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 private
foundations)
bullet Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
bullet Information about Form 990-EZ and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-1150
2014
Open to Public
Inspection
A
For the 2014 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2014, and ending 12-31-2014
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 16084
  Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code IRVINE, CA92623
D Employer identification number

41-2152677
E Telephone number

(714) 446-8871
F Group Exemption
Numberbullet  
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 Form of organization:  
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, column (B) below) are $500,000 or more, file Form 990 instead of Form 990-EZ . . . . . . . . . bullet $ 115,287
Part I
Revenue, 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 30,515
2 Program service revenue including government fees and contracts ............ 2 84,476
3 Membership dues and assessments...................... 3  
4 Investment income........................... 4  
5a Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory........ 5a  
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses........... 5b 458
c Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5a) ...... 5c -458
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) ..................... 8 296
9 Total revenue. Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8.............. Bullet 9 114,829
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 28,578
13 Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors............ 13 2,630
14 Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance................... 14 2,800
15 Printing, publications, postage, and shipping................... 15  
16 Other expenses (describe in Schedule O) .................... 16 86,349
17 Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 16 ................. Bullet 17 120,357
VerticalNetAssets 18 Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9)............ 18 -5,528
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)................ 19 100,890
20 Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) .......... 20 -81,585
21 Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 18 through 20.........Bullet 21 13,777
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 10642I Form 990-EZ (2014)
Form 990-EZ (2014)
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.................

(A) Beginning of year(B) End of year
22Cash, savings, and investments................
99,713
22
13,777
23Land and buildings....................
 
23
 
24Other assets (describe in Schedule O) ..........
1,848
24
 
25Total assets......................
101,561
25
13,777
26
Total liabilities (describe in Schedule O) .............
671
26
 
27Net assets or fund balances (line 27 of column (B) must agree with line 21)..
100,890
27
13,777
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; 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 Held our annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia that brought together comic book retailers, vendors, and other suppliers to discuss the status of the comic book industry. At our annual meeting, in addition to our usual programming, we recognized Eric Stephenson, From Image Comics, with our appreciation award. We also recognized Julius Schwartz, the long-time editor of DC Comics, with our memorial award.Shared information through a monthly member newsletter, a member website forum, and through Facebook to help both member stores and non-member stores succeed. Set up at San Diego Comicon and Long Beach Comic Con. Talked to retailers and comic fans about the industry, organized educational seminars for retailers, and organized receptions to allow retailers to connect with publishers and distributors. Worked with various suppliers to provide special deals to comic book retailers. Some of these companies included: Papercutz, Viz, BCW, Graphitti Designs, Boom, Titan, Tales of Wonder, American Retail Supply, Asgard Press, Blue Line Paper. Distributed Free Comic Books, handbooks, articles, and newsletter donated by industry partners.Supported Free Comic Book Day by helping retailers get the word out. ComicsPRO crafted over 750 individualized press releases. Was the main logistical support for the world wide event - 24 Hour Comics Day. We registered each venue, advertised the event nationwide, hosted the website and blog. We also arranged free and discounted product for participating retailers. This year, we went to San Francisco and helped run a 24 Hour Comics Day venue at APE (Alternative Press Expo).Provided mentoring to prospective comic book store owners.
(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
JOE FIELD  
BOARD MEMBER 		5.00 0    
RALPH MATHIEU  
BOARD MEMBER 		1.00 0    
GARY DILLS  
Treasurer 		1.00 0    
ERIC KIRSAMMER  
BOARD MEMBER 		1.00 0    
CALUM JOHNSTON  
RECORDING SECY 		1.00 0    
THOMAS GAUL  
President 		10.00 0    
PETER DOLAN  
BOARD MEMBER 		1.00 0    
CARR D'ANGELO  
Vice President 		5.00 0    
MARCO DAVANZO  
Executive Dir. 		40.00 26,400    
Form 990-EZ (2014)
Form 990-EZ (2014)
Page 3
Part V
Other 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 Click to see attachment................
36
Yes
 
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), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in any section 4958 excess benefit transaction 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), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on organization managers or disqualified persons during the year under sections 4912, 4955, and 4958bullet  
d
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) 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 bulletMARCO DAVANZO Telephone no. bullet (714) 446-8871
Located at bulletPO BOX 16084IRVINE,CA ZIP + 4bullet92623
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 FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)
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 Form 990-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
explanation in 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 Form 990-EZ (see instructions)......................
45b
 
No
Form 990-EZ (2014)
Form 990-EZ (2014)
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 only All section 501(c)(3) organizations must answer questions 47-49b and 52, and complete the tables for lines 50 and 51 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 as 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 (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 business address of each independent contractor (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 must attach a completed Schedule A ...............bullet
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 bullet

Firm's EIN bullet
Firm's address bullet



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions .........bullet
Form 990-EZ (2014)


Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description

Additional Data


Software ID: 14000265
Software Version: 2014v5.0
SCHEDULE N
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Liquidation, Termination, Dissolution, or Significant Disposition of Assets
bullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, lines 31 or 32; or Form 990-EZ, line 36.
bullet Attach certified copies of any articles of dissolution, resolutions, or plans.
bullet Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
bulletInformation about Schedule N (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2014
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
COMICS PROFESSIONAL RETAILERS ORG
 
