[pct-l] New Mountain Education Videos on YouTube!

[Ned Tibbits]

Herb,

Mountain Education is a Non-Profit corporation in the state of Nevada (this 
step is what we were so happy about not so long ago) and awaiting its 
501(c)(3) status from the IRS. Any donations at this time are, obviously, 
not tax-deductible, yet (next year)!


Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
www.mountaineducation.org

Mission:
"To minimize wilderness accidents, injury, and illness through experiential 
education and risk awareness training."
-----Original Message----- 
From: Herb Stroh
Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2014 1:54 PM
To: 'pct-l at backcountry.net'
Subject: [pct-l] New Mountain Education Videos on YouTube!

Ned--

Some of the issues raised could be addressed by further disclosures.

I do not see "Mountain Education" on the California Secretary of State's 
list of entities incorporated in the State of California. If it is 
incorporated under a different name, or operating as a different entity 
please advise. Non-profit entities with income exceeding $25,000 generally 
must file a form 990. Reviewing Guidestar I do not see Mountain Education 
listed. Please advise if Mountain Education does in fact file 990s.

I am unclear if Mountain Education IS a non-profit 501(c)(3) or intends to 
be one next year. Please advise. If it is not now, then it cannot receive 
tax deductible donations. I suppose someone could take the course without 
legal obligation to pay and then turn over funds, but that is not a 
donation. That is money for services rendered, i.e., taxable income, and 
should be declared on some entities' or person(s) income tax return as 
earned income.

I have no beef regarding the services that you render--other hikers whom I 
respect speak highly of your courses. Nor am I offended or have an axe to 
grind. What triggers my post is the representation that Mountain Education 
is a nonprofit entity when in fact it may not be; that it would appear to be 
operating an unincorporated for-profit venture (if it is not a legal 
non-profit it is a for-profit business--it has to be one or the other) 
circumventing permitting and insurance guidelines; that this list appears to 
be utilized to promote that business; and that clients/students are told 
that their payment is a "donation." Even IF Mountain Education were a 
501(c)(3), if someone pays money and receives goods or services, that is NOT 
a tax deductible donation except to the extent it exceeds the fair market 
value of those goods or services.

Whatever light you can shed on the above would be helpful in addressing my 
concerns.

Herb

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] 
On Behalf Of pct-l-request at backcountry.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 10:00 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Pct-L Digest, Vol 79, Issue 2

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