Your contributions to VPNA are now tax-deductible under section 170 of the IRS code!

One of the main objectives for VPNA in 2012 was to achieve IRS tax-exempt “charitable organization” status and become an IRS 501(c)(3) corporation. After submitting the original application over a year ago, updating and revising our bylaws earlier this year, and completing several rounds of question & answer sessions with the IRS, VPNA was finally awarded this elite status on June 22, 2012!

From this point forward, your contributions to VPNA are tax-deductible under section 170 of the IRS code. VPNA is also eligible to receive your tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the IRS code. And don’t forget if your employer has a gift-matching program, VPNA should now qualify for that as well.

Achieving this status was truly a team effort. Special thanks go to:

• Wally Bettes, past multi-year VPNA Treasurer who completed the original application and diligently maintained a close working relationship with our IRS case officer throughout the entire process.

• Claire Schwarz, attorney, and Vickery Place resident who provided VPNA free counsel on our bylaw revision and IRS application

• Stephen Melendi, attorney, and past President of the Belmont Neighborhood Association who provided free counsel on our bylaw revision

• The bylaws revision committee - Selena Urquhart, Wally Bettes, Henley Quadling, Will Short, and Mark Rieves

• The IRS “paperwork” committee – Beth Bentley, Will Short, Greg O’Shea, and Mark Rieves

• Past and current VPNA officers and board members. As part of our application, the IRS required us to document the many community and educational programs held over the past 10 years. Without the hard work and dedication of these residents, our application would have fallen short.

• And finally, we’d like to thank all of the residents of Vickery Place who truly make this a special place to live!

Receiving the “charitable organization” status will be a true “game changer” for Vickery Place. Keep a lookout for more information and ways to get involved coming soon.