How did RR 98-16 apply South Carolina sales tax, admissions tax, and alcohol rules to nonprofit fundraising dinners, shows, festivals, and auctions?

Plain-English summary

South Carolina Revenue Ruling 98-16 applied three separate systems to nonprofit fundraising events: sales tax, admissions tax, and alcoholic-beverage rules. Nonprofit status did not automatically make every dinner ticket, drink, show, or auction sale exempt.

For sales tax, the Department asked what the attendee was really buying. A $1,000 payment mainly intended as a charitable contribution was not treated as payment for a $20 catered meal, so the caterer owed tax on the $20 meal charge while the nonprofit's $1,000 receipt was not taxable as a retail sale. By contrast, when an event charge covered a meal, entertainment, or drinks near their actual value, the relevant portions could be subject to sales tax or admissions tax unless the organization had obtained a statutory exemption certificate.

Alcohol rules were separate. The ruling treated alcohol as sold when an event required a per-drink charge, admission fee, donation, ticket, meal payment, or other consideration. Depending on the organization, beverage, location, and event, temporary permits could be required even when alcohol carried no separate price.

At charity auctions, a licensed auctioneer was treated as the retailer and owed sales tax on auction receipts even when proceeds went directly to the nonprofit. Without a licensed auctioneer, the nonprofit was the retailer, subject to any nonprofit sales exemption for which it qualified and had received a certificate.

Examples covered by the ruling

• High-dollar charity dinner: the attendee's $1,000 was treated as a contribution rather than a meal sale; the caterer owed tax on its $20-per-plate charge. Temporary alcohol permits were still required under the stated facts.
• Meal-and-band social: the meal and drink portions were subject to sales tax and the entertainment/admission portion to admissions tax, unless separate statutory exemptions applied.
• Cost-covering social with drinks sold separately: meal, admission, and drink charges were divided among the applicable taxes, subject to exemptions.
• Church fellowship dinner: the full $5.50 meal price was gross proceeds even though $1 funded youth programs, unless the church qualified for and obtained the nonprofit sales exemption.
• Church show: the $1 show charge was an admission, but the ruling treated the church as qualifying for the cited admissions-tax exemption.
• Free private event: the nonprofit was the consumer of food and drinks, so vendors collected sales tax from it; limited no-permit alcohol options depended on no donation or consideration and compliance with the location rules.
• Beer at a festival: the nonprofit was the retailer unless exempt and needed the temporary beer-and-wine permit described in the ruling.
• Auctions: responsibility fell on the licensed auctioneer when one conducted the auction; otherwise it fell on the nonprofit, subject to its exemption status.

Common questions

Q: Was every payment to a charity treated as a donation? No. The Department considered the transaction's true object, the value of the meal or entertainment, the parties' intent, and the event's facts.

Q: Did one nonprofit exemption cover both sales and admissions tax? No. The ruling described separate statutory exemptions and separate application forms.

Q: Could alcohol be treated as sold even when there was no per-drink charge? Yes. The ruling said admission, a donation, a ticket, a meal charge, or other consideration connected with the event could constitute a sale for alcoholic-beverage purposes.

Q: Is RR 98-16 current guidance? No. It reflects 1998 law and was followed by multiple later same-subject rulings. Current tax exemptions, forms, permits, and alcohol rules must be verified separately.

Citations and references

• S.C. Code Ann. §§ 12-36-90 and 12-36-910 (gross proceeds and sales tax)
• S.C. Code Ann. § 12-36-2120(41) (specified nonprofit sales exemption)
• S.C. Code Ann. § 12-36-70 and former § 40-6-20 (retailer and auctioneer provisions cited)
• S.C. Code Ann. §§ 12-21-2410 and 12-21-2420 (admissions tax and exemptions)
• S.C. Code Ann. §§ 61-4-240, 61-4-550, 61-6-500, 61-6-510, 61-6-1620(B), and 61-6-2000; S.C. Regulation 7-14 (temporary permits and private functions discussed)
• SC Revenue Ruling #04-8, SC Revenue Ruling #10-1, and SC Revenue Ruling #12-3 (later same-subject guidance and supersession chain)

Subject

Fundraising Events by Nonprofit Organizations

Source

• Landing page: https://dor.sc.gov/advisory-opinion-search
• Original PDF: https://dor.sc.gov/sites/dor/files/policies/RR98-16.pdf

Original ruling text

State of South Carolina

Department of Revenue
301 Gervais Street, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214

SC REVENUE RULING # 98-16

SUBJECT:

Fundraising Events by Nonprofit Organizations
(Sales Tax, Admissions Tax, ABC)

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Applies to all periods open under the statute.

SUPERSEDES:

All previous documents and any oral directives in conflict herewith.

