The "why" of document verification

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We know, and we understand, it can be a pain in the butt, all the "we need this, we need that" stuff. The documents that we need to verify seems like a lot, and yes, we get asked a lot why we need the documents we do during the application process? Well, we will say it's not because we are nosy or trying to pry. The truth is, actually, it's not us, it's the requirements of IRC 501c. Being a 501c carries with it a whole lot of rules. The government is very, VERY particular about their requirements for an organization to be given, and to keep a 501c. The stipulations in section 501c of the Internal Revenue Code are law and organizations have to comply if they want to keep their 501c status. NOW, it doesn't just end there, we are a Veterans organization which is subject to section 501(c)(19) which has a very special set of rules (laws). Section 501(c)(19) of the IRC outlines very clear and very strictly monitored rules in regards to membership, we are required to maintain a certain percent of Veteran/Military members. This is why Veterans and current Military members absolutely must provide either a DD214 form, a valid current Military ID, or a signed statement of service from their unit/company/squadron commander. We are required to verify these documents and attest to their authenticity. Should the IRS audit us they will expect to see that we have authenticated the documents. They will expect our percent of veteran/military members to non veteran/military members to be at required levels, otherwise they have guidelines to alleviate that, or we may be subject to losing our 501c status, and that would be detrimental. So, when we ask for things like proof of marriage, or proof that a child is yours, etc., again it's not because we are just being nosy, or, prying, or anything like that. It's because the IRS has very strict guidelines when it comes to family members and how far back in lineage it is acceptable for us to go, and so on. As for the document requirements in regards to motorcycles and the D.L. motorcycle endorsement, again being a 501(c)(19) Veterans organization we are held to a strict set of regulations, and expectations from the government. Not to mention that should someone be at a MVMA sanctioned event such as a ride, and heaven forbid, have an accident the MVMA, being a law abiding organization, wants to ensure every member is properly compliant by having the proper endorsement on their license, properly insured, etc., it's for your, and everyone's protection.  So, as for the documents we ask you for, well that's why we ask. It's a pretty simplistic explanation, but without getting into citing the verbiage of the IRC, which honestly is pretty boring, that about sums it up.  And you can rest assured that your information is safe with us! We don't, and won't, ever share it with anyone for any reason, the absolute only exception to that would be if the IRS were to audit us and it is a condition of keeping our 501c status. We will NOT keep a copy of your DD214 or the other documents we ask to see. Once we have verified those documents they will be given back to you, or they will be destroyed. We hope this brief explanation helps you understand, and gives you peace of mind about, why we need the documents we do. If you have any questions or concerns at all about this please don't hesitate to ask, you can email us at NBOD@mvmassoc.com and we will be more than happy to discuss it with you.