Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service |
Form 906
Rev. January 1987 |
CLOSING AGREEMENT ON FINAL
DETERMINATION COVERING SPECIFIC MATTERS
Under section 7121 of the Internal Revenue Code, the parties named herein
and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue make the following closing agreement:
WHEREAS, the Church of Scientology and its constituent entities (the
"Church") and the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") have a long
history of controversy spanning over 30 years;
WHEREAS, the Church has pending with the Service applications on Form
1023 requesting that the Service recognize certain constituent entities
within the Church as exempt from income taxation pursuant to section 501(a)
of the Internal Revenue Service Code, as exclusively charitable organizations
described in section 501 (c) (3) of the Code;
WHEREAS, the controversy between the parties includes litigation (hereinafter
"the section 170 litigation") in which the deductibility under Code section
170 of parishioners' payments to the Church in connection with their participation
in religious services of the Scientology faith is at issue;
WHEREAS, the Church signatories and individual Scientologists have initiated,
supported and/or otherwise participated in litigation under the Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA) to compel the Service to disclose information
withheld by the Service in response to FOIA requests about its treatment
of Scientologists and Churches of Scientology (hereinafter "FOIA litigation");
WHEREAS, in October of 1991, the key officials of the Church, David
Miscavige and Mark Rathbun, approached the Service seeking to negotiate
the resolution of the above-described matters, and met with the then Commissioner;
WHEREAS, at this meeting, the Commissioner indicated his desire to resolve
all outstanding issues between the Church and the Service and appointed
the Assistant Commissioner to negotiate and conclude a settlement with
the Church on behalf of the Service;
WHEREAS, the Church and the Service intend this closing agreement to
be final and conclusive with respect to all matters but, while also final
and conclusive, that its provisions relating to the continuing duties and
obligations of both parties during the transition period shall generally
be effective until December 31, 1999;
NOW IT IS HEREBY DETERMINED AND AGREED, for purposes the Internal Revenue
laws of the United States, and in consideration of the provisions contained
herein that:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction
II. Resolution of Outstanding
Issues
A. In General
B.
Payment in Consideration of Resolution of Outstanding Issues
C.
Effect of Agreement on Prior Tax Years and Waiver of Rights of Action
D. Effect of
Outstanding Administrative Matters
1.
Church tax inquiries under Code section 7611
2. Other
examinations of Scientology-related entities
3. Outstanding tax assessments
4. Trust fund recovery penalties
5. Time
period in which to effectuate paragraph D
E. Effect on Outstanding
Litigation Matters
1. In general
2. Zolin
3. Stipulations
4. Certain pending cases requiring
coordination
F.
After-Discovered Cases of Examinations in Existence as of the Date of this
Agreement
G. Finality
III. Service Determinations
Regarding Scientology-Related Entities
A. Issuance of
Determination Letters
B. Individual Determination
Letters
C. Group Determination Letters
IV. Obligations
and Undertakings During the Transaction Period
A. Establishment
of Church and Tax Compliance Committee
1. Purpose of
Church Tax Compliance Committee
2. Membership of Church
Tax Compliance Committee
a. Corporate CTCC members
b. At-large members of
CTCC
c. Individual CTCC members
3. Responsibilities of CTCC
a. Annual report
b. Communications
c. Meetings
d. Guaranty
e. Liability for penalties
4. Actions of CTCC
B. Financial
Reporting Requirements
1.
Special accounting procedures
a. In general
b. Special
Accounting Procedures --Operational aspects
c. CPA's reports -- In
general
d. CTCC responsibilities
e. Selection of
a qualified CPA
f. Definition
of qualified CPA
g. CTCC's approval of
selection
h. Notification
of selection
i. First Qualified CPA
j. Special
Purpose Report agreement
k. Special
Purpose Report scope limitation
l.
Access to Special Purpose Report - related to documents
m. Required disclosures
to CPA
n. Submission
of Special Purpose Reports
o. Submission
of plan of corrective action
2. Internal
financial reports
3.
Report on central reserves transactions and balances
4. Tax returns
5. Term
C. Fiduciary
Reporting Requirements
1. Compensation
information
2. Modifications
of organizational documents
3.
