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Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
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Dear Comrades,
It’s just a couple days before we start a new year. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you and your family enjoy the start of a brand new year.
INSPECTIONS
As most of you know by now, Headquarters is taking the Inspection Reports very seriously this year, including a full follow-up on Posts who have deficiencies in one area or another. There will be a total of 62 letters going out in which we are attempting to help Posts become compliant with the basic minimal requirements. Seventeen of these letters have already been sent and the remainder will be sent out in January or early February. In each letter we have pointed out the items that need to be corrected. One thing that keeps coming up is about E.I.N.’s (Employer Identification Numbers).
E.I.N.’S (EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
State Commander Wilson requested of our State Inspector-Gerry Pothier, his assistants and each Deputy Inspector (District Commanders) that each Post E.I.N. number be written on the Inspection Report. This has been explained over and over again by State Inspector Pothier, but let me reiterate one more time the reason why we did this. Very shortly now, Headquarters is going to reclassify it’s exempt status from a 501 © (4) to a 501 © 19. We are also going to exempt ALL POST, LADIES AND MEN’S AUXILIARIES under this new exemption classification. Why? Because in 2008 the IRS is going to make it mandatory for each Post and Auxiliary to file a 990, even though currently, the IRS only requires Exempt Status One (1) Posts (those Posts bringing in more than $25,000.00 per/year) to file. In 2008, ALL POSTS will be required to file a 990. Posts who bring in less than $25,000.00 will have to file electronically a E-990 form over the internet. There will be no exceptions and if not filed, a Post or Auxiliary will lose their exemption status. And this is why Headquarters has asked for proof of each Post’s EIN number. When I convert to a 501 © 19, I need to have each Post’s EIN number so that I can get a group blanket exemption for all Posts and Auxiliaries in our Department. This does not mean that Headquarters will be filing your 990’s. We are just making sure that you have a viable EIN number when you file your 990 in 2008 and that you are exempt under the Department’s parent group exemption blanket. I hope this clears up the matter. By the way, EIN (Employer Identification Number) does not mean that you have to have employees. It is mandatory to have an EIN number to open a bank account.
VFW NATIONAL CONVENTION-ORLANDO, FLORIDA-AUGUST 16-21, 2008
Registration for lodging at the 2008 National Convention will start early this year. On December 31, 2007, you can register for your rooms. Our Department has only 40 rooms blocked, so for those who are going, make sure you make your reservations early. I will have the form posted on the web-site.
NON-COMPLIANCE OF HAVING THE POST/DISTRICT QUARTERMASTER BONDED SUSPENSION OF CHARTER AND TRUSTEESHIP
By a General Order of State Commander Johnny L. Wilson, those Posts who have not properly bonded their Post Quartermaster, according to National By-laws, will have their Post Charter suspended and the Post will be put in Trusteeship (Section 211-By-laws and Section 211-Manual of Procedure).
NON-COMPLIANCE OF SENDING QUARTERLY AUDITS TO THE STATE QUARTERMASTER SUSPENSION OF CHARTER AND TRUSTEESHIP
By a General Order of State Commander Johnny L. Wilson, those Posts who have not sent in their Post Trustees Report of Audit/s in a reasonable period of time to the State Quartermaster will have their Post Charter suspended and the Post will be put in a Trusteeship. (Section 211-By-laws and section 211-Manual of Procedure).
SPRING CONFERENCE SPECIALIZED TRAINING FOR POSTS OPERATING A CANTEEN
On Saturday, February 23, 2008 there will be a seminar involving how to set up your Canteen to be in compliance with your non profit status. There will be a professional CPA who will give you FREE information and advice on Canteen Operations and taxes. This in no way, means that we are going to get involved in your Canteen operations. We are only trying to give you useful information that you may want to look into. This seminar will take the place of the normal Quartermaster training session.
NEW ADMISSION FEES
For each new member, remember that there is a one dollar ($1.00) fee that needs to be sent into Headquarters. Please send in these fees after each quarter.
"ALL STATE POST/DISTRICT QUARTERMASTERS"
This is a reminder that the rules regarding becoming an “All State Post Quartermaster” have changed. Read State Commander Johnny Wilson’s Program and Membership guidebook.
NON COMPLIANCE OF NOT HAVING A DUES RESERVE FUND SUSPENSION OF CHARTER AND TRUSTEESHIP
By a General Order of State Commander Johnny L. Wilson, those Posts not having a Dues Reserve Fund will have their Post Charter suspended and the Post will be put in Trusteeship (Section 211-By-laws and section 211- Manual of Procedure).
NON-COMPLIANCE OF NOT HAVING A POST RELEIF FUND SUSPENSION OF POST CHARTER AND TRUSTEESHIP
By a General Order of State Commander Johnny L. Wilson, those Posts not maintaining a Post Relief Fund will have their Post Charter suspended and the Post put in Trusteeship.
HEADQUARTERS IS NOT TRYING TO MAKE YOUR LIVES DIFFICULT-WE ARE ONLY TRYING TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND HOW TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH VFW STATE AND NATIONAL BYLAWS. CALL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
In Comradeship,
Rod Burne
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