TY 2021 Form 990EZ

- TIN:

Form990EZ

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)

Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990EZ for instructions and the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2021

Open to Public
Inspection

For the 2021 calendar year, or tax year beginning 07-01-2021, and ending 06-30-2022

Check if applicable:

Address change

Name change

Initial return

Final return/terminated

Amended return

Application pending

C Name of organization
Richard H Stewart Jr American Legion Post 543 Inc

% Michael Carton

Number and street (or P. O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address)4136 Southport-Supply Road Unit B
Room/suite

City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code Southport, NC284610000

D Employer identification number

35-2422701

E Telephone number

F Group Exemption
Number bullet

G Accounting Method: CashAccrualOther (specify) bullet

H Check bullet

required to attach Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF).I Website: bullet

NCpost543.orgJ Tax-exempt status (check only one) - 501(c)(3) 501(c)( 19) bullet

(insert no.) 4947(a)(1) or 527

K Form of organization: CorporationTrustAssociationOther

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

$ 109,863

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.....................

1	Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received ....................	1	104,246
2	Program service revenue including government fees and contracts ................	2
3	Membership dues and assessments .............................	3	5,617
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
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
c	Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events ...	6c
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	0
b	Less: cost of goods sold .............	7b	0
c	Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7a) .........	7c	0
8	Other revenue (describe in Schedule O) ....................	8
9	Total revenue. Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8 ..............	9	109,863

10	Grants and similar amounts paid (list in Schedule O) ................	10	65,642
11	Benefits paid to or for members ......................	11
12	Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits ................	12
13	Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors ............	13
14	Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance ...................	14
15	Printing, publications, postage, and shipping ...................	15
16	Other expenses (describe in Schedule O) ...................	16	42,142
17	Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 16 .................	17	107,784

18	Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9) ............	18	2,079
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	133,966
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 ..........	21	136,045

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.

Cat. No. 10642I Form 990-EZ (2021)

Form 990-EZ (2021)

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................

133,966

136,045

23Land and buildings....................

24Other assets (describe in Schedule O) ..........

25Total assets......................

133,966

136,045

Total liabilities (describe in Schedule O) .............

27Net assets or fund balances (line 27 of column (B) must agree with line 21)

133,966

136,045

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? Serviceandsupportforveteran'sandtheirfamilies.
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 Youth-Supportcollegescholarships&scholarshipsforNursingstudents;supportforLegionbaseballteam;otheryouthrelatedsupportacrossthelocalcommunities (Grants $ 18,044) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...			28a	18,044
29 Veteran'sSupport-supporttonational,state,andlocalorganizationscaringforveteran'sandtheirfamilies.WoundedWarrior,FoldsofHonor,EODFoundation,SmilesforVets,OperationNorthState&FisherHouse&SpecialOperationsWoundedWarriors (Grants $ 14,207) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...			29a	14,207
30 Veteran'sServices-financialsupporttostate&localveteran'sgroups,assistancewithrents,home appliance,carrepairs,buildingdisabledrampsforhomeaccess,supportinghomelessvets;supportforSheriff'sprogamaidingvetswithsubstanceabuse;supportforhomebound assistedlivingveteransandwidows (Grants $ 9,351) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...			30a	9,351
See Schedule O for specific details (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		66,182
31 Other program services (describe in Schedule O) ................ (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here...	31a
32 Total program service expenses (add lines 28a through 31a)..........	32	107,784

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
Steve Ratti Commander	25.00	0	0	0
Jim Hilty Post Adjutant	20.00	0	0	0
Michael Carton Post Finance Officer	25.00	0	0	0
Rick Sessa 1st Vice Commander	10.00	0	0	0
Alan Lebiednik 2nd Vice Commander	12.00	0	0	0
Steve Muir Service Officer	25.00	0	0	0
Doug Pratt Deputy Vice Commander - Active Duty	5.00	0	0	0
Chuck Blackburn Deputy Vice Commander - Americanism	5.00	0	0	0
Kathy Roth Publicity Officer	10.00	0	0	0
Al Liberty Judge Advocate	5.00	0	0	0

Form 990-EZ (2021)

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

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 ...................

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. ..........................

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

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

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

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 ................

37a

Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions. bullet

37a

Did the organization file Form 1120-POL for this year?...................

37b

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

If “Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved .

38b

Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:

Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 9.......

39a

Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club facilities.....

39b

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

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

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 4958 bullet

Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed by the organization bullet

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

41List the states with which a copy of this return is filed. bullet

42a The organization's books are in care of bullet

Michael R Carton
Telephone no. bullet

(240) 388-5355

Located at bullet

4136 Southport-Supply Road Unit BSouthport, NC ZIP + 4 bullet

284610000

Yes

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)? . .

42b

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).

At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outside the U.S.? . . .

42c

If “Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: bullet

43 Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-EZ in lieu of Form 1041 - Check here ...... bullet

and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year .... bullet

Yes

44a

Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed insteadof Form 990-EZ.............................

44a

Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completedinstead of Form 990-EZ.............................

44b

Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the year? .........

44c

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

45a

Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?.........

45a

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

Form 990-EZ (2021)

Page 4

Yes

Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If “Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I. ...........

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

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 .......................

Is the organization a school as described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E ..

49a

Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization?......

49a

If "Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organization?................

