TY 2024 ReasonableCauseExplanation
Name:
FINANCE CORPS ASSOCIATION
Explanation:
On behalf of the Finance Corps Association FCA, we respectfully request an abatement of any potential late-filing penalty and any associated interest assessed for our Form 990EZ for the period ending December 31, 2024. The delay in filing was not due to neglect but rather the result of significant leadership turnover and unavoidable personal hardship within our all volunteer organization. Between 2022 and 2024, our Treasurer and Chief of Staff, both of whom were responsible for annual tax compliance, became full-time caregivers to their aging parents. This situation removed them from active participation for more than 24 months, during which no replacements were available. Additionally, our organization underwent a transition to an entirely new leadership team, comprising a new President, Vice President, eleven Executive Council members, and a new e-Commerce Store Manager. Despite these challenges, FCA members remained committed to our mission of serving Soldiers, Civilians, and Families. In January 2025, both the Treasurer and Chief of Staff returned as part-time volunteers and immediately took corrective action to bring all filings up to date. They have since implemented internal controls to ensure ongoing compliance, including calendar-based filing reminders, annual leadership cross-training, and external review checkpoints. The Finance Corps Association operates as a Section 501 c 19 nonprofit veteran organization, composed entirely of volunteers, many of whom are current or former U.S. Army Soldiers and Department of Defense employees. No member of our staff receives compensation for their time or service. Our mission is purely to support Soldiers and their Families, preserve the heritage of the U.S. Army Finance Corps, and strengthen esprit de corps across generations. Given our volunteer run nature, the unexpected absence of two critical officers severely limited our ability to meet administrative obligations. However, we have now fully recovered operations and are ensuring long-term compliance. We humbly request that the IRS grant relief for this one-time event and abate the penalty and related interest. The imposition of this penalty would create a significant burden on our small organization, diverting resources from programs that directly benefit Soldiers and their Families. Thank you for your consideration, understanding, and continued support of organizations that exist solely to serve those who have served this Nation