REFERENCES:

S. C. Code Ann. Section 12-36-90 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 12-36-910 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 12-36-2120(41) (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 12-36-70 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 40-6-20 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 12-21-2410 (1976)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 12-21-2420 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 61-6-500 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 61-6-510 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 61-6-2000 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 61-4-550 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 61-4-240 (Supp. 1997)
S. C. Code Ann. Section 61-6-1620(B) (Supp. 1997)
SC Regulation 7-14 (1976)

AUTHORITY:

S. C. Code Ann. Section 12-4-320 (Supp. 1997)
SC Revenue Procedure #97-8

SCOPE:

A Revenue Ruling is the Department of Revenue's official advisory
opinion of how laws administered by the Department are to be applied to
a specific issue or a specific set of facts, and is provided as guidance for
all persons or a particular group. It is valid and remains in effect until
superseded or modified by a change in the statute or regulations or a
subsequent court decision, Revenue Ruling or Revenue Procedure.

INTRODUCTION:
Questions have arisen concerning the application of the sales tax, admissions tax and the
alcoholic beverage laws to fundraisers conducted by charities.
Such fundraisers may invite anyone who contributes $1,000 or more or may be promoted as a
$1,000 per plate fundraising dinner. Other fundraisers may sell food or other items at or near the
market rate and use the amount over and above costs for the organization’s charitable purpose.

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The following will discuss the law and, based on this discussion, provide examples in a question
and answer format in order to explain the application of the sales tax, admissions tax, and the
alcoholic beverage laws to such fundraisers.

LAW AND DISCUSSION:
SALES TAX:
Code Section 12-36-910 imposes “a sales tax, equal to five percent of gross proceeds of sales,
upon every person engaged . . . within this State in the business of selling tangible personal
property at retail.”
The measure of the sales tax, “gross proceeds of sales,” is defined at Code Section 12-36-90, in
part, as:
... the value proceeding or accruing from the sale, lease, or rental of tangible personal
property.
(1) The term includes:

(b) the proceeds from the sale of tangible personal property without any
deduction for:
(i)

the cost of goods sold;

(ii)

the cost of materials, labor, or service;

(iii) interest paid;
(iv) losses;
(v)

transportation costs;

(vi) manufacturers or importers excise taxes imposed by the United States;
or
(vii) any other expenses.
In reviewing the above code sections, it appears that the entire charge may be subject to the sales
tax. Such a conclusion appears to be consistent with previous court cases and Commission
Decisions. [See Meyers Arnold v. South Carolina Tax Commission, 285 S.C. 303, 328 S.E. 2d
920 (1985 App.) (lay away fees for lay away sales); Regency Towers Association, Inc. v. South
Carolina Tax Commission, Horry County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 88-CP-26-1109
(1989) (maid service at a hotel); and Commission Decisions #90-38 and #91-64 (engraving
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charges as part of the sale of trophies).] These cases and decisions concerned whether or not
certain services incidental to, or associated with, the sale of tangible personal property should be
included in “gross proceeds of sales.”
The so-called “true object” test is generally used to delineate sales of services from sales of
tangible personal property. Applying this test to the matter at hand, it must be determined
whether the meal or the donation is the true object of these fundraisers.
If the meal is the true object, then the donation is incidental to the sale of the meal and the entire
charge for the ticket would be subject to the sales tax. If the true object of the transaction is to
make a donation to charity, then the meal would be incidental to the donation and the amount
received would not be subject to the sales tax.
The “true object” test is best described in 9 Vanderbilt Law Review 231 (1956), wherein it is
stated:
The true test then is one of basic purpose of the buyer. When the product of the service is
not of value to anyone other than the purchaser, either because of the confidential
character of the product, or because it is prepared to fit the purchaser’s special need - a
contract or will prepared by a lawyer, or the accident investigation report prepared for an
insurance company - this fact is evidence tending to show that the service is the real
purpose of the contract. When the purpose of the contract is to produce an article which
is the true object of the agreement, the final transfer of the product should be a sale,
regardless of the fact that special skills and knowledge go into its production. Under this
analysis, printing work, done on special order, and of significant value only to the
particular customer, is still a sale. The purchaser is interested in the product of the
services of the printer, not in the services per se. Similarly, it would seem that contracts
for custom-produced articles, be they intrinsically valuable or not, should be classified as
sales when the product of the contract is transferred.
The Vanderbilt Law Review article, in quoting Snite v. Department of Revenue, 398 Ill. 41, 74
N.E. 2d. 877 (1947), also establishes the following general rule:
If the article sold has no value to the purchaser except as a result of services rendered by
the vendor, and the transfer of the article to the purchaser is an actual and necessary part
of the services rendered, then the vendor is engaged in the business of rendering service,
and not in the business of selling at retail. If the article sold is the substance of the
transaction and the service rendered is merely incidental to and an inseparable part of the
transfer to the purchaser of the article sold, then the vendor is engaged in the business of
selling at retail, and the tax which he pays . . . [is measured by the total cost of the article
and services]. If the service rendered in connection with an article does not enhance its
value and there is a fixed or ascertainable relation between the value of the article and the
value of the service rendered in connection therewith, then the vendor is engaged in the
business of selling at retail and also engaged in the business of furnishing service, and is
subject to tax as to the one business and tax exempt as to the other.

