I'm forming a non-profit, for a 501(c)19 the term "War veteran" includes those that haven't deployed in uniform?

Capt Bob Abbott — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 14:26:38 -0500

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 15 at 2015 2:59 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 14:59:09 -0500

I can think of hundreds of thousands of war veterans of all ages in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Syria and so on that have never worn a uniform or deployed...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2015 3:11 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 15:11:22 -0500

Please see IRS IRC Manual for detailed definitions and description of specific requirements.
o https://www.irs.gov/irm/part7/irm_07-025-019.html
Section 7.25.19.6.1 "War veterans are defined as persons, whether or not present members of the United States Armed Forces, who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States during a period of war. Periods of war are generally considered to be the same as set forth in 38 U.S.C. section 101 concerning veterans' benefits." ( e.g. December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946; June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955; August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975; and August 2, 1990, and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential Proclamation or by law. As of the date of drafting of these guidelines, the date was open. The IRS does not require service in the theater of combat to be eligible to be counted as a veteran member. )

Internal Revenue Manual - 7.25.19 Veterans' Organizations

IRC 501(c)(19) exempts from federal income tax a post or organization of past or present members of the Armed Forces of the United States, or an auxiliary unit or society of, or a trust or foundation for any such post or organization.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2015 3:44 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 15:44:04 -0500

Rather than start from scratch, why not become active and make a different with a well-established existing veteran service organization? You can charter a brand new American Legion post with 9 other veterans or join an existing post to further your specific outreach goals.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Nov 15 at 2015 5:52 PM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 17:52:03 -0500

Do you mean a 501(c)3?

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 15 at 2015 6:19 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 18:19:31 -0500

I'm not sure what you're asking, but I would say that those who didn't deploy to the war are not war veterans. As an example, during Desert Storm, I was on a ship in a regularly scheduled drydock maintenance period, so I missed that war. I don't consider myself a war veteran, even though I served during that war...

Response by SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer made Jan 29 at 2016 8:02 PM

SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 20:02:51 -0500

Capt Chambless, you want to start a 501 (c) 3 not 19, as a 19 is usually a veteran service organization like VFW, DAV, etc. or something similar.
You need to first form a state non-profit before you can the 501, that's the law. It is easily done online via your Secretary of State's website; this is usually only $50-$100.
Once you establish your state non-profit you can file your 501 paperwork via internet with a new form they have which is much shorter and easier than it use to be, no attorney fees needed, just the $450 filing fee.
I am working on starting a non-profit for homeless veterans, with emphasis on homeless female veterans, is how I know all this.
I highly recommend you contact your state's SCORE chapter, which is part of SBA. They will take the time to explain all this to you and even send you a packet of information. That person will be your mentor for life if you need him or her to be. https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/score
Good luck with your venture, it sounds like it will help a lot of veterans!

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