Reporting of any dividend payment with respect to any entity
4.
Reporting of any ownership change with respect to any entity
5. Reporting
on creation of new entities
6.
Reporting of any ecclesiastical modification or the restructuring of any
entity
7.
Reporting of certain asset transfers and expenditures
8.
Reporting of certain asset transfers that diminish the assets of the corporate
members of the CTCC
9.
Reporting of any amendment of any directive concerning the treatment of
funds
10.
Activity or inaction in contravention of this Agreement
11. Update on
operational modifications
12.
Education and training issues under Code section 170
13.
Term of fiduciary reporting under section IV c
D. Certifications
1. In general
2. Section 501 (c)
(3)
3. Continuing
certifications
E. Operational modifications
F. Treatment
of Information Exchanges
V. Treatment
of the Code Section 6104 Public Inspection File and Certain Other Materials
A.
Code section 6104 Public Inspection File
B.
Disclosure of Information by the Service
C.
Disclosure of Information by the CTCC
D. Proceeding Under Agreement
E. Disclosure Following
Inquiries
F. Correction of Misstatements
G. Term of Undertaking
VI.
Penalty Provisions During Transition Period and Other Procedural Matters
A.
Introduction: Purpose and Scope of Sanctions
B. Self-Dealing
Transactions
1. First-tier
penalties
a.
On Individual CTCC member who is a self-dealer or who is related to a self-dealer
b.
On Individual CTCC member with knowledge of transaction
2 . Second-tier penalties
a.
On Individual CTCC member who is a a self-dealer or who is related to a
self-dealer
b.
On Individual CTCC member refusing to correct
3. Self-dealing
a. In general
b. Special rules
c. Exceptions
d. Amount involved
C. Noncharitable
Expenditures
1. First-tier penalties
a. On Corporate
CTCC members
b. On Individual CTCC
members
2. Second-tier penalties
a. On Corporate
CTCC members
b. On Individual
CTCC members
3. Noncharitable expenditure
a. Noncharitable
expenditure
b. Expenditure
responsibility
c. Governing principles
4. Special noncharitable
expenditure
5. Amount involved
D. Reporting Obligations
1.
Penalty on Corporate CTCC members
2. Penalty
on Individual CTCC members
a.
Failure to comply with demand
b.
Application of penalties for failure to provide information
3.
Exception for reasonable cause
4.
Exception for inability to certify specific information
E.
Joint and Several Liability and Certain Penalty Limitations for Individual
CTCC members
F. Additional Penalty
G. Third-Tier Penalty
H.
Procedures for Penalty Determinations
1. a.
First-tier penalty
b. Second-tier
penalties
c. Other penalties
2. Interest
3. Non-assertion
of penalties
VII.
Treatment of Parishioner's Contributions
VIII. Definitions
A. Code
B. Entity
C. Scientology-related
entity
D. Scientology-related
individual
E. Qualified Written
Material
F. Service
G. Taxable Year
H. Transition Period
I. Agreement
J. CTCC
K. Church Signatories
L. Settlement Agreement
M. Annual Report
N. Disqualified Person
O. Wilful
P. Sanction Period
Q. First-Tier Penalty
R. Second-tier Penalty
S. Correction
T. Correction Period
U. Church
V. Commissioner
W. Assistant Commissioner
X. Knowing
Y. Reasonable cause
IX. Other Matters
A. Representations
B. Notices
C. Rules of Construction
D. Entire Agreement
E. Survival of Agreement
F. Costs
of Compliance with Agreement
G. Counterparts
H. Finality
I. Date of Agreement
Signatures
List of Exhibits [not included]
I. Introduction.
The parties have entered into this Agreement in order to put the past
controversy behind them, to extinguish all potential claims and liabilities
arising as a result of action or inaction prior to the date of this Agreement
and to structure their relationship into the future. While complex, there
are certain basic principles underlying the Agreement that will aid in
its comprehension.
First, under section II of the Agreement the Church will make a single
payment that is intended to extinguish any potential tax liability that
may be due and unpaid by any Scientology-related entity for all tax years
up to and including the tax year ending in 1992. Thus, as of December 31,
1992, the Church will be current with respect to all income, employment
and estate tax liability.
