Form990-EZ
Click to see list of attachments
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Short Form
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code
(except black lung benefit trust or private foundation)
bullet Sponsoring organizations of donor advised funds, organizations that operate one or more hospital facilities, and certain controlling organizations as defined in section 512(b)(13) must file Form 990 (see instructions).
All other organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and total assets less than $500,000 at the end of the year may use this form.
bulletThe organization may have to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements.
OMB No. 1545-1150
2011
Open to Public
Inspection
A
For the 2011 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2011, and ending 12-31-2011
B
Check if applicable:
C Name of organization
COMICS PROFESSIONAL RETAILERS ORG
 
Number and street (or P. O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address)PO BOX 75446
  Room/suite
City or town, state or country, and ZIP + 4 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO80970
D Employer identification number

41-2152677
E Telephone number

(877) 574-8618
F Group Exemption
Number. . bullet  
G Accounting method: Other (specify) bullet   H Check bulletI Website:bulletwww.comicspro.orgJ Tax-Exempt status(check only one)—( 6) bullet(insert no.) or
K Check bullet A Form 990-EZ or Form 990 return is not required though Form 990-N (e-postcard) may be required (see instructions). But if the organization chooses to file a return, be sure to file a complete return.
L Add lines 5b, 6c, and 7b, to line 9 to determine gross receipts; If gross receipts are $200,000 or more, or if total assets (Part II, line 25, column (B) below) are $500,000 or more,file Form 990 instead of Form 990-EZ........... bullet $ 103,446
Part IRevenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances (see the instructions for Part I.)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part I...........
VerticalRevenue 1 Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received............... 1 291
2 Program service revenue including government fees and contracts ............ 2 67,590
3 Membership dues and assessments...................... 3 35,219
4 Investment income........................... 4 346
5a Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory........ 5a  
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses........... 5b 0
c Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5a) ...... 5c  
6 Gaming and fundraising events
a Gross income from gaming (attach Schedule G if greater than $15,000) . 6a  
b Gross income from fundraising events (not including $   of contributions
from fundraising events reported on line 1) (attach Schedule G if the
sum of such gross income and contributions exceeds $15,000) 6b 0
c Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events....... 6c 0
d Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraising events (Add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c) 6d  
7a Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances........ 7a  
b Less: cost of goods sold................. 7b 0
c Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7a) ......... 7c  
8 Other revenue (describe in Schedule O) ..................... 8  
9 Total revenue. Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8................. 9 103,446
VerticalExpenses 10 Grants and similar amounts paid (list in Schedule O) ................. 10  
11 Benefits paid to or for members........................ 11  
12 Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits................ 12 34,792
13 Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors............ 13 2,650
14 Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance................... 14 2,370
15 Printing, publications, postage, and shipping................... 15 2,381
16 Other expenses (describe in Schedule O) .................... 16 85,894
17 Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 16 .................... 17 128,087
VerticalNetAssets 18 Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9)............ 18 -24,641
19 Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (from line 27, column (A)) (must agree with
end-of-year figure reported on prior year’s return)................ 19 143,477
20 Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) .......... 20  
21 Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 18 through 20.........Bullet 21 118,836
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 10642I Form 990-EZ (2011)
Form 990-EZ (2011)
Page 2
Part IIBalance Sheets (see the instructions for Part II.)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part II.............

(See the instructions for Part II.)(A) Beginning of year(B) End of year
22Cash, savings, and investments................
141,400
22
116,852
23Land and buildings....................
 