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While the above quotes do not establish rigid rules, they do provide general guidance in
determining the purpose of a transaction, and are particularly helpful in addressing the issues at
hand.
Code Section 12-36-2120(41) exempts from the sales and use tax sales made by certain nonprofit
organizations. The statute exempts:
items sold by organizations exempt under Section 12-37-220 A(3) and (4) and B(5), (6),
(7), (8), (12), (16), (19), (22), and (24) if the net proceeds are used exclusively for exempt
purposes and no benefit inures to any individual. An organization whose sales are
exempted by this item is also exempt from the retail license tax provided in Article 5 of
this chapter. ...
In order to be exempt from the sales tax under this exemption, a nonprofit organization must
apply for an exemption certificate using Form ST-387 (copy attached).
Nonprofit organizations coming within the exemption are:
(1)

public libraries and churches;

(2)

charitable trusts and foundations used exclusively for charitable and public
purposes;

(3)

The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Spanish American War
Veterans, the Disabled American Veterans, and Fleet Reserve Association or any
similar Veterans Organization chartered by the Congress of the United States;

(4)

The Young Women's Christian Association, Young Men's Christian Association
and the Salvation Army;

(5)

The Boy's and Girl's Scouts of America;

(6)

The Palmetto Junior Homemakers Association, the New Homemakers of South
Carolina, the South Carolina Association of Future Farmers of America and the
New Farmers of South Carolina;

(7)

Any religious, charitable, eleemosynary, educational, or literary society,
corporation, or other association;

(8)

Volunteer Fire Departments and Rescue Squads;

(9)

All community owned recreation facilities opened to the general public and
operated on a nonprofit basis; and,

(10) nonprofit or eleemosynary community theater companies, symphony orchestras,
county and community arts councils and commissions and other such companies,
which is used exclusively for the promotion of the arts.
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Note, this exemption only applies to sales or purchases for resale by the above nonprofit
organizations. Purchases of property used by such nonprofit organizations (i.e., computers,
furniture, supplies, etc.) do not come within the exemption.
Finally, with respect to auctioneers, Code Section 12-36-70 defines the term “retailer” to include
every person “selling or auctioning tangible personal property whether owned by the person or
others.” In addition, Code Section 40-6-20 specifically states that the provisions Chapter 6 of Title
40, which governs auctioneers, apply to auctions conducted by a licensed auctioneer on behalf of a
charitable, civic, or religious organization. As such, a licensed auctioneer is liable for the sales tax
on the “gross proceeds of sales” of the items sold at an auction he is conducting on behalf of a
nonprofit organization, whether or not he is donating his time and expertise. However, if a
nonprofit organization does not use a licensed auctioneer, but conducts its auction without a
licensed auctioneer, then the nonprofit organization is liable for the sales tax on such sales unless
the nonprofit organization qualifies for the exemption from the tax under Code Section 12-362120(41).
ADMISSIONS TAX:
Code Section 12-21-2410 reads:
For the purpose of this article and unless otherwise required by the context:
(1) The word "admission" means the right or privilege to enter into or use a place or
location;
(2) The word "place" means any definite enclosure or location; and
(3) The word "person" means individual, partnership, corporation, association or
organization of any kind whatsoever.
Code Section 12-21-2420 reads, in part:
There must be levied, assessed, collected and paid upon paid admissions to places of
amusement within this State a license tax of five percent.
*

*

*

*

The tax imposed by this section shall be paid by the person or persons paying such
admission price . . .
In summary, the tax is upon "paid admissions" and the person paying the admission is the
taxpayer with respect to the tax, whether that person is an individual, a partnership, or
corporation. Furthermore, “paid admissions” constitute the amounts paid by patrons to enter into
or use a place of amusement.

