The NESFA IRS Ruling Letter

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Washington, DC 20224

Date: OCT 19 1971
In reply refer to: T:MS:EO:R:2

New England Science Fiction Association
Box G, M.I.T. Branch Station
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

Gentlemen:

Based on information supplied, and assuming your operations will be as stated in your application for recognition of exemption, we have determined you are exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

We have further determined you are not a private foundation within the meaning of section 509(a) of the Code, because you are an organization described in section 509(a)(2).

You are not liable for social security (FICA) taxes unless you file a waiver of exemption certificate as provided in the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. You are not liable for the taxes imposed under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).

Since you are not a private foundation, you are not subject to the excise taxes under Chapter 42 of the Code. However, you are not automatically exempt from other Federal excise taxes.

Donors may deduct contributions to you as provided in section 170 of the Code. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts to you or for your use are deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes under sections 2055, 2106, and 2522 of the Code.

If your gross receipts each year are normally more than $5,000, you are required to file Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, by the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of your annual accounting period. The law imposes a penalty of $10 a day, up to a maximum of $5,000, for failure to file a return on time.

You are not required to file Federal income tax returns unless you are subject to the tax on unrelated business income under section 511 of the Code. If you are subject to this tax, you must file an income tax return on Form 990-T. In this letter we are not determining whether any of your present or proposed activities are unrelated trade or business as defined in section 513 of the Code.

You need an employer identification number even if you have no employees. If an employer identification number was not entered on your application, a number will be assigned to you and you will be advised of it. Please use that number on all returns you file and in all correspondence with the Internal Revenue Service.

Your Key District for exempt organization matters is Boston, Massachusetts. Please keep your Key District Director informed of any changes in your purposes, character, method of operation, or sources of support. Also, you must inform him of all changes in your name or address.

Please keep the ruling letter in your permanent records.

Sincerely yours

J. A. Tedesco

Chief, Rulings Section

Exempt Organizations Branch