Second, under section II of the Agreement, the Church and the Service
will withdraw from virtually all existing controversy, including ongoing
examinations of Church entities, ongoing litigation by the Service to enforce
summonses for Church records, and all litigation by the Church against
the Service and its current or former personnel. In addition, because the
parties intend that the relationship between them begin anew, and in light
of the other provisions contained in this Agreement, including the payment
with respect to potential past tax liability, the Service and the Church
agree under this section II of the Agreement that the Service will not
examine the Church for any year ending prior to January 1, 1993. Similarly,
no Scientology-related entity may initiate or support any legal action
against the Service or any Service employee for any claim arising prior
to the date of this Agreement.
Third, it is the view of the Service that certain Church entities are
entitled to recognition of tax-exempt status as entities described in section
501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Thus, section III of the Agreement
contains a list of entities that will be recognized as tax exempt entities,
including certain entities that will receive group exemption letters covering
their subordinate organizations.
Notwithstanding the above, in light of, inter alia, the size and complexity
of the Church and the Service, certain concerns of the Service and the
Church remain. In addition, there is a need for improved communication
between the parties. Thus, under section IV, a Church Tax Compliance Committee
(CTCC) has been created to undertake certain obligations during a seven-year
transition period. The CTCC is to be comprised of the largest United States
Church entities, as well as those individuals who are the highest ecclesiastical
or corporate authorities within the Church. The Service, through the Assistant
Commissioner, has agreed to meet with the CTCC upon their request during
the transition period to address any questions arising from the ongoing
performance of the parties' obligations under this Agreement.
The CTCC is in a position to monitor and effect the operations of the
group entities that are defined as "Scientology-related entities" under
this Agreement. Under section IV, the CTCC is responsible for certain reports
produced and provided annually to the Service. These reports will include
a report on the application of certain agreed-upon procedures by an independent
certified public accounting firms, as well as certain other information
collected and reported by the CTCC. These reports, and the information
the CTCC collects from Scientology-related entities in order to prepare
them, are intended solely for the purposes of administration of the tax
laws and not for any other purpose.
In light of the CTCC and its relationship to the whole of Scientology,
the CTCC has agreed under section IV to guarantee the collection of taxes
(including interest and penalties) from any Scientology-related entity
for tax liability arising during the first three years of the seven-year
transition period. The parties have agreed under section V to keep confidential
both this Agreement and all underlying information that is not part of
the public record under Code section 6104 except to the extent that disclosure
is necessary to interpret or apply this agreement or is permitted under
the authority of law. In addition, the CTCC has agreed under section VI
to certain consensual penalties intended to provide the Service intermediate
sanctions for activities or conduct not in accordance with the Code or
with this Agreement.
Finally, under section VII, the Service and the Church have come to
an agreement with respect to the treatment of contribution by Church parishioners
and the extent to which those contributions are deductible under section
170 of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as the Service's acknowledgment
of its obligation to interpret and apply the "gift or contribution" requirement
of Code section 170 (c) equally and consistently to the fundraising practices
of all religious organizations that receive fixed donations from parishioners
in connection with participation in worship and similar religious rituals
or services.
II. Resolution
of Outstanding Issues.
A. In General.
In general, the parties to the Agreement intend that the below-described
issues be finally and conclusively resolved under this Agreement.
B. Payment
in Consideration of Resolution of Outstanding Issues.
1. At the same time this Agreement is executed, Church of Scientology
International is paying by banker's draft the sum of Twelve and One-Half
Million United States Dollars (US$12,500,000.00), receipt of which the
Service hereby acknowledges, as consideration for the settlement of outstanding
issues with the Service as set forth in this Agreement.
2.The amount paid under this Agreement includes recognition that the
Church will not collect the attorneys' fees awarded to the Church in the
Church of Scientology of Boston, Inc. litigation referred to in Exhibit
II-2, thus extinguishing the Service's liability under that decision.
3. The amount paid under this Agreement is not considered part of, or
attributable to, the federal tax liability of any Scientology-related individual
or Scientology parishioner, and is not deductible, refundable or creditable
to any such individual for any purpose, nor may the amount be the subject
of any other offset of liability under this Agreement.