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Over the years, the Department of Revenue has reviewed several times the issue of what charges
are includable in “paid admissions.” Essentially, the determination is based on what the patron
must pay to enter into or use a place of amusement.
Therefore, we must determine whether or not a person is paying to enter into or use a place of
amusement when considering the application of the admissions tax to fundraising events.
Code Section 12-21-2420(4) exempts from the admissions tax:
... admissions charged by an eleemosynary and nonprofit corporation or organization
organized exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, or educational purposes; or the
presentation of performing artists by an accredited college or university; provided, that
the license tax herein levied and assessed shall be collected and paid upon all paid
admissions to all athletic events of any institution of learning above the high school level;
provided, however, that carnivals, circuses, and community fairs operated by
eleemosynary or nonprofit corporations or organizations organized exclusively for
religious, charitable, scientific, or educational purposes shall not be exempt from the
assessment and collection of admissions tax on charges for admission for the use of or
entrance to rides, places of amusement, shows, exhibits, and other carnival facilities, but
not to include charges for general gate admissions except when the proceeds of any such
carnival, circus, or community fair are donated to a hospital; provided, further, that no
admissions tax shall be charged or collected by reason of any charge made to any
member of a nonprofit organization or corporation for the use of the facilities of the
organization or corporation of which he is a member.
Nonprofit organizations qualifying for this exemption may apply for an exemption certificate
using Form L-2068 (copy attached).
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS:
The following code sections concern the issuance of temporary licenses or permits with respect
to the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors, beer, and wine at fundraisers
conducted by nonprofit organizations. The statutes concerning alcoholic liquors will address
either the possession, sale, and consumption of liquor in containers larger than two ounces (“big
bottles”) or the possession, sale, and consumption of liquor in containers equal to or less than
two ounces (“minibottles”).
Please note that some of the code sections discussed below permit the possession and
consumption of alcoholic liquors, beer and wine, but do not permit the sale of these beverages.
In determining which permit, if any, a nonprofit organization must obtain, it is important whether
or not the alcoholic liquor, beer, or wine will be sold. For purposes of the ABC laws, alcoholic
liquor, beer, or wine is sold if there is a per drink charge, if an admissions fee is charged to enter
a place or event where these beverages are provided, if a donation is accepted with respect to the
event where these beverages are provided, if tickets are sold with respect to the event where
these beverages are provided, if such beverages are provided as part of a meal for which
consideration, direct or indirect, is accepted or required, or if any consideration is accepted or
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required with respect to the event where these beverages are provided. In addition, please note
that the temporary permits discussed below that allow the sale, possession and consumption of
alcoholic liquors, beer, and wine may be issued for use in any designated area of a commercial
establishment, whether or not such area is within a licensed establishment for the sale and
consumption of such beverages (i.e. a meeting room in a licensed restaurant or a ballroom in a
licensed hotel), or in a private residence.
Sale of Beer and Wine at Fairs and Special Functions: Code Section 61-4-550 concerns the
sale of beer and wine and states:
The department may issue permits running for a period not exceeding fifteen days for a
fee of ten dollars per day. Such special permits shall be issued only for locations at fairs
and special functions.
Beer or Wine Provided Without Charge: When a function is held in an unlicensed premises, a
permit is not necessary if a nonprofit organization provides beer or wine at the function free of
charge or free of any consideration whatsoever. However, a permit may be required under local
law and the nonprofit organization should contact the local municipality or county to determine
if a permit is required. Please see the last page of this section on “Alcoholic Beverage Laws” for
a discussion of what constitutes consideration under the ABC laws.
Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Liquors from Big Bottles at a Private Function:
Code Section 61-6-1620(B) concerns the possession and consumption of liquor from big bottles
and states:
Alcoholic liquors may be possessed or consumed in separate and private areas of an
establishment whether or not the establishment includes premises which are licensed
pursuant to Sections 61-6-1600 or 61-6-1610, where specific individuals have leased
these areas for a function not open to the general public.
With respect to Code Section 61-6-1620(B), Regulation 7-14, which concerns the possession and
consumption of alcoholic liquors from big bottles in a separate and private area of an
establishment, states:
A. Lease must be written. When a separate and private area of an establishment is