23
 
24Other assets (describe in Schedule O) ..........
2,869
24
2,981
25Total assets......................
144,269
25
119,833
26
Total liabilities (describe in Schedule O) .............
792
26
997
27Net assets or fund balances (line 27 of column (B) must agree with line 21)..
143,477
27
118,836
Part IIIStatement of Program Service Accomplishments (see the instructions for Part III.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part III . Expenses
(Required for section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) trusts; optional for others.)
What is the organization's primary exempt purpose? COMICS PROFESSIONAL RETAILERS WAS ORGANIZED TO PROMOTE THE PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMIC BOOK RETAILERS, TO HELP DEVELOP BETTER MARKETING AND DAILY BUSINESS PRACTICES FOR COMIC BOOK RETAILERS, AND TO IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF THEIR INDUSTRY BY EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT COMIC BOOKS IN GENERAL AND TO PROVIDE A VOICE FOR INDEPENDENT COMIC BOOK RETAILERS.
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. In a clear and concise manner, describe the services provided, the number of persons benefited, and other relevant information for each program title.
28 COMICS PROFESSIONAL RETAILERS ORG (COMICSPRO) PROMOTES COMIC BOOK RETAILING AND RAISES THE PROFILE OF THE COMIC BOOK INDUSTRY. ONE OF THE BENEFITS COMICSPRO PROVIDES FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP IS GARNERING LOCAL AND NATIONAL MEDIA ATTENTION FOR COMIC BOOKS STORES THROUGH INDIVIDUALIZED PRESS RELEASES. FOR FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, A NATIONWIDE EVENT HELD IN COMIC BOOK STORES, COMICSPRO SENT 900 PRESS RELEASES TO MEDIA ALL OVER THE COUNTRY CALLING ATTENTION TO THE EVENT AND TO ALL OF THE PARTICIPATING MEMBER STORES. COMICSPRO USES PRESS RELEASES, ITS BLOG AND ITS WEB SITE TO CALL ATTENTION TO OTHER EVENTS HELD IN MEMBER STORES. COMICSPRO ALSO PROVIDES MANY DISCOUNTS ON BUSINESS SERVICES FOR COMIC BOOK RETAILERS TO IMPROVE THE OPERATING COSTS OF EACH SMALL BUSINESS. THE ORGANIZATION HAS SET UP DISCOUNTED HEALTH INSURANCE, DISCOUNTED CREDIT CARD PROCESSING RATES, DISCOUNTS FROM SEVERAL DISTRIBUTORS AND MANUFACTURERS ON POPULAR PRODUCT LINES CARRIED WITH COMIC BOOK STORES, AND DISCOUNTS ON SERVICES SUCH AS WEB APPLICATIONS AND CUSTOMER OUTREACH TOOLS. COMICSPRO DISTRIBUTES FREE PRODUCT TO RETAILERS WHICH HAS BEEN DONATED BY INDUSTRY PARTNERS AS WELL AS OTHER MATERIALS SUCH AS HANDBOOKS, ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS. IN 2010, COMICSPRO SENT OUT NEWSLETTERS TO ITS MEMBERSHIP CONTAINING MEMBER BENEFIT UPDATES, INDUSTRY NEWS AND CONVENTION INFORMATION. COMICSPRO IS DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING THE COMIC BOOK INDUSTRY BY PROVIDING REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE AND MENTORING TO NEW AND PROSPECTIVE COMIC BOOK STORE OWNERS. THE MENTORING PROGRAM ALLOWS RETAILERS TO JOIN AND INTERACT WITH SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNERS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY AND GET PROFESSIONAL, DETAILED ASSISTANCE IN STARTING UP A NEW COMIC BOOK STORE THAT FOLLOWS BEST PRACTICES AND IS SET UP TO SUCCEED. COMICSPRO HOSTS A MEMBERSHIP MEETING EACH YEAR THAT PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY TO ITS RETAIL MEMBERS TO GATHER AND FOCUS ON IMPORTANT INDUSTRY ISSUES. PUBLISHERS, MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INDUSTRY DIALOGUE AND FIND WAYS TO IMPROVE OPERATIONS AND TO RAISE THE PROFILE AND SUCCESS FOR ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMIC BOOK FIELD. IN 2011, OVER 160 PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED THE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING. IN AN EFFORT TO RAISE THE PROFILE OF THE COMIC BOOK INDUSTRY AND GARNER ATTENTION FOR COMIC BOOK RETAILERS, COMICSPRO HAS TAKEN OVER THE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES OF THE WORLD-WIDE EVENT CALLED 24-HOUR COMICS DAY. COMICSPRO REGISTERS EACH VENUE FOR THE EVENT, ADVERTISES THE EVENT NATIONWIDE, AND SUPPORTS THE WEB SITE AND BLOG FOR 24-HOUR COMICS DAY GIVING PARTICIPANTS ADVICE ABOUT CREATING A GREAT EVENT AND SHOWCASING THE COMICS CREATED AROUND THE WORLD. COMICSPRO ARRANGES FREE AND DISCOUNTED PRODUCT FOR PARTICIPATING RETAILERS TO SUPPORT THE EVENT WITHIN THE COMIC BOOK STORES.
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...MediumBullet		 28a  
29
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...MediumBullet 		29a
30
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...MediumBullet 		30a
31 Other program services (describe in Schedule O) ..................
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here...MediumBullet		 31a
32 Total program service expenses (add lines 28a through 31a)..............bullet 32  
Part IV List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees. List each one even if not compensated. (see the instructions for Part IV.)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part IV..........
(a) Name and title (b) Average
hours per week
devoted to position		 (c)Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC)
(if not paid, enter -0-) 		(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans,
and deferred compensation		 (e) Estimated amount
of other compensation
CARR D'ANGELO
15017 VENTURA BLVD
SHERMAN OAKS,CA91403
 RECORDING SECY1.00 0    
RICK LOWELL
151 MIDDLE ST
PORTLAND,ME04101
 Director1.00 0    
THOMAS GAUL
980 EAST ORANGETHORPE AVENUE
ANAHEIM,CA92801
 Director1.00 0    
CALUM JOHNSTON
5262 SACKVILLE STREET
HALIFAX,NOVA SCOTIAB3J 1K8
CA
 Director1.00 0    
ERIC KIRSAMMER
3244 N CLARK
CHICAGO,IL60657
 Director1.00 0    
GARY DILLS
22854 BRYANT CT UNIT 112
STERLING,VA20166
 Vice President4.00 0    
AMANDA EMMERT
2100 STEPHENS 107
MISSOULA,MT59801
 Executive Direc45.00 30,000    
JOE FIELD
2980 TREAT BLVD
CONCORD,CA94518
 President5.00 0    
Form 990-EZ (2011)
Form 990-EZ (2011)
Page 3
Part VOther Information(Note the Schedule A and personal benefit contract statement requirements in the instructions for Part V.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part V
Yes
No
33
Did the organization engage in any significant activity not previously reported to the IRS? If "Yes," provide a detailed description of each activity in Schedule O ...................
33
 