Employer identification number
41-2152677
Part I
Liquidation, Termination, or Dissolution. Complete this part if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 31, or Form 990-EZ, line 36.
Part I can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
1(a)Description of asset(s)
distributed or transaction
expenses paid		 (b)Date of
distribution		 (c)Fair market value of
asset(s) distributed or
amount of transaction
expenses		 (d)Method of
determining FMV for
asset(s) distributed or
transaction expenses		 (e)EIN of recipient (f)Name and address of recipient (g)IRC section
of recipient(s) (if
tax-exempt) or type
of entity




















Yes
No
2
Did or will any officer, director, trustee, or key employee of the organization:
a
Become a director or trustee of a successor or transferee organization? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2a
 
 
b
Become an employee of, or independent contractor for, a successor or transferee organization? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2b
 
 
c
Become a direct or indirect owner of a successor or transferee organization? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2c
 
 
d
Receive, or become entitled to, compensation or other similar payments as a result of the organization's liquidation, termination, or dissolution? . . . . .
2d
 
 
e
If the organization answered "Yes" to any of the questions on lines 2a through 2d, provide the name of the person involved and explain in Part III. bullet
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 50087Z
Schedule N (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2014)

Schedule N (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2014)
Page 2
Part I
Liquidation, Termination, or Dissolution (continued)
Note. If the organization distributed all of its assets during the tax year, then Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 16 (Total assets), and line 26 (Total liabilities), should equal -0-.
Yes
No
3
Did the organization distribute its assets in accordance with its governing instrument(s)? If "No," describe in Part III . . . . . . . . . . .
3
 
 
4a
Is the organization required to notify the attorney general or other appropriate state official of its intent to dissolve, liquidate, or terminate? . . . . . .
4a
 
 
b
If "Yes," did the organization provide such notice? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4b
 
 
5
Did the organization discharge or pay all of its liabilities in accordance with state laws? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
 
 
6a
Did the organization have any tax-exempt bonds outstanding during the year? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6a
 
 
b
If "Yes" to line 6a, did the organization discharge or defease all of its tax-exempt bond liabilities during the tax year in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and state laws?
6b
 
 
c
If "Yes" to line 6b, describe in Part III how the organization defeased or otherwise settled these liabilities. If "No" to line 6b, explain in Part III.

Part II
Sale, Exchange, Disposition, or Other Transfer of More Than 25% of the Organization's Assets. Complete this part if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 32, or Form 990-EZ, line 36. Part II can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
1(a) Description of asset(s)
distributed or transaction
expenses paid		 (b) Date of
distribution		 (c) Fair market value of
asset(s) distributed or
amount of transaction
expenses		 (d) Method of
determining FMV for
asset(s) distributed or
transaction expenses		 (e) EIN of recipient (f) Name and address of recipient (g) IRC section
of recipient(s) (if
tax-exempt) or type
of entity
SEE SCH N PART III ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 12-31-2014 93,640   SEE SCH N PART III
 
 
  		 
















Yes
No
2
Did or will any officer, director, trustee, or key employee of the organization:
a
Become a director or trustee of a successor or transferee organization? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2a
 
 
b
Become an employee of, or independent contractor for, a successor or transferee organization? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2b
 
 
c
Become a direct or indirect owner of a successor or transferee organization? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2c
 
 
d
Receive, or become entitled to, compensation or other similar payments as a result of the organization’s significant disposition of assets? . . . . . . .
2d
 
 
e
If the organization answered "Yes" to any of the questions on lines 2a through 2d, provide the name of the person involved and explain in Part III. bullet
Schedule N(Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2014)

Schedule N (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2014)
Page 3
Part III
Supplemental Information. Provide the information required by Part I, lines 2e and 6c, and Part II, line 2e. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
Sch N, Part III, Additional Information THE TREASURER RESIGNED FROM HIS POSITION WITH COMICS PROFESSIONAL RETAILER ORG ON DECEMBER 3, 2014 AFTER ADMITTING TO UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE ORGANIZATION'S ASSETS. UPON THE TREASURER'S RESIGNATION, THE ORGANIZATION IMPLEMENTED INTERNAL CONTROLS TO MOVE THE ORGANIZATION FORWARD. AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WAS PUT IN PLACE WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAY TO DAY FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS WITH DIRECT OVERSIGHT BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OPENED NEW BANK ACCOUNTS, IMPLEMENTED A BUDGET AND REGULARLY REPORTS TO THE BOARD ON THE FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE ORGANIZATION.
Schedule N (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2014)


Additional Data


Software ID: 14000265
Software Version: 2014v5.0


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 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
MediumBullet Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2014
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
COMICS PROFESSIONAL RETAILERS ORG
 
Employer identification number

41-2152677
Return Reference Explanation
Other Revenue.1 MISC REV/REIMBURSEMENTS $296
Other Expenses.1002 Office Expenses $1042
Other Expenses.1007 Conferences, Conventions, and Meetings $4223
Other Expenses.1009 Depreciation $147
Other Expenses.1 ANNUAL MEETING COSTS $77769
Other Expenses.2 credit card & misc fees $1820
Other Expenses.3 WEBSITE MAINTENANCE $1130
Other Expenses.4 TELEPHONE $218
Other Assets.1003 Machinery and Equipment - Beginning $605 Machinery and Equipment - Ending $0
Other Assets.1 INVENTORY - Beginning $1243 INVENTORY - Ending $0
Total Liabilities.1001 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses - Beginning $671 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses - Ending $0
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014

Additional Data


Software ID: 14000265
Software Version: 2014v5.0