Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions. Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2013
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
MARYLAND VOLUNTEER LAWYERS SERVICE INC
Employer identification number
52-1225979
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions.
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
A family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of monetary support
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
1,302,194
1,471,176
1,596,845
1,500,806
2,309,337
8,180,358
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3
1,302,194
1,471,176
1,596,845
1,500,806
2,309,337
8,180,358
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
8,180,358
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
1,302,194
1,471,176
1,596,845
1,500,806
2,309,337
8,180,358
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
30,390
12,948
16,610
17,505
20,712
98,165
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)..
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
8,278,523
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
13
First five years.
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.................................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public support percentage for 2013 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f))
.........
14
98.810 %
15
Public support percentage for 2012 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
97.560 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2013.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2012.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2013.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
.....................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2012.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
................................................
18
Private foundation.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
.....................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
..
13
Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..
14
First five years.
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public support percentage for 2013 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2013 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2013.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2012.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....
20
Private foundation.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; and Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
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.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2013
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
MARYLAND VOLUNTEER LAWYERS SERVICE INC
Employer identification number
52-1225979
Return Reference
Explanation
FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1, DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION MISSION:
MVLS IS A "FULL-SERVICE" PRO BONO PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES FREE LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO LOW-INCOME MARYLANDERS IN MOST CIVIL MATTERS SUCH AS DIVORCE, CUSTODY, CONSUMER PROBLEMS (COLLECTION AND BANKRUPTCY), FORECLOSURE, LANDLORD/TENANT DISPUTES, TORT DEFENSE, INCOME TAX DISPUTES AND BACK TAXES, NAME CHANGE, GUARDIANSHIP, SCHOOL DISCIPLINE, SPECIAL EDUCATION, AND SMALL ESTATE ADMINISTRATION. IN ADDITION, MVLS HELPS TO STRENGTHEN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING REPRESENTATION AND LEGAL ADVICE TO COMMUNITY-BASED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. MVLS CHARGES A NOMINAL APPLICATION FEE OF $25 WHICH IS WAIVED IN HARDSHIP CASES OR REFUNDED IF WE ARE UNABLE TO PLACE THE CLIENT'S CASE WITH A VOLUNTEER LAWYER. MVLS PROVIDES PRO BONO SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS IN ALL MARYLAND COUNTIES. IN ALLEGANY, MONTGOMERY, PRINCE GEORGE'S AND THE FIVE MID-SHORE COUNTIES, WHERE THERE ARE OTHER PRO BONO PROGRAMS, MVLS LIMITS PROGRAM SERVICES TO THOSE SEEKING HELP WITH DENIAL OF LONG-TERM MEDICAID BENEFITS AND DISPUTES WITH THE IRS. SERVICES TO COMMUNITY-BASED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ALSO ARE AVAILABLE STATEWIDE, HOWEVER, THESE CASES ARE A SMALL PART OF OUR PROGRAM OFFERINGS, ESPECIALLY SINCE ANOTHER PROVIDER, COMMUNITY LAW CENTER, IS MEETING THIS NEED. THE TARGET POPULATIONS SERVED BY OUR CORE PRO BONO PROGRAM ARE LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. THE POVERTY RATE IN MARYLAND, THOUGH LOWER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, IS STILL RELATIVELY HIGH AT 10%. IN THE JURISDICTIONS THAT MVLS SERVES, THE POVERTY RATE RANGES FROM A HIGH OF 30% (BALTIMORE CITY) TO A LOW OF 4.5% (HOWARD COUNTY). DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR, CONTESTED