No
34
Were any significant changes made to the organizing or governing documents? If "Yes," attach a conformed copy of the amended documents if they reflect a change to the organization’s name. Otherwise, explain the changeon Schedule O (see instructions). ..........................
34
 
No
35a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year from business activities (such as those reported on lines 2, 6a, and 7a, among others)? ............
35a
 
No
b
If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, has the organization filed a Form 990-T for the year? If ‘No,’ provide an explanation in Schedule O.
35b
 
No
c
Was the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization subject to section 6033(e) notice, reporting, and proxy tax requirements during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III.
35c
 
No
36
Did the organization undergo a liquidation, dissolution, termination, or significant disposition of net assets during the year? If “Yes,” complete applicable parts of Schedule N ................
36
 
No
37a
Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions. bullet
37a
 
b
Did the organization file Form 1120-POL for this year?...................
37b
 
No
38a
Did the organization borrow from, or make any loans to, any officer, director, trustee, or key employee or were
any such loans made in a prior year and still outstanding at the end of the tax year covered by this return?..
38a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved .
38b
 
39
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 9.......
39a
0
b
Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club facilities.....
39b
0
40a
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on the organization during the year under:
section 4911 bullet   ; section 4912 bullet   ; section 4955 bullet  
b
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Did the organization engage in any section 4958 excess benefittransaction during the year or did it engage in an excess benefit transaction in a prior year that has not been reported on any of its prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I. ......
40b
 
 
c
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on organization managers or disqualified persons during the year under sections 4912, 4955, and 4958...bullet  
d
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed by the organization....................bullet  
e
All organizations. At any time during the tax year, was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction? If "Yes," complete Form 8886-T. ......................
40e
 
