Weekly 4-H Update
Communications >> 4-H Update >> Volume 11, Number 37.....................................November 2, 2007
 |
Attachments:
[ none for this week ]
Reminders:
- Nov. 7: Prudential Spirit of Community Award nominations due to State 4-H office
- Nov. 22-23: University holidays, offices closed
- Nov. 23-27: National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA
- Dec. 1: Urban Expansion Reports due
- Dec. 8: National 4-H Salute to Excellence nominations due
- Dec. 24-26: University holidays, offices closed
IRS FAQ’s
This article is in response to all those questions we’ve gotten about who should be on the Colorado Certified list of 4-H clubs, groups and organizations. Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions that we have received.
:: Should all clubs be listed even if they don’t have a bank account?
If an authorized club/subsidiary is interested in fund raising or accepting any donations, then they need to have an EIN and be included in our state certification list - even if they keep their funds in a cookie jar. A chartered club or authorized 4-H subsidiary that does not raise funds/accept gifts and does not want to fall under the National 4-H GEN would not have the federal income tax exemption that comes with inclusion. If the club is going to be raising money for 4-H, they should get an EIN and be listed.
Why? It protects the donor and allows them to legally deduct the donation on their tax return.
:: What is an EIN?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique identifier for each club. It’s the same concept as each of us having our own unique Social Security Number. 4-H groups should not share the same number and they should have their own EIN.
:: How do I get an EIN?
Download an SS-4 application available on-line at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf. You can look at the sample SS-4 on our website at: http://colorado4h.org/agent_resources/taxdocs/SS-4_sample.pdf
You can mail or fax it to the IRS. There is no fee associated with this form although there are on-line businesses that will charge you a fee to file it. Don’t go to those sites!
:: The on-line IRS SS-4 application requires a Social Security Number for the “Principle Officer.” I don’t want my Social Security Number associated with the 4-H group. What do I do?
Don’t use the on-line form. Use the printed form, don’t include the information and mail or fax it to the IRS. There is a sample SS-4 form on the 4-H website under “Agent Resources.”
:: What do I do about a club that disbanded several years ago and is not on the list?
Nothing.
:: When do I file the e-Postcard?
Actually the e-Postcard (IRS form 990N) isn’t due until next year. In fact, it isn’t even ready yet! The filing deadline will be dependent upon your club fiscal year. The annual electronic notice is due by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of the tax period. For example, if the tax period ends on December 31, 2007, the notice is due May 15, 2008. If your 4-H year runs from October 1 to September 30 each year, as it does for most clubs, the filing deadline would be February 15, 2008.
:: What happens if we don’t file.
Organizations that do not file will lose their tax-exempt status.
:: Are Fair boards considered to be 4-H subsidiaries?
No. They are appointed by and controlled by county commissioners. A 4-H subsidiary, according to the IRS, must be under the control and guidance of Extension.
:: Our county foundation has their own 501(c)(3) status. Should they be included on the list?
No.
Hope this clears up a few questions you might have had. As always, please call us if you need further assistance. — Dale Leidheiser
eCYBERMISSION Opportunity
Here is an opportunity for you and your friends to exercise your brains, gain valuable experience in scientific research, teamwork, problem solving, and analysis, help your community, and maybe earn some money. eCYBERMISSION sponsors an annual competition designed to get middle school age students involved in community challenges and solutions. “eCYBERMISSION is a free, web-based science, math and technology competition for students in grades six to nine.” Competition is by grade and by region. Regional team members win $3,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds, and an invitation to compete at the national level. National winners receive $5,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds, a medal, a plaque, and the title of national champions.
Sound exciting? Challenging? Yes! Impossible? Absolutely not! Here’s what you do. Pick three friends from your grade to work on the project. Identify a problem that exists in your community in one of these four areas: Health and Safety, Arts and Entertainment, Sports and Recreation, or Environment. Formulate a hypothesis and conduct research and experiments. Maintain a “Mission Folder” which will contain your official write-up on the project with attached files (photos, graphs, survey questions, etc). When your study is complete, you will submit your folder via the Web. Virtual judges will review and score all Mission Folders to determine regional winners.
eCYBERMISSION is sponsored by the U.S. Army. However, you don’t have to be a military family member to participate. To get started, you can register your team on line at www.ecybermission.com. Or you can contact “Mission Control” at 1.866.462.9237. Finally, there are some neat posters, brochures, and fact sheets that will be sent to you by contacting Russ Latherow, Child and Youth Regional Coordinator, 96th Regional Readiness Command at Russell.Latherow@usar.army.milor or by calling 1.801.656.3405.
Step up to the challenge. Give it a try. Who knows where it could lead you?
— Shauna Woods
