Bollinger County chamber's tax-exempt status revoked

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- The Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce has lost its tax-exempt status after failing to file annual reports with the IRS.

The federal tax exemption held by the organization was automatically revoked for its failure to file a Form 990 for three consecutive years.

The revocation was effective May 15, 2011, according to the IRS website. A notice was posted on the site Feb. 22.

IRS spokesman Michael Devine said he is not allowed to discuss individual taxpayers or organizations, so he could not comment specifically on the Bollinger County chamber's status.

Small not-for-profit organizations are required to submit a Form 990-N each year, which they file online. It asks for several items, Devine said.

When any organization has its tax-exempt status automatically revoked, it must reapply and pay a fee, he said. Organizations may also request a retroactive reinstatement.

Chamber president Garry Major announced recently at the chamber's monthly meeting that some tax forms had not been filled out and turned in.

Chamber treasurer Marian Hutchings is working on resolving the issue. Hutchings was elected treasurer at the most recent meeting because Robin Cureton, who had been treasurer since January, resigned. Hutchings had previously served as chamber treasurer.

The chamber has one part-time employee, Patricia Welker.

Pertinent address:

Marble Hill, MO