolving its corporate charter and would be filing a
final return with the IRS. The organization was given the opportunity to formally wind down and
dissolve its corporate charter and file a final return with the IRS. The organization did not file a
[redacted] calendar years. A search of the corporate
database maintained by the State of [redacted] indicates that [redacted] remains an active entity.
See Exhibit A.

Applicable Law:

Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code generally exempts from Federal income taxation
those organizations described in section 501(c). To qualify for exemption under section
501(c)(3) an organization must satisfy four criteria: (1) it must be organized and operated
exclusively for certain specified exempt purposes, including charitable purposes; (2) no part of
its net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; (3) no part of
its activities may constitute intervention in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition
to) any candidate for public office; and (4) no substantial part of the activities may consist of
political or lobbying activities. Failure to satisfy any of these requirements bars qualification
under section 501(c)(3). See American Campaign Academy v. Commissioner, 92 T.C. 1053,
1062 (1989) and cases cited therein. See also Nationalist Movement v. Commissioner, 37 F.3d
216 (5th Cir. 1999), aff'g per curiam 102 T.C. 558 (1994).

The operational test focuses on how the organization is actually operated, regardless of whether it
is properly organized for tax-exempt purposes. Pursuant to the Treasury Regulations, included in
the requirements for an organization to meet the operational test, the organization must be
primarily engaged in activities which accomplish one or more of the exempt purposes specified in
section 501(c)(3)(the "primary activities" test). See section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1) of the regulations.

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 individuals. Regs. 1.501(a)-1(c) states that "the words 'private shareholder or
individual' in section 501 refer to persons having a personal and private interest in the activities of
the organization."

Catalog Number 20810W                  Page 5                  www.irs.gov          Form 886-A (Rev. 5-2017)

Form 886-A          Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service          Schedule number
(May 2017)                        Explanations of Items                             or exhibit

Name of taxpayer     Tax Identification Number (last 4 digits)     Year/Period ended
[redacted]           [redacted]                                    [redacted]

In Unitary Mission Church of Long Island v. Commissioner, the court concluded that the
organization was not entitled to exemption under section 501(c)(3) because a part of its net
earnings inured to the benefit of private shareholders or individuals.

In Wendy L. Parker Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1986-348, the
Tax Court upheld the Service's position that a foundation formed to aid coma victims, including a
family member of the founders, was not entitled to recognition of exemption. Approximately 30%
of the organization's net income was expected to be distributed to aid the family coma victim. The
Court found that the family coma victim was a substantial beneficiary of the foundation's funds. It
also noted that such distributions relieved the family of the economic burden of providing medical
and rehabilitation care for their family member and, therefore, constituted inurement to the benefit
of private individuals.

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

Catalog Number 20810W                  Page 6                  www.irs.gov          Form 886-A (Rev. 5-2017)

Form 886-A          Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service          Schedule number
(May 2017)                        Explanations of Items                             or exhibit

Name of taxpayer     Tax Identification Number (last 4 digits)     Year/Period ended
[redacted]           [redacted]                                    [redacted]

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.

Taxpayer's Position:

[redacted] position is not known at this time.

Government's Position:

Analysis:

[redacted] furnished certain bank records and other financial information which show expenses paid
by the organization totaling $[redacted] during the [redacted] calendar year under exam. Substantially all
expenses paid by the organization, which include building repairs and maintenance ($[redacted]),
[redacted] ($[redacted]), food and refreshments ($[redacted]), automobile related expenses
($[redacted]), utilities ($[redacted]), and insurance ($[redacted]), can be personal in nature. The IRS examiner
found no evidence of [redacted] owning real property or vehicles. No compensation was reported as
paid by the organization in [redacted].

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).

Catalog Number 20810W                  Page 7                  www.irs.gov          Form 886-A (Rev. 5-2017)

Form 886-A          Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service          Schedule number
(May 2017)                        Explanations of Items                             or exhibit

Name of taxpayer     Tax Identification Number (last 4 digits)     Year/Period ended
[redacted]           [redacted]                                    [redacted]

As part of standard audit procedures, the IRS examiner requested [redacted] to furnish records and
information needed to substantiate whether expenses paid by [redacted] furthered the exempt
purposes of the organization or were personal expenses of the organization's founders/officers.
See IDR's #2 and #3. [redacted] and its representative failed to respond to IDR's #2 and #3 and did
not otherwise demonstrate that expenditures made by the organization furthered charitable or
other exempt purposes described in section 501(c)(3) of the Code.

Absent evidence to the contrary, the IRS asserts that during the [redacted] calendar year under exam,
substantially all of [redacted] income and assets were used to pay the personal living expenses
incurred by the organization's founders, [redacted]. Accordingly, the IRS
further asserts that all or substantially all net earnings of the organization inured to the benefit of
private individuals. See section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(2) of the regulations. See also Unitary Mission
Church of Long Island v. Commissioner and Wendy L. Parker Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. v.
Commissioner cited above.

[redacted] has failed to demonstrate that the organization operates exclusively for charitable,
religious, or other exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Code and the
regulations thereunder. The IRS has no record of [redacted] dissolving its corporate charter. The
organization remains an active entity according to the data downloaded from the state website and
appended as Exhibit A.

Conclusion:

For the reasons stated above, the IRS has determined that [redacted] 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 [redacted] 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status effective
[redacted], the first day of the [redacted] calendar year 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 appeals rights and other options
available to the organization and, the instructions for how to respond.

Catalog Number 20810W                  Page 8                  www.irs.gov          Form 886-A (Rev. 5-2017)