leased by a specific individual or individuals for a function not open to the general public
pursuant to [Section 61-6-1620(B)], the terms of the lease agreement shall be reduced to
writing and a copy of that instrument shall be retained by the licensee upon the licensed
premises.
B. Purchase, Delivery and Possession of Alcoholic Beverages. When a separate and
private area of an establishment is leased by a specific individual or individuals for a
function not open to the general public pursuant to [Section 61-6-1620(B)], the host or
sponsor of said function, or the designated agent or representative of said host or sponsor
must purchase and deliver to the leased area any alcoholic beverages to be possessed and
consumed therein and must remain constantly in actual possession of these beverages
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until such time as the function is concluded, at which time all alcoholic beverages must
be removed from the leased area and taken to a location where they may be legally
stored. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the host or sponsor or his designated
agent or representative from having other persons, whether employed by the licensee or
employed by the host or his designated agent or representative, from mixing and serving
alcoholic beverages belonging to the host of the party.
C. Termination of Lease. In the event that the area leased pursuant to [Section 61-61620(B)], is located upon the premises of an establishment holding either a sale and
consumption license or a retail beer and wine permit, the lease shall automatically
terminate at two o’clock in the morning. To permit or knowingly allow the possession
and consumption of any alcoholic beverages upon the premises of the establishment after
two o’clock in the morning shall constitute a violation against the license or permit. Such
violation shall constitute sufficient cause for the [SC Department of Revenue] to revoke
or suspend said license or permit.
At any event where alcoholic liquor is possessed and consumed under the provisions of the
above regulation, beer and wine may also be possessed and consumed.
Possession, Sale, and Consumption of Liquor from Minibottles: Code Section 61-6-2000
concerns the possession, sale, and consumption of liquor from minibottles. This section also
applies to beer and wine pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 61-4-240 (see below). Code
Section 61-6-2000 states:
In addition to the minibottle licenses authorized under subarticle 1 of this article, the
department may also issue a temporary license for a period not to exceed twenty-four
hours to nonprofit organizations which authorizes these organizations to purchase and
sell at a single social occasion alcoholic liquors in minibottles. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this article, the issuance of this permit authorizes the organization to
purchase alcoholic liquors in minibottles from licensed retail dealers in the same manner
that persons with biennial minibottles licenses are authorized to make these purchases.
The fee for the permit is thirty-five dollars payable at the time of application. The permit
application must include a statement by the applicant as to the amount of alcoholic
liquors to be purchased and the nature and date of the social occasion at which they are
sold. The issuance or nonissuance of permits authorized under this section is within the
sole discretion of the department.
Possession and Consumption of Liquor from Big Bottles at a Publicly Owned Auditorium,
Coliseum, or Armory: Code Sections 61-6-500 concerns the possession and consumption of
liquor from big bottles. Code Section 61-6-500 states:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a permit not to exceed seventy-two hours to
allow the possession and consumption of alcoholic liquors must be issued upon request to
the public authorities in charge of a publicly owned auditorium, coliseum, or armory.
This permit is for the benefit of any person leasing or otherwise lawfully using the
subject premises.
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Possession, Sale, and Consumption of Liquor from Big Bottles: Code Section 61-6-510
concerns the possession, sale, and consumption of liquor from big bottles. This section also
applies to beer and wine pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 61-4-240 (see below). Code
Section 61-6-510 states:
The department may issue a temporary permit to allow the possession, sale, and
consumption of alcoholic liquors. This permit is valid for a period not to exceed twentyfour hours, and may be issued only to bona fide nonprofit organizations that have been in
existence and operating for at least twelve months before the date of application, to
nonprofit educational foundations, and to political parties and their affiliates duly
certified by the Secretary of State. The department must charge a nonrefundable filing fee
of thirty-five dollars for processing each application. The department in its discretion
must specify the terms and conditions of the permit. For purposes of this section,
“nonprofit organization” means an organization not open to the general public, but with a
limited membership and established for social, benevolent, patriotic, recreational, or
fraternal purposes.
Sale of Beer and Wine: Code Sections 61-6-2000 and 61-6-510 only allow the sale of liquor.
So the question arises as to whether beer or wine may be sold at these same functions. This is
addressed in Code Section 61-4-240, which allows beer and wine to be sold at these functions
upon the issuance of a temporary permit for the sale of beer and wine.

