BENTON CITY, Wash. – The Pit Bull Pen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and fostering pit bulls, has lost its tax-exempt status. This news follows the recent loss of their Benton City facility.
In November, the organization announced a shift from on-site operations to foster-based care due to “circumstances beyond their control”. The announcement also included the departure of Trish Trickit, the former executive director, after 12 years of service.
On Friday, a new press release from the organization revealed the loss of their nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. According to the press release, the issue arose because the previous executive director failed to file the required tax forms for three consecutive years. This action resulted in the loss of their nonprofit status, preventing the organization from providing tax-deductible donation receipts.
Amber Hall, president of the board of directors for the Pit Bull Pen, says they’re working towards bringing the organization back to it’s nonprofit status.
“Upon discovering the issue, we immediately began working with legal counsel and certified public accountants to reinstate our 501(c)(3) status as soon as possible. While this process may take up to six months, we are committed to resolving it efficiently,” said Hall.
According to the Internal Revenue Service, to reinstate nonprofit status, an organization must file an application for exemption and pay a fee. Only then will the IRS issue a new determination letter.
In a statement to NonStop Local, Hall says despite everything that is currently going on, their mission remains the same.
“While there have been changes to our tax status and our ability to attend certain adoption events, solicit donations, or apply for grants, one thing remains the same—our dogs still need loving homes,” she added.
Hall says the best way to help The Pit Bull Pen is to connect with them on their website, here.
