TY 2025 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

2025

Open to Public
Inspection

For calendar year 2025, or tax year beginning 01 - 01 2025, and ending 12 - 31, 20 25

Check if applicable:

Address change

Name change

Initial return

Final return/terminated

Amended return

Application pending

C Name of organization
INDEPENDENCE SICILIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Number and street (or P. O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address)P O BOX 457
Room/suite

City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code INDEPENDENCE, LA70443

D Employer identification number

80-0310356

E Telephone number

(985) 507-1284

F Group Exemption
Number

G Accounting Method: CashAccrualOther (specify) H Check
required to attach Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF).I Website:www.indysicilianfest.comJ Tax-exempt status (check only one) - 501(c)(3) 501(c)( 4) (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 ........................... $ 146,176

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
2	Program service revenue including government fees and contracts ................	2
3	Membership dues and assessments .............................	3
4	Investment income ....................................	4	3,641
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) List of Attached Documents: // Content ..	6b	142,535
c	Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events ...	6c	116,386
d	Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraising events (add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c)	6d	26,149
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	29,790

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
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	31,769
17	Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 16 .................	17	31,769

18	Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9) ............	18	-1,979
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	158,238
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	156,259

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.

Cat. No. 10642I Form 990-EZ (2025)

Form 990-EZ (2025)

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

158,238

156,259

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

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

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

158,238

156,259

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

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

158,238

156,259

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? To preserve the cultural aspects of the traditional Sicilian life which is the primary heritage of the Town of Independence, LA.
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 PRESERVATION OF SICILIAN HERITAGE. (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		28a
29 (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		29a
30 (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		30a
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

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
MELISSA L POLITO Treasurer	0	0
ANTHONY CATALANO Co-Chairman	0	0
ARDY JOHNSON Chairman	0	0
MARY SPENCER Secretary	0	0

Form 990-EZ (2025)

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.

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 0 ; section 4912 0 ; section 4955 0

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 49580

Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed by the organization0

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.

42a The organization's books are in care of MELISSA L POLITO
Telephone no. (985) 974-2070

Located at 29378 Mary Kinchen RoadINDPENDENCE, LA ZIP + 4 70443

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:

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:

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

and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year .... 43

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 (2025)

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

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..........

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

	Officer's name and title

Paid Preparer Use Only

Preparer's name

Preparer's signature

Date

Check if
self-employed

PTIN

Firm's name

Firm's EIN

Firm's address

Phone no.

May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions .........YesNo

Form 990-EZ (2025)

Additional Data

Software ID:	25022934
Software Version:	2025v4.1

Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:

Special Condition Description

- TIN:

SCHEDULE G (Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Information Regarding
Fundraising or Gaming Activities

Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 17, 18, or 19, or if the organization entered more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a. Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization
INDEPENDENCE SICILIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Employer identification number

80-0310356

Part I

Fundraising Activities.Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 17.

Form 990-EZ filers are not required to complete this part.

Indicate whether the organization raised funds through any of the following activities. Check all that apply.

a	Mail solicitations	e	Solicitation of non-government grants
b	Internet and email solicitations	f	Solicitation of government grants
c	Phone solicitations	g	Special fundraising events
d	In-person solicitations

Did the organization have a written or oral agreement with any individual (including officers, directors, trustees

or key employees listed in Form 990, Part VII) or entity in connection with professional fundraising services?

YesNo

If "Yes," list the 10 highest paid individuals or entities (fundraisers) pursuant to agreements under which the fundraiser is
to be compensated at least $5,000 by the organization.

(i) Name and address of individual or entity (fundraiser)	(iii) Did fundraiser have custody or control of contributions?
	Yes	No










Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

List all states in which the organization is registered or licensed to solicit contributions or has been notified it is exempt from registration or licensing.

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

Cat. No. 50083H

Schedule G (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Page 2

Part II

Fundraising Events. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 18, or reported more than $15,000 of fundraising event contributions and gross income on Form 990-EZ, lines 1 and 6b. List events with gross receipts greater than $5,000.

		(a) Event #1 FESTIVAL (event type)	(b) Event #2 VARIOUS (event type)	(c) Other events (total number)	(d) Total events (add col. (a) through col. (c))
1	Gross receipts . . . . .	125,604	16,931		142,535
2	Less: Contributions . . . .
3	Gross income (line 1 minus line 2) . . . . . .	125,604	16,931		142,535

4	Cash prizes . . . . .	4,750		4,750
5	Noncash prizes . . . .	3,256		3,256
6	Rent/facility costs . . . .
7	Food and beverages . . .	15,302		15,302
8	Entertainment . . . .	31,383		31,383
9	Other direct expenses . . .	40,412	21,283	61,695
10	Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . .			116,386
11	Net income summary. Subtract line 10 from line 3, column (d). . . . . . . . . .			26,149

Part III

Gaming. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 19, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a.

		(a) Bingo	(b) Pull tabs/Instant bingo/progressive bingo	(c) Other gaming	(d) Total gaming (add col.(a) through col.(c))
1	Gross revenue . . . . .

2	Cash prizes . . . . .
3	Noncash prizes . . . .
4	Rent/facility costs . . . .
5	Other direct expenses . . .

Volunteer labor . . . .

	Yes %
	No

	Yes %
	No

	Yes %
	No

Direct expense summary. Add lines 2 through 5 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . .

Net gaming income summary. Subtract line 7 from line 1, column (d). . . . . . . . .

Enter the state(s) in which the organization conducts gaming activities:

Is the organization licensed to conduct gaming activities in each of these states? . . . . . . . .

YesNo

If "No," explain:

10a

Were any of the organization's gaming licenses revoked, suspended or terminated during the tax year? . . .

YesNo

If "Yes," explain:

Schedule G (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Page 3

Does the organization conduct gaming activities with nonmembers? . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

Is the organization a grantor, beneficiary or trustee of a trust or a member of a partnership or other entity

formed to administer charitable gaming? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

Indicate the percentage of gaming activity conducted in:

The organization's facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13a

An outside facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13b

Enter the name and address of the person who prepares the organization's gaming/special events books and records:

Name

Address

15a

Does the organization have a contract with a third party from whom the organization receives gaming

revenue? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

If "Yes," enter the amount of gaming revenue received by the organization $ and the

amount of gaming revenue retained by the third party $ .

If "Yes," enter name and address of the third party:

Name

Address

Gaming manager information:

Name

Gaming manager compensation $

Description of services provided

Director/officer Employee Independent contractor

Mandatory distributions:

Is the organization required under state law to make charitable distributions from the gaming proceeds to

retain the state gaming license? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

Enter the amount of distributions required under state law distributed to other exempt organizations or spent

in the organization's own exempt activities during the tax year $

Part IV

Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part I, line 2b, columns (iii) and (v); and Part III, lines 9, 9b, 10b, 15b, 15c, 16, and 17b, as applicable. Also provide any additional information. See instructions.

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule G (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Additional Data

Software ID:	25022934
Software Version:	2025v4.1

- TIN:

SCHEDULE O
(Form 990)
(Rev. January 2025)
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.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

INDEPENDENCE SICILIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Employer identification number

80-0310356

Return Reference	Explanation
Other Expenses.1	Office expense $11300
Other Expenses.2	Facility Operation Expenses $8625
Other Expenses.3	BOARD EXPENSES $6925
Other Expenses.4	Conference, Meetings, Travel $4919

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

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990) (Rev. 1-2025)

Additional Data

Software ID:	25022934
Software Version:	2025v4.1