CONCLUSIONS:
The following will explain, through examples, the application of the sales tax, admissions tax,
and alcoholic beverage laws to fundraising events conducted by a nonprofit organization:
Example 1:
Facts:
A nonprofit organization holds a $1,000 a plate function to raise money for a specific purpose.
At this function, persons paying the $1,000 will be served a meal and will listen to a speech by a
famous person. A professional caterer will provide the meal and will be paid $20 a plate by the
nonprofit organization. Alcoholic liquors (poured from big bottles), beer, and wine will be
provided by the nonprofit organization and will be available at no additional charge for any
person of legal drinking age.
Answer:
Sales Tax: The caterer, as a retailer, must have a retail license and is liable for the sales tax on
the “gross proceeds of sales” of all the meals charged at $20 a plate to the nonprofit organization.
The $1,000 paid to the nonprofit organization by the persons attending the fundraiser is a
charitable contribution for sales tax purposes and is not consideration received from the sale of
tangible personal property.

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Admissions Tax: The $1,000 paid to the nonprofit organization by the persons attending the
fundraiser is a charitable contribution and is not a charge to enter into and use a place of
amusement. As such, it is not subject to the admissions tax
Alcoholic Beverage Laws: The nonprofit organization must obtain the temporary permits
authorized under Code Sections 61-6-510 (alcoholic liquors) and 61-4-240 (beer and wine) in
order to allow the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors, beer, and wine at the
fundraiser. This temporary permit only applies to those nonprofit organizations falling within the
definition of “nonprofit organization” as set forth in Code Section 61-6-510 or those nonprofit
organizations that constitute a nonprofit education foundation.
If the nonprofit organization does not qualify for the temporary permit under Code Section 61-6510, then the nonprofit organization may obtain the temporary permits authorized under Code
Sections 61-6-2000 (alcoholic liquors) and 61-4-240 (beer and wine) in order to allow the
possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors via minibottles and beer and wine at the
fundraiser.
Example 2:
Facts:
A nonprofit organization is conducting a social. For $50.00 a person, members and guests will
receive a meal and will be entertained by, and be able to dance to the music of, a local band.
Alcoholic liquors (poured from big bottles), beer, and wine will be provided by the nonprofit
organization and will be available at an additional charge for any person of legal drinking age.
Answer:
Sales Tax and Admissions Tax: The nonprofit organization, as the retailer, must have a retail
license and is liable for the sales tax on the “gross proceeds of sales” of the portion of the charge
representing the meal and the drinks (alcoholic liquors, beer, wine, etc.) and is liable for the
admissions tax on the portion of the charge representing the admissions charge. See SC Private
Letter Ruling #92-5 for information and an example of a charge subject to both the sales tax and
the admissions tax.
However, if the nonprofit organization qualifies for the exemption under Code Section 12-362120(41), the sale of the meals by the nonprofit organization to its members and visitors will not
be subject to the sales tax provided the nonprofit organization has applied for and received an
exemption certificate from the department. Nonprofit organizations that have obtained the
exemption certificate are not required to obtain a retail sales tax license. See SC Revenue
Procedure #89-5 for more information concerning the sales tax exemption under Code Section
12-36-2120(41).
Also, if the organization qualifies for the exemption under Code Section 12-21-2420, the
admissions charged by the nonprofit organization to its members and visitors will not be subject
to the admissions tax. A nonprofit organization may seek a determination as to whether it
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qualifies for the admission tax exemption under Code Section 12-21-2420 by completing the
Application for Admissions Tax Exemption - Form L-2068 (copy attached).
Alcoholic Beverage Laws: The nonprofit organization must obtain the temporary permits
authorized under Code Sections 61-6-510 (alcoholic liquors) and 61-4-240 (beer and wine) in
order to allow the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors, beer, and wine at the
fundraiser. This temporary permit only applies to those nonprofit organizations falling within the
definition of “nonprofit organization” as set forth in Code Section 61-6-510 or those nonprofit
organizations that constitute a nonprofit education foundation.
If the nonprofit organization does not qualify for the temporary permit under Code Section 61-6510, then the nonprofit organization may obtain the temporary permits authorized under Code
Sections 61-6-2000 (alcoholic liquors) and 61-4-240 (beer and wine) in order to allow the
possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors via minibottles and beer and wine at the
fundraiser.
Example 3:
Facts:
A nonprofit organization is conducting a social. For $100.00 a person, members and guests will
receive a meal and will be entertained by, and be able to dance to the music of, a local band. The
$100 is not for the purposes of raising money, but is being charged for the purposes of covering
the costs of the social. Alcoholic liquors will be sold for an additional charge per drink via
minibottles. Beer, and wine will also be sold for an additional charge per drink.
Answer:
Sales Tax and Admissions Tax: The nonprofit organization, as the retailer, must have a retail
license and is liable for the sales tax on the “gross proceeds of sales” of the portion of the $100
charge representing the meal and is liable for the admissions tax on the portion of the $100
charge representing the admissions charge. The separate charges for the drinks (alcoholic
liquors, beer, and wine) are also subject to the sales tax. See SC Private Letter Ruling #92-5 for
information and an example of a charge subject to both the sales tax and the admissions tax.
However, if the nonprofit organization qualifies for the exemption under Code Section 12-362120(41), the sale of the meals by the nonprofit organization to its members and visitors will not
be subject to the sales tax provided the nonprofit organization has applied for and received an
exemption certificate from the department. Nonprofit organizations that have obtained the
exemption certificate are not required to obtain a retail sales tax license. See SC Revenue
Procedure #89-5 for more information concerning the sales tax exemption under Code Section
12-36-2120(41).
Also, if the organization qualifies for the exemption under Code Section 12-21-2420, the
admissions charged by the nonprofit organization to its members and visitors will not be subject
to the admissions tax. A nonprofit organization may seek a determination as to whether it
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qualifies for the admission tax exemption under Code Section 12-21-2420 by completing the
Application for Admissions Tax Exemption - Form L-2068 (copy attached).
Alcoholic Beverage Laws: The nonprofit organization must obtain the temporary permits
authorized under Code Sections 61-6-2000 (alcoholic liquors) and 61-4-240 (beer and wine) in
order to allow the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors via minibottles and beer
and wine at the fundraiser.
Example 4:
Facts:
A church seeks to raise money for its youth programs. Each week the church holds a fellowship
dinner. Members and visitors pay $5.50 per meal. Alcoholic liquors, beer, and wine will not be
provided or available at this event. The cost per meal to the church is $4.50. As such, $1.00 of
every meal is deposited into a special church fund to pay for the youth programs.
Answer:
Sales Tax: The church, as the retailer, is liable for the sales tax on the “gross proceeds of sales”
of all the meals charged at $5.50 a meal to the members and visitors. The church may purchase
prepared meals, or foodstuffs used to prepare the meals, tax free since such items will be resold
to the members and visitors or constitute ingredients or component parts of the meal being sold
by the church.
However, if the church qualifies for the exemption under Code Section 12-36-2120(41), the sale
of the meals by the church to its members and visitors will not be subject to the sales tax
provided the church has applied for and received an exemption certificate from the department.
Churches that have obtained the exemption certificate are not required to obtain a retail sales tax
license. See SC Revenue Procedure #89-5 for more information concerning the sales tax
exemption under Code Section 12-36-2120(41).
Admissions Tax: The admission tax is not applicable to this example.
Alcoholic Beverage Laws: The alcoholic beverage laws are not applicable to this example.
Example 5:
Facts:
A church seeks to raise money for its youth programs. Each week the church holds a show (e.g.,
a puppet show, play) for pre-schoolers and others. Members and visitors pay $1.00 to see the
show. The money received is deposited into a special church fund to pay for the youth programs.