FAMILY LAW MATTERS, FORECLOSURE DEFENSE, CONSUMER DEBT, AND CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY REQUESTS PRESENTED THE MOST URGENT PROBLEMS FOR OUR CLIENTS. MVLS HAS A NUMBER OF SPECIAL PROJECTS THAT SUPPLEMENT OUR CORE PRO BONO EFFORTS. THREE CURRENT PROJECTS PROVIDE PRO SE ASSISTANCE: 1) BANKRUPTCY SELF-HELP CLINIC: OFFERS CHAPTER 7 FILERS BI-MONTHLY BANKRUPTCY CLASSES TAUGHT BY MVLS VOLUNTEER LAWYERS AND A PARALEGAL, 2) WASHINGTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE CLINIC: MVLS CONTRACT LAWYERS PROVIDE ADVICE TO INDIVIDUALS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY WHO ARE FILING FAMILY LAW ACTIONS USING DOM REL FORMS, 3) DEBTOR ASSISTANCE PROJECT: A BRIEF ADVICE CLINIC AT THE U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT IN BALTIMORE AND GREENBELT, WHERE PRO SE DEBTORS RECEIVE A FREE HALF-HOUR CONSULTATION WITH A CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY. MVLS PARTNERS WITH THE U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT, PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER, AND THE CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY SECTION OF THE MARYLAND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION. MVLS AND UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CAREY SCHOOL OF LAW'S JOINT JUSTADVICE CLINIC SERVED 682 INDIVIDUALS DURING THE YEAR. UNFORTUNATELY, WE WERE UNABLE TO CONTINUE THIS PROJECT IN FY2015 DUE TO BUDGET CONSTRAINTS, BUT CONTINUE TO ACCEPT CLIENT REFERRALS FROM THE CLINIC. IF THESE CLIENTS MEET OUR INCOME AND CASE TYPE GUIDELINES, WE PLACE THEM WITH A VOLUNTEER LAWYER FOR FULL REPRESENTATION. MVLS RECEIVED ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN FY14 FROM THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES TO REPRESENT 450 (300 IN PAST YEARS) DISABLED ADULTS UNDER PUBLIC GUARDIANSHIP AT SEMI-ANNUAL REVIEW HEARINGS AND INDIGENT CLIENTS IN EMERGENCY GUARDIANSHIP HEARINGS IN BALTIMORE CITY AND 30% OF PUBLIC GUARDIANSHIP CASES IN BALTIMORE COUNTY. THE IRS TAXPAYER ADVOCATE SERVICE FUNDS AN MVLS PROGRAM TO REPRESENT LOW-INCOME TAXPAYERS IN DISPUTES BEFORE THE IRS. WE HAVE EXPANDED PROGRAM SERVICES TO INCLUDE BRIEF ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION IN THE US TAX COURT BY HIRING A FULL TIME TAX ATTORNEY. MVLS VOLUNTEERS TYPICALLY CLOSE 125 TAX DISPUTE CASES ANNUALLY. MVLS INCREASED PRO BONO PLACEMENTS BY 25% IN FY14, FROM 1,610 PRO BONO CASE PLACEMENTS IN FY13 TO 2,130 IN FY14. THIS INCREASE REFLECTS OUR PROGRAMMATIC FOCUS ON EXPANDING PRO BONO SERVICES THROUGH AGGRESSIVE CLIENT OUTREACH AND VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT. SIMILARLY, THE NUMBER OF CLOSED PRO BONO CASES GREW BY 23%, FROM 1,512 IN FY13 TO 1,959 IN FY14. MVLS FY2014 AT A GLANCE: MVLS VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF CLOSED: 3,170 CIVIL CASES 727 LAWYERS VOLUNTEERED FOR OUR PROGRAM 14,528 NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER HOURS SPENT REPRESENTING MVLS CLIENTS AT A VALUE OF $3.2 MILLION THE DEBTOR ASSISTANCE PROJECT VOLUNTEERS PROVIDED BRIEF ADVICE TO 143 PRO SE PETITIONERS AT THE US BANKRUPTCY COURT. THE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION PROJECT HELPED 3,773 DISTRESSED HOMEOWNERS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11
THE FORM 990 WAS CIRCULATED TO THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO REVIEW PRIOR TO FILING.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C
AT THE ORGANIZATION'S ANNUAL MEETING EACH JUNE, THE BOARD PRESIDENT REQUESTS THAT EACH BOARD MEMBER SUBMIT AN UPDATED CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY FORM. EACH DIRECTOR REVIEWS THE POLICY AND RESPONDS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT ASK FOR DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS. AFTER COMPLETING THE FORM, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COLLECTS THE SIGNED FORMS FROM THE BOARD MEMBERS AND RETAINS THEM AT THE ORGANIZATION'S OFFICE.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15
THE BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF TWO FORMER BOARD PRESIDENTS AND THE CURRENT BOARD PRESIDENT. THEY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FULL BOARD EACH SPRING ON EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR STAFF COMPENSATION. THEY ALSO RELY ON SALARY SURVEYS WHEN AVAILABLE AND A REVIEW OF THE 990S OF OTHER LEGAL AGENCIES IF SALARY SURVEY DATA IS UNAVAILABLE.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19
MARYLAND VOLUNTEER LAWYERS SERVICE, INC. PROVIDES ALL OF THE MENTIONED DOCUMENTS TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. IN ADDITION, THE CURRENT FORM 990 IS AVAILABLE ON THE GUIDESTAR WEBSITE.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.