ECA tax filing non for profit

[Letzin Hale]

Hmmm well i am not sure anyone even understands all the tax laws even in their own country LOL!

I am not sure how it relates to the UK. All i can say is no one on the board is taking a salary paid by the ECA. The ECA is not selling anything for profit. It is a trade association under the 501c6 that is not for profit. We will however except donations and will be collecting membership dues to pay fo incured expenses... which will be limitless... IE paid staff, marketing, PR, ad campaings, lobbying firm, social groups, mailers, gifts to members like bumper stickers-tshirts-hats....Legal retainers etc....

The NRA is actually a similar entity but a differnt filing for a frame of reference.

The NRA has filied as a 501c3 category - Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organizations

Again the ECA is a 501c6 Business Leagues, Chambers of Commerce, Real Estate Boards, etc


here is the wiki on the differences in the tax filings. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/501(c)

esmoke you realize they are hiring lawyers and PR people right? They aren't doing some low budget project they are going at this thing full-force.

The first thing they need to do, if they are to be taken at all seriously, is to appoint a copy writer and a proof reader, preferably with basic skills in spelling, grammar and construction that might avoid crucifying the English language in the manner displayed by the faceless, nameless entity that seems to be the 'spokesthing' for the ECA. Eighteen mistakes in one post is not impressive. Try appointing a person with a name who can speak on behalf of the ECA and who can be contacted. Despite the high aspirations of this organisation, there is a distinct lack of professionalism in their presentation. I'm not dumbing down the concept of the ECA, that's another issue, but I have to question their ability to represent the people they are proposing to recruit as members.
Alan.

 

[esmok-e]

esmoke-e : Policy Impact

It's all good. I guess what I'm saying is that we all can contribute our time and resources in whatever way we can, professionally or otherwise.

The required and actual costs of the physical materials to do so are not that expensive. (I'm not talking billboards or Times Square. Although, it would be nice if someone was in a position to do that, especiallly if they switched to e-cigs.)

On the other hand, will the lawyers charge their regular hourly fee rates plus copies, paper clips, etc.? Most of what I can do involves computers so it's just a DVD, CD or printout. Mostly everything stays in the digital domain unless those items are the final product.

When this sorts out and I think it's a good fit I'll devote my time and energy to it. The materials, electricity, ISP charges, whatever - included.

If they do become a 501, I'll be willing to donate products and they can raise funds through a "raffle", for example. A $10 donation gets the winner a kit. A $20 donation can win a kit and a 3 month supply of carts. A $1 donation gets a USB charger or case or pack of carts, etc.

Let's see how it goes, looks like there's still a bit of a way to go.

 

[Angela]

Good for ECA they are not in the UK so everything is OK in the USA

Based upon everything I have read so far (barr one sentence), am I correct in thinking that the ECA is going to be wholey and completely dealing with USA based issues rather than attempting to be an international organisation?

 

[Reverend Damien Caine]

I have a rather large concern.... Will the ECA be going out of its way to cast doubts upon those who are non-members?

 

[ECA]

I will be more careful in the future. We are all volunteering our time and I am personally now running 2 business and participating in the ECA.... So I apologize for the sloppiness of my grammar. It must have been a late hour for me, or I was trying to do too much at once.

 

[ECA]

Based upon everything I have read so far (barr one sentence), am I correct in thinking that the ECA is going to be wholey and completely dealing with USA based issues rather than attempting to be an international organisation?

We are definitely an international association. We have Canadian suppliers, Columbian suppliers, Chinese suppliers…etc. currently interested in applying for membership.

There is obviously a big focus from the ECA in the US now, and rightfully so... our international members realize, that the way this plays out in the US, will/could have a major ripple effect in how it is viewed in the rest of the world. The FDA holds a lot of international clout.

 

[ECA]

I have a rather large concern.... Will the ECA be going out of its way to cast doubts upon those who are non-members?

We have no agenda to slander anyone. For the record the problem for suppliers is not sales... we are all selling out! we can't keep them on the shelves once they get to our door. The problem is getting them to our door!!!!!!!

So there is no [FONT="]conspiracy[/FONT] here to corner the market or any such thing. Just the intention to set standards and lobby for our cause.

Also let me note that as long as a supplier is willing to adhere to the standards set...if they cannot afford membership due to being a start-up or having a small market share we can work out an arrangement with them... we do not want to turn anyone away who wants to be a member.


There will be an edge given to Suppliers that are members in that consumers will know they are held to certain standards.

