RE: Tech Writer Lawsuit; STC position? (take II)

["Lauren" <lauren -at- writeco -dot- net>]

> From: Bonnie Granat

> So the IEEE can lobby but STC can't?

I never really thought of the tax status of STC in this case. 

>From STC:
"STC is recognized as an educational organization as described in Section
501 (c)(3) and Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code."

>From the IRS:
"Section 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and
legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct. For a detailed
discussion, see Political and Lobbying Activities. For more information
about lobbying activities by charities, see the article Lobbying Issues; for
more information about political activities of charities, see the FY-2002
CPE topic Election Year Issues."

http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=96099,00.html 

Here's an IEEE discussion about lobbying,
"Another type of United States tax-exempt organization that is closely
related to a 501(c)3 tax-exempt category is a 501(c)6 organization. The key
difference between 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 organizations is the obligation to
serve the public good. 501(c)3 organizations must serve the good of the
general public and all of industry. Work that the government does often
falls under this category as well. 501(c)6 organizations must provide
benefits to all members of an industry, even if the organization is made up
of only a portion of that industry. 501(c)6
organizations are not obligated to satisfy the needs of the general public
through their output."

and a letter sent to the IEEE by the IRS,
http://www.ieeeusa.org/policy/guide/irslobby.html

IEEE policy on affiliations and 501(c) requirements,
http://www.ieee.org/web/aboutus/whatis/policies/p5-1.html

IEEE policy on the status of affiliating with non-501(c) organizations,
http://www.ieee.org/web/aboutus/whatis/policies/p9-1.html

---

The STC can lobby on behalf of its members; however, how should it lobby in
this case?  There is too much controversy, meaning that the law is not clear
in this particular case.  Once the vagueness of the law is cleared, then the
STC can take a position and lobby.

Lauren


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