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Answer:
Sales Tax: The sales tax is not applicable to this example.
Admissions Tax: The $1.00 paid to the church by the persons attending the show is a charge to
enter into and use a place of amusement. However, since the church qualifies for the exemption
under Code Section 12-21-2420(4), the admissions price charged by the church will not be
subject to the admissions tax.
Alcoholic Beverage Laws: The alcoholic beverage laws are not applicable to this example.
Example 6:
Facts:
A nonprofit organization is conducting a private event for invited guests only. No donation,
entrance fee, or consideration of any kind will be required of the guests. The guests will receive
a meal and alcoholic liquors, beer, and wine will be provided. No donation or consideration of
any kind will be accepted or required.
Answer:
Sales Tax: The nonprofit organization is not selling a meal or drinks and therefore is the user
and consumer of the drinks and foodstuffs purchased to prepare the meal or the prepared meal if
such a meal is purchased from a caterer. Therefore, the retailer selling the drinks, foodstuffs or
prepared meal to the nonprofit organization must have a retail license and is liable for the sales
tax on the “gross proceeds of sales” from the sale of the drinks, foodstuffs, or prepared meals.
Please note that since the nonprofit organization is not selling the drinks or meal, the exemption
under Code Section 12-36-2120(41) does not apply.
Admissions Tax: The admission tax is not applicable to this example.
Alcoholic Beverage Laws: The nonprofit organization may do one of the following:
(a) Alcoholic liquors, beer, and wine may be possessed or consumed in separate and
private areas of an establishment whether or not the establishment includes premises
which are licensed pursuant to Sections 61-6-1600 or 61-6-1610, where specific
individuals have leased these areas for a function not open to the general public.
Regulation 7-14 establishes the rules for conducting a private function at which alcoholic
liquors will be served and at which no donations are accepted or consideration required.
The nonprofit organization in this example may conduct this function without obtaining a
permit for alcoholic liquors, beer, or wine provided the location and the host of the
private function comply with the provisions of Regulation 7-14.
(b) Alcoholic liquors, beer, and wine may be possessed or consumed in a private
residence.
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(c) If the event will be held at a publicly owned auditorium, coliseum, or armory, the
public authority in charge of the facility may obtain the temporary permits authorized
under Code Sections 61-6-500 (alcoholic liquors). Since beer and wine will not be sold, a
temporary permit is not necessary in order to possess and consume beer and wine at this
function. In this case, the nonprofit organization is not required to obtain any temporary
permits for the possession and consumption of alcoholic liquors, beer, and wine.
Example 7:
Facts:
A nonprofit organization will sell beer at a local festival in order to raise money.
Answer:
Sales Tax: The nonprofit organization, as the retailer, must have a retail license and is liable for
the sales tax on the “gross proceeds of sales” of the beer.
However, if the nonprofit organization qualifies for the exemption under Code Section 12-362120(41), the sale of the beer by the nonprofit organization will not be subject to the sales tax
provided the nonprofit organization has applied for and received an exemption certificate from
the department. Nonprofit organizations that have obtained the exemption certificate are not
required to obtain a retail sales tax license. See SC Revenue Procedure #89-5 for more
information concerning the sales tax exemption under Code Section 12-36-2120(41).
Admissions Tax: The admission tax is not applicable to this example.
Alcoholic Beverage Laws: The nonprofit organization must obtain the temporary permit
authorized under Code Sections 61-4-550 (beer and wine) in order to allow the sale of the beer at
the festival.
Example 8:
Facts:
A nonprofit organization will sell donated items at an auction to raise money. The nonprofit
organization has secured the services of a licensed auctioneer. The licensed auctioneer may or
may not be paid to conduct the auction.
Answer:
Sales Tax: Under the provisions of Code Section 12-36-70(1)(a), the licensed auctioneer is the
retailer and must have a retail license. As such, the auctioneer is liable for the sales tax on the
“gross proceeds of sales” of the items sold at the auction, even if the money collected at the
auction is paid directly to the nonprofit organization.