 

[Oldnamenomore]

The first thing they need to do, if they are to be taken at all seriously, is to appoint a copy writer and a proof reader, preferably with basic skills in spelling, grammar and construction that might avoid crucifying the English language in the manner displayed by the faceless, nameless entity that seems to be the 'spokesthing' for the ECA. Eighteen mistakes in one post is not impressive. Try appointing a person with a name who can speak on behalf of the ECA and who can be contacted. Despite the high aspirations of this organisation, there is a distinct lack of professionalism in their presentation. I'm not dumbing down the concept of the ECA, that's another issue, but I have to question their ability to represent the people they are proposing to recruit as members.
Alan.

the problem with forums is people are eager to get their idea out there, they don't take the time to proof read things. I am one of the worst offenders of that. this was not an official press release from them it was a quick response to a question on a forum. I am not quite sure why you quoted me, I am guessing that it was because I said they weren't low budget and they were going full-force?

unless something is an official document, as long as you clearly get your point across its ok in my book.

 

[iiimathman24iii]

okay... i saw something about lobbyists... any elaboration on this would be much appreciated...

 

[nycsublimegirl]

okay... i saw something about lobbyists... any elaboration on this would be much appreciated...

The ECA has contracted with Policy impact to handle PR campaigns and to officially lobby Capital Hill on a full time basis.

They will be having daily conversations with senators, congressmen, and other harm reduction groups to gain their support/vote and lobbying power.

They will be scheduling as many tv, newspaper, radio and internet interviews as possible. They will also be sending press releases, and handling marketing materials and ad campaigns.

 

[bizzyb0t]

The ECA has contracted with Policy impact to handle PR campaigns and to officially lobby Capital Hill on a full time basis.

They will be having daily conversations with senators, congressmen, and other harm reduction groups to gain their support/vote and lobbying power.

They will be scheduling as many tv, newspaper, radio and internet interviews as possible. They will also be sending press releases, and handling marketing materials and ad campaigns.

This sounds like good news to me!

 

[iiimathman24iii]

The ECA has contracted with Policy impact to handle PR campaigns and to officially lobby Capital Hill on a full time basis.

They will be having daily conversations with senators, congressmen, and other harm reduction groups to gain their support/vote and lobbying power.

They will be scheduling as many tv, newspaper, radio and internet interviews as possible. They will also be sending press releases, and handling marketing materials and ad campaigns.

thanks for the explaination and i really appreciate all of your efforts on this front keep up the good work!

 

[Reverend Damien Caine]

There will be an edge given to Suppliers that are members in that consumers will know they are held to certain standards.

This is good to know. Much better as a "ECA seal of approval" then a forceful compliance.

I very much would like to join the ECA once we take our product live.

 

[Letzin Hale]

the problem with forums is people are eager to get their idea out there, they don't take the time to proof read things. I am one of the worst offenders of that. this was not an official press release from them it was a quick response to a question on a forum. I am not quite sure why you quoted me, I am guessing that it was because I said they weren't low budget and they were going full-force?

unless something is an official document, as long as you clearly get your point across its ok in my book.

I only quoted marcb70 to highlight the point that 'not low budget' and 'full-force' mean more than posting a mistake-ridden item when representing the organisation.

The poster 'ECA' seems to represent the Electronic Cigarette Association, at least most indications point to that, although I'm not 100% sure as other ECA supporters have also submitted infoposts. If 'ECA' is indeed the official 'spokesperson', then everything they submit under that username has to be official and not just a casual reply or a quick response. Although I have some reservations about the ECA, I do think it's a potentially good move, but it has to be top notch professional and able to impress other top notch professionals who might even be checking out what is being written on this forum. My Dad used to tell me, "If it's not worth doing right then it's not worth doing" and I still agree with him.
Alan.

 

[nycsublimegirl]

you can please all of the people some of the time, you can please some of the people all the time, but you can't please all the people all the time

 

[LaceyUnderall]

Letzin - We also can't forget that ECF is our forum and the way things are presented up here are not how they will be presented in the Congressional Forum which is a way different type of forum.

This is not to imply that ECF is any less of a forum, actually it is quite the opposite. ECF is home and while yes, in the "real world" we should present in as grammatically correct a fashion as possible, aren't we allowed to be a little more laid back here? Being this is home and all?

And like NYC said, many are volunteering their time to the cause, running several businesses, running other peoples businesses, etc... hence the need to hire Policy Impact who is handling all of the "really big stuff".

Rest assured, this bunch, went and found some people who can help us do this properly

 

[Kate]

So is this a trade organisation that wants to recruit non trade members? Will non traders have voting rights?

 

[Letzin Hale]

I'm willing to volunteer as much as the next person but...

I might sound like the folks who come after me here by saying, so far I see:

A website (albeit with great intent and information - I assume done by volunteers, and I would like to assume that) doesn't cost more than around $20-$100 or so a year and some video tape that cost less than $3.

A mission that must be taken up by people willing to commit their time and resources, for sure.

I assume that the Congressmen are NOT being paid, we don't want that, do we?

And finally there is something called the Clayton Act by the Federal Trade Commission which is currently nipping at Google and Microsoft for sitting on the same board. Even with their expensive lawyers (who probably care less about missions and causes) the FTC is citing the Clayton Act with them for being members of the same association and may charge them in an Anti-Trust action for unfair competition.