No
41List the states with which a copy of this return is filed. bullet
42aThe organization's books are in care of bulletAMANDA EMMERT Telephone no. bullet (719) 661-4497
Located at bullet2302 PATRICIAN WAY
COLORADO SPRINGS,CO ZIP + 4bullet80909
b
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in or a signature or other authority over a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)?
Yes
No
42b
 
No
If “Yes,” enter the name of the foreign country: bullet  
See the instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.
c
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outside the U.S.?
42c
 
No
If “Yes,” enter the name of the foreign country: bullet  
43.......bullet
and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year....bullet43
 
Yes
No
44a
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed instead of
Form 990-EZ.................................
44a
 
No
b
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities during the year? If ‘Yes,’ Form 990 must be completedinstead of Form990-EZ.............................
44b
 
No
c
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the year?.........
44c
 
No
d
If 'Yes' to line 44c, has the organization filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If ‘No,’ provide an explanationin Schedule O................................
44d
 
No
45a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of
section 512(b)(13)?............................
45a
 
No
45b
Did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," Form 990 and Schedule R may need to be completed instead of Form990-EZ (see instructions).....................
45b
 
No
Form 990-EZ (2011)
Form 990-EZ (2011)
Page 4
Yes
No
46
Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition tocandidates for public office? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part I. ..............
46
 
No
Part VI
Section 501(c)(3) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts only. All section 501(c)(3) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts must answer questions 47-49b and 52. Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part VI ...........
Yes
No
47
Did the organization engage in lobbying activities or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II .......................
47
 
 
48
Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E ....
48
 
 
49a
Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization?......
49a
 
 
b
If "Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organization?................
49b
 
 
50
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated employees (other than officers, directors, trustees and key employees) who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a) Name and title of each employee paid more than $100,000 (b) Average
hours per week
devoted to position		 (c) Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC) 		(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation (e) Estimated amount of other compensation
NONE
f
Total number of other employees paid over $100,000 .................bullet  

51
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated independent contractors who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a) Name and address of each independent contractor paid more than $100,000 (b) Type of service (c) Compensation
NONE
d
Total number of other independent contractors each receiving over $100,000..........bullet  
52
Did the organization complete Schedule A? NOTE:All Section 501(c)(3) organizations and 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts must attach a completed Schedule A .....................
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
JumboBullet
Signature of officer Date
JumboBullet
Type or print name and title
Paid preparer use only
Print/type preparer's name
 
Preparer's signature
Date
PTIN
Firm's name Right pointing arrowhead image

Firm's EIN Right pointing arrowhead image
Firm's address Right pointing arrowhead image



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions .........bullet
Form 990-EZ (2011)

Additional Data


Software ID: 11000144
Software Version: 2011v1.2

Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
COMICS PROFESSIONAL RETAILERS ORG
 
Employer identification number

41-2152677
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Form 990-EZ, Part II, Line 26.1001 Total Liabilities.1001 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses - Beginning $792 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses - Ending $997
Form 990-EZ, Part II, Line 24.1 Other Assets.1 LIBRARY INVENTORY - Beginning $1243 LIBRARY INVENTORY - Ending $1243
Form 990-EZ, Part II, Line 24.1004 Other Assets.1004 Miscellaneous - Beginning $1626 Miscellaneous - Ending $1738
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.12 Other Expenses.12 FILING & MISC FEES $55
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.11 Other Expenses.11 MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT $63
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.10 Other Expenses.10 PAYPAL FEES $120
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.9 Other Expenses.9 REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE $208
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.7 Other Expenses.7 SUPPLIES $1164
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.6 Other Expenses.6 UTILITIES & COMMUNICATION $1386
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.5 Other Expenses.5 BANK FEES & credit card fees $1489
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.3 Other Expenses.3 WEBSITE $3230
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.2 Other Expenses.2 CONVENTION SUPPLIES & MISC $10612
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.1 Other Expenses.1 ANNUAL MEETING COSTS $60954
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.1009 Other Expenses.1009 Depreciation $671
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.1002 Other Expenses.1002 Office Expenses $4927
Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16.1001 Other Expenses.1001 Advertising and Promotion $1015
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011

Additional Data


Software ID: 11000144
Software Version: 2011v1.2