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Admissions Tax: The admission tax is not applicable to this example. Please note that if an
admissions fee is charged by the nonprofit organization (and not the licensed auctioneer), then
the admissions charged by the nonprofit organization to its members and visitors is not subject to
the admissions tax if the organization qualifies for the exemption under Code Section 12-212420. A nonprofit organization may seek a determination as to whether it qualifies for the
admission tax exemption under Code Section 12-21-2420 by completing the Application for
Admissions Tax Exemption - Form L-2068 (copy attached).
Alcoholic Beverage Laws: The alcoholic beverage laws are not applicable to this example. If
alcoholic beverages are served at the auction, see the other examples for information on the type
of permit, if any, that may be required under the ABC laws.
Example 9:
Facts:
A nonprofit organization will sell donated items at an auction to raise money. The nonprofit
organization will not secure the services of a licensed auctioneer. A local television personality,
who is not a licensed auctioneer, has agreed to conduct the auction.
Answer:
Sales Tax: The nonprofit organization, as the retailer, must have a retail license and is liable for
the sales tax on the “gross proceeds of sales” of the donated items. Since a television personality
conducting the auction is not a licensed auctioneer, the nonprofit organization is the retailer.
However, if the nonprofit organization qualifies for the exemption under Code Section 12-362120(41), the sale of the donated items by the nonprofit organization will not be subject to the
sales tax provided the nonprofit organization has applied for and received an exemption
certificate from the department. Nonprofit organizations that have obtained the exemption
certificate are not required to obtain a retail sales tax license. See SC Revenue Procedure #89-5
for more information concerning the sales tax exemption under Code Section 12-36-2120(41).
Admissions Tax: The admission tax is not applicable to this example. Please note that if an
admissions fee is charged by the nonprofit organization (and not the licensed auctioneer), then
the admissions charged by the nonprofit organization to its members and visitors is not subject to
the admissions tax if the organization qualifies for the exemption under Code Section 12-212420. A nonprofit organization may seek a determination as to whether it qualifies for the
admission tax exemption under Code Section 12-21-2420 by completing the Application for
Admissions Tax Exemption - Form L-2068 (copy attached).
Alcoholic Beverage Laws: The alcoholic beverage laws are not applicable to this example. If
alcoholic beverages are served at the auction, see the other examples for information on the type
of permit, if any, that may be required under the ABC laws.

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Please note the following:
Longstanding Policy: The conclusions reached in the above examples also represent the
longstanding policy of the department with respect to the application of the sales tax,
admissions tax, and the alcoholic beverage laws to such fundraisers.
Administrative interpretations of statutes by the agency charged with their administration
and not expressly changed by the legislative body are entitled to great weight. Marchant v.
Hamilton, 279 S.C. 497, 309 S.E. 2d 781(1983). When as in this case, the construction or
administrative interpretation of a statute has been applied for a number of years and has
not been changed by the legislature, there is created a strong presumption that such
interpretation or construction is correct. Ryder Truck Lines, Inc. v. South Carolina Tax
Commission, 248 S.C. 148, 149 S.E. 2d 435 (1966); Etiwan Fertilizer Company v. South
Carolina Tax Commission, 217 S.C. 354, 60 S.E. 2d 682 (1950). See Statutes Key Nos.
219(3) & 223.5(2).
Other Facts and Circumstances: The application of the sales tax, admissions tax, and
alcoholic beverage laws is determined by the facts and circumstances of a particular
fundraiser. The intent of the parties, the market rate for the meal, entertainment, or other
item being offered at the fundraiser, and other factors must be considered. In addition, all
factors must be considered in determining whether or not an alcoholic beverage permit is
required and the type of alcoholic beverage permit that may be required.
Applications: Attached to this ruling are the following application forms:
Form SCTC-111 - Business Tax Application. This application is used to apply for a
retail sales tax license.
Form L-514 - Application for a license to operate a place of amusement.
Form ST-387 - Exemption application for nonprofit organizations that may be exempt
from the sales tax with respect to their sales of tangible personal property.
Form L-2068 - Exemption application for nonprofit organizations that may be exempt
from the admissions tax with respect to functions they sponsor.
Form ABL 900 - Application for a temporary beer, wine, minibottle or alcoholic liquor
license.
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

s/Burnet R. Maybank III
Burnet R. Maybank, III, Director
Columbia, South Carolina
July 8,
1998
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