501s can usually fly under IRS radar, but when a complaint is made, well...

So those are the expensive things (lawyers) and maybe paid for media time and space. I might be wrong but I don't think that's necessary. Will it be sponsored advertising or a public service message? "The Electronic Cigarette: A Breath of Hope", etc... I'm willing to donate my whole ad campaign to the cause if anyone thinks it's useful. I have 15 ready now.

Salmon hit a home run and touched all the bases. People of good-will and plain common sense will get it. YouTube is free. The press can do the rest.
That video is worth ten $300,000 infomercials and cost less than $3 in actual material expenses if everyone pitched in their time.

It's up to all of us, members of an ECA or not.

Right now the results are good, but it's the future of this idea that has me worried.

So far I got $103 tops for a knockout video and usable website, plus maybe tax. Save the receipts, some other 3 letter acronyms may want to look at them.

I think it's mostly about good-will, sweat equity and everyone here spreading the word outside.

We have people on this forum that are willing to do polls, make documentaries, write music, send emails, do interviews and have volunteered the use of their resources to do it.

I must be missing something. I must not know enough about it.

Does anyone know enough about it to fill me in, or am I just clueless?

I'm glad I went back and reread the whole thread as I came upon esmok-e's edited post and saw that his status is listed as banned!! What happened to cause that then and what is the letter enclosed within that post about?!
As for the ECA, yes it is fine that we are more relaxed in the way we write on here but I will state again that the ECA has to be seen as being a professional body if it wants to be taken seriously at all levels.
Alan.

 

[LaceyUnderall]

Letzin - Maybe that would be better as a post OUTSIDE? (not the bottom where you respond to me but the esmok-e issue? I am not sure it has much to do with the ECA?

 

[nycsublimegirl]

Sorry for the delay in posting.


The ECA's EIN is 26-4813246. [FONT="][URL="http://www.ecassoc.org/downloads/ECA_Doc.pdf"]www.ecassoc.org/downloads/ECA_Doc.pdf [/URL][/FONT]The nonprofit status takes time to acquire, however this only has implications for the ECA's taxes and not for donations. As stated several times on the forum...any donations to the ECA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions, as the ECA is not a charity. The ECA is a trade organization dedicated to ensuring the future of electronic cigarettes, per our mission statement. Once our nonprofit status has been accepted by the IRS we will provide the paperwork on our website.
As previously mentioned, it takes about 5-6 months to obtain a tax status.
It should be noted that obtaining a tax status from the IRS does not in any way indicate an organizations intentions or reputation....it is simply for tax purposes. We have a complete legal right to run ourselves as a 501c6 until our application has been approved.

As for the assertion that the ECA maybe a fraudulent organization, then following this assumption, it would also be the case that Matt Salmon has publicly aligned himself with an organization engaged in illegal activities. You would also have to assume that Njoy, Instead, ECig Supply, Bloog, AltSmoke, Sun Valley Systems, ELiquidPlanet, InLife, Crown7 and others who have been involved with the formation of the ECA or are current members are all taking time and giving money in the hopes of scamming money out of the very people who purchase their products. Not to mention Policy Impact who is working with us, http://www.policyimpact.com/ with clients such as GM, Tmobile, and Prudential...and are the very ones setting up our 501c6 and other tax docs.


The alternative to the "scam" theory is that the ECA is a bunch of suppliers coming together to protect their businesses and in the process protecting esmokers from a ban of a product they have come to love. The ECA wants donations because lobbying, admin costs, lawyers, and even attempting to set up industry standards is expensive. It is common knowledge that money talks and the esmoking industry has a lot to say.

The ECA encourages everyone to make up their minds about which of these theories is the most likely. We will continue to solicit donations because we need them to fight against those intent on an outright ban. If you don't believe that lobbying, creating media contacts, and setting up industry standards is the right approach, then we encourage you to contact us with your ideas via our website.


Here are some current news stories the ECA has managed to get quoted in:


1)(not the best story but we were accurately quoted) Virginia Times Dispatch: Smoking debate has become nicotine-delivery debate
Smoking debate has become nicotine-delivery debate | Richmond Times-Dispatch


2)New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/us/02cigarette.html




Future stories coming out: [FONT="]Matt Ehlers from the News and Observer of Raleigh, North Carolina[/FONT], and a local Florida and Texas paper.


[B]Please address all future questions to the ECA website and the contact page. thank you![/B]


A final note: If spelling mistakes and grammatical errors were a sure fire signal of intentions, then the entire internet is one big scam.


Please vote in this new petition:[URL="http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/local/SPEAK_UP_Should_e-cigarettes_be_legal_in_the_US.html"]SPEAK UP: Should e-cigarettes be legal in the U.S.? >> www.beaumontenterprise.com - Local[/URL]