Did you know the NFL has been a "nonprofit" business since 1966 under a 501(c)(6) filing?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 20:50:11 -0400

I was surprised to learn the NFL has been a tax exempt organization since 1966. It filed under 501(c)(6) using the clause that it is an "exclusive club". The NFL is not alone in it's claim to be a nonprofit organization under this clause,"These organizations are taking advantage of the provision of the tax code that allows industry and trade groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or the Natural Resources Defense Council, to qualify as non-profit and tax-exempt. None of these groups can promote a specific brand within an industry but each may promote an industry as a whole." The NFL has lived every taxpayer's dream using its tax exempt status to avoid paying taxes due to, 'Hotels and restaurants [did not tax] National Football League employees. The NFL [used] its tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(6) to avoid paying taxes, in addition to fuel, auto rental and admissions taxes.'" This year they are changing their method of operation stating they will file taxes in 2015 because of concerns arising regarding their tax status. Senator Tom Coborn of Oklahoma has challenged their tax exempt status and rallies against this type of tax exemption. Remember this when votes are being made about raising your taxes and ask, "Why were these groups being allowed to avoid paying tens of thousands of dollars in taxes?" http://www.wsj.com/articles/nfl-to-end-tax-exempt-status [login to see]

NFL to End Tax-Exempt Status

The National Football League announced on Tuesday that it will end its decades-old tax-exempt status.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 30 at 2015 8:54 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 20:54:14 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member This is actually misleading (the article, captain, not you), because all profit the NFL makes is distributed to the teams, and they DO pay taxes. This is just another case of someone sensationalizing a non-issue for clicks and reads. (Again, them, not you!!)

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 30 at 2015 9:45 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 21:45:35 -0400

They should pay their fair share.

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Aug 30 at 2015 9:51 PM

PFC Robert Falk — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 21:51:58 -0400

Dam there goes alot of money.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 30 at 2015 10:03 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 22:03:09 -0400

I did not know this, or that it was even possible... Now if we could get someone to do something about those oil subsidies... ;)

Response by SFC Mike Edwards made Aug 30 at 2015 10:58 PM

SFC Mike Edwards — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 22:58:31 -0400

The used to be, but that had this coming year. That is why tax payers used to fund the bill, to get new stadium build, and owners pockets millions.

Response by CPT Alan W. made Aug 31 at 2015 7:38 AM

CPT Alan W. — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 07:38:40 -0400

The league itself being a Non-Profit is a bit of a red herring. The money from the league is distributed to the teams. By doing so the league can shore up the less well funded teams and, to some extent, keep the league competitive. It's a great lesson in socialism.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 31 at 2015 7:45 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 07:45:46 -0400

This is SUPER misleading when it comes to how different nonprofits run. While the NFL is a nonprofit under 501(c)(6), the teams are not and the teams, being the funders of the NFL pay all the needed taxes. The 501(c)(6) does offer the teams some things as part of the NFL but they also pay a fee for that. Keeping in mind, sales of tickets, food, and everything else you get at th games go to the teams, not the NFL. There are a lot of different tax exempt codes, all are different in their own ways. I suggest if you are interested, you take some time to do a search and learn more about all the different tax codes.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Aug 31 at 2015 10:46 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 10:46:16 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I read this a while ago, and thought it was a joke. The NFL is as much a non-profit organization as Microsoft.