49b

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

Total number of other employees paid over $100,000 ............. bullet

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

Total number of other independent contractors each receiving over $100,000.......... bullet

Did the organization complete Schedule A? NOTE. All section 501(c)(3) organizations must attach a
completed Schedule A ........................................ bullet

Yes No

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

	Signature of officer	Date

	Type or print name and title

Paid Preparer Use Only

Print/Type preparer's name

Preparer's signature

Date

Check if
self-employed

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

YesNo

Form 990-EZ (2021)

Additional Data

Software ID:	21013404
Software Version:	V1.0

Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:

Special Condition Description

- TIN:

Schedule B
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Schedule of Contributors

Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2021

Name of the organization

Richard H Stewart Jr American Legion Post 543 Inc

Employer identification number

35-2422701

Organization type (check one):

Filers of:

Section:

Form 990 or 990-EZ

501(c)( ) (enter number) organization

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust not treated as a private foundation

527 political organization

Form 990-PF

501(c)(3) exempt private foundation

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation

501(c)(3) taxable private foundation

Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.
Note: Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.

General Rule

For an organization filing Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF that received, during the year, contributions totaling $5,000 or more (in money or other property) from any one contributor. Complete Parts I and II. See instructions for determining a contributor's total contributions.

Special Rules

For an organization described in section 501(c)(3) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that met the 33¹/3% support test of the regulations
under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), that checked Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ), Part II, line 13, 16a, or 16b, and that received from any one contributor, during the year, total contributions of the greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) 2% of the amount on (i) Form 990, Part VIII, line 1h, or (ii) Form 990-EZ, line 1. Complete Parts I and II.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, total contributions of more than $1,000 exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Complete Parts I, II, and III.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, contributions exclusively for religious, charitable, etc., purposes, but no such contributions totaled more than $1,000. If this box is checked, enter here the total contributions that were received during the year for an exclusively religious, charitable, etc., purpose. Don't complete any of the parts unless the General Rule applies to this organization because it received nonexclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions totaling $5,000 or more during the year ......... Arrow Bullet

Caution: An organization that isn't covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules doesn't file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its Form 990-EZ
or on its Form 990PF, Part I, line 2, to certify that it doesn't meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990) (2021)

Schedule B (Form 990) (2021) Page 2

Name of organization Richard H Stewart Jr American Legion Post 543 Inc

Part I Contributors	Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
RESTRICTED	,	$ RESTRICTED	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
Schedule B (Form 990) (2021)

Schedule B (Form 990) (2021)

Page 3

Name of organization Richard H Stewart Jr American Legion Post 543 Inc		Employer identification number 35-2422701

Part II	Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
Schedule B (Form 990) (2021)

Schedule B (Form 990) (2021)

Page 4


Name of organization Richard H Stewart Jr American Legion Post 543 Inc			Employer identification number 35-2422701
Part III Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry. For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) $ Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.

(a)
No. from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No. from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No. from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No. from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

Schedule B (Form 990) (2021)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE O
(Form 990)

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

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2021

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

Richard H Stewart Jr American Legion Post 543 Inc

Employer identification number

35-2422701

Return Reference	Explanation
Doing Business As Names	Richard H. Stewart, Jr. American Legion Post 543, Inc.
Part I, line 10	\| Grants And Similar Amounts Paid:, Amount:\| , $65642\|
Part I, line 16	\| Other Expenses:, Amount:\| , $42142\|
Part I, line 20	\| Explanation:, Amount:\| , $0\|
Part III, Line 31	\| Explanation:\| Active Duty Support funds to US Army Navy Air Force Coast Guard morale & welfare activities supporting military members & their families Hosting US Marine Corps personnel & families for Thanksgiving with St. James residents & support to local Coast Guard personnel. $9289 Americanism - Support for American Legion & local program projects to include Oratorical speech contest at post district division levels & national levels. Support for Boys Girl Scout local JROTC and Civil Air Patrol programs projects. $9818.00 Honors & Ceremonies - Hosting Veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies. Participation in 4th of July activities Military honors for deceased veterans support local cemetery with Christmas wreaths maintenance of cemetery service flags education on proper flag etiquette honor guard support as requested by community organizations. $4933.00 Post Operations - Associated post financial costs to manage and maintain daily monthly and annual operating costs. Included office supplies storage rental fees facility rental fees equipment rental & purchase publicity website electronic communications capabilities. Insurance coverage fees bank fees state licenses. $42,142.00 TOTAL PART III LINE 31a $66182.00
Part IV, Line 1	\| Explanation:\| PART IV OFFICERS ADDED Chuck Francka Post Chaplain b. Per week c compensation d health benefits
Part IV, Line 1	\| Explanation:\| Chuck Francka Post Chaplain 5 per week 0 comp 0 health 0 other comp Tammy Taylor Post Historian 2 per week 0 comp 0 health 0 other comp Bob Davis Sgt at Arms 2 per week 0 comp 0 health 0 other comp

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990) 2021

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

TY 2021 ReasonableCauseExplanation

Name:

Richard H Stewart Jr American Legion Post 543 Inc

EIN:

35-2422701

Software ID:

21013404

Software Version:

V1.0

Explanation:

We attempted to file electronically via the IRS web site and could not fine the links to accomplish the filing. Submitted 990EZ on 10-22-22 received in Ogden UT on 10-24-22 and stamped received. Submitted paper copy to ensure we filed on time. Received IRS letter for failing to electronically; again researched for filing link. Called several IRS offices to find out that we must use a 3rd party vendor or their software to file electronically. No instructions on the IRS site which told us to use a 3rd party vendor; otherwise we would have accomplished the filing in that manner. Request favorable consideration of assessing no penalty for late filing. We will utilize a 3rd party vendor going forward next and subsequent years. Thank you for your consideration.