IRS Investigation: Vanguard Offers No Comment
July 11, 2018
Letter to Greenwald.
Hi David,
You may have seen that the Davisite and other media organizations received a copy of an IRS complaint against the Vanguard alleging the Vanguard participated in a political campaign in violation of its 501(c)3 non-profit status. We know there is always at least 2 sides to every story and would like to hear yours. Are you willing to make a statement?
Please help set the record straight by answering the questions below:
Please help set the record straight by answering the questions below:
- Did you or the Davis Vanguard participate in any political campaigns as is alleged in the complaint? What campaigns and how did you participate?
- Have you been contacted by the IRS and what is the status of the investigation?
- Is the Vanguard in violation of rules governing 501(c)3s? How?
- Do you know who has initiated the complaint? If so who?
- From 2013-2015 you reported to the IRS that the Vanguard received less than $50,000 a year, but no filings are available in the IRS data base since then. Has the Vanguard filed with the IRS for 2016 and 2017?
- What was the gross revenue for the Vanguard for 2016?
- What was the gross revenue for the Vanguard for 2017?
- Please provide the Vanguard fillings for 2016 and 2017.
- What measures is the Vanguard board taking to address the IRS complaint?
The lead paragraph seems to imply that the absence of an immediate response from the Vanguard is somehow remarkable. It seems to ignore these considerations:
1. The Vanguard may have had no knowledge of the complaint prior to its local distribution (apparently by the complainant). It might take months (or years, or never) for the IRS to notify the Vanguard that it's practices are under review. In one sense, until the IRS does so, the complaint doesn't warrant a response.
2. While the complaint may or may not have merit, it contains serious charges. I would expect the Vanguard BOD to want to conduct an internal investigation before making any comment on the complaint.
3. If the Vanguard BOD is anything like those of other local non-profits with which I have experience, getting the board members together to deal with non-urgent issues can be trying. These folks are volunteers, typically with busy schedules.
In summary, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a response to the emails. It might come sooner, it might come later, it might not come at all. None of those outcomes would surprise me.
Posted by: Jim Frame | July 11, 2018 at 07:23 PM
Meanwhile, in the absence of an answer about that very important legal issue, readers have a choice about what/where they read: The Bee, The Enterprise, online versions of journals and magazines, etc etc etc and exciting new options like The Davisite.
Enjoy!
John
Posted by: John Troidl | July 13, 2018 at 08:15 AM