Kent Nonprofits Lose Tax-Exempt Status

A whole lot of Kent nonprofit organizations are losing their tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service.

A total 42 organizations in Kent lost their tax-exempt status in June for "failing to file legally required annual returns or notices for three consecutive years," according to the IRS.

You won't find big organizations like or on the list, but you will find a number of fraternities and small groups such as Friends of Towners Woods, the Kent Fire Education Conference and the Tree City Players.

Chief James Williams said the fire education conference used to run an annual training school.

"The organization has not put on a class for close to 20 years and was abandoned about the same time," Williams said.

The Tree City Players, which shared an address with the , disbanded about six years ago, stage owner Tom Simpson said.

For the complete listing of Kent and statewide organizations, click on the .pdf file attached to this article.

"Concerted effort was made to notify organizations of their annual filing requirements,” said IRS spokeswoman Jennifer Jenkins.  “Therefore, we believe that the majority of these organizations are defunct, and possibly have been so for awhile."

Jenkins said organizations that lost tax-exempt status but are still in business can apply for reinstatement of their tax-exempt status.

Information for organizations to apply for reinstatement of their tax exempt status is availabe on the IRS website.