4. If, after application of the provisions of paragraph IX.H., the Service
assesses a tax liability for a taxable year ending before January 1, 1993
against any Scientology-related entity, the amount paid under this Agreement
shall be treated as a payment of the taxes so assessed against such entity
as of the date of this Agreement in the manner designated by the CTCC.
Otherwise, such amount shall not be considered part of, or attributable
to, the federal tax liabilities of any Scientology-related entity and is
not deductible, refundable or creditable to any such entity for any purpose,
nor may the amount be the subject of any other offset of liability under
this Agreement.
5. The amount paid under this Agreement may be designated as the Service
provides (including penalties or liquidated damages) so as to avoid characterization
as a refundable or creditable amount.
6. The amount paid under this Agreement shall not be deductible in computing
the taxable income of any Scientology-related entity or Scientology parishioner
and shall not be treated as compensation of either income to any Scientology-related
entity or Scientology parishioner.
7. The performance of the various obligations under this Agreement by
the CTCC or by any Scientology-related entity, including (but not limited
to) the payment under paragraph II.B.1. hereof, shall not in and of itself
be considered by the Service to constitute the conferring of substantial
private benefits by any Scientology-related entity, the private inurement
of the net earnings of any Scientology-related entity, nor shall such performance
adversely affect in any other way the tax exempt status under Code section
501 (c) (3) of any Scientology-related entity.
8. No inference shall be drawn from the fact that the payment provided
in paragraph II.B.1 has been made with respect to whether any Scientology-related
entity agrees that any tax liability was actually due or owing for any
pre-1993 period.
C. Effect
of Agreement on Prior Tax Years and Waiver of Rights of Action.
1. The Service agrees not to commence an examination or assess any tax
liability under subtitles A, B, or C of the Code or under Chapter 42 of
subtitle D of the Code for any taxable period ending on or before December
31, 1992, with respect to any Scientology-related entity. Similarly, no
Scientology-related entity shall have any right to refund or offset with
respect to any payment made for any taxable period ending prior to the
date this Agreement is executed. Notwithstanding the previous sentence,
any amounts held in accounts under the joint signatory authority of any
Scientology-related entity and a representative of the Service, and any
other amounts otherwise in the nature of bond, to defer collection action
by the Service with respect to any liability assessed against a Scientology-related
entity for the a pre- taxable period (including, but not limited to, joint
signature accounts at Sumitomo Bank to serve as collateral for FICA assessments
against CSI, RTC, CSWUS, and CST) shall be released or otherwise returned
to the Scientology-related entity. The Service and the CTCC shall jointly
draft notice to the bank (s) to effectuate release of such funds.
2. To the extent any payments have been made and/or claims for refund
filed for any taxable period prior to the date of this Agreement by a Scientology-
related entity, the Church and Service agree that such payments are not
subject to refund and will not be refunded. The CTCC certifies that no
Scientology-related entity will continue to pursue such claim for refund
or file any new claim for refund for any pre-1993 period.
3. The Service and the Church agree that no inference is to be drawn
from any provision of the Agreement as to the tax treatment of any activity
or item relating to any liability under the Code for any post-1992 periods
unless expressly provided herein. For example, the fact that the Service
has not assessed any unrelated business income tax for past years may not
be construed to mean that activities that occurred in those years did not
give rise to such liability and that if such activities continue into post-1992
taxable years, that they will not give rise to such income. For further
example, the fact that the Church has made the payment provided in paragraph
B.1. shall not be construed as an admission, or otherwise used in any way
as evidence, that any Scientology-related entity was not exempt from federal
tax for any taxable period before 1993.
4. In reliance upon the covenant of good faith and fair dealing that
underlies this Agreement, the Church signatories, as well as the Individual
At-large members of the CTCC agree to relinquish all claims arising out
of any action or inaction of the Service of current or former Service employees
that occurred prior to the date of this Agreement, including, but not limited
to, any claims of continued conspiracy having a genesis prior to the date
of this Agreement. In addition, the Church signatories, and the Individual
and At-large members of the CTCC certify that no Scientology-related entity
or Scientology-related individual shall assist (directly or indirectly)
any party in any suit against the United States, the Service or current
or former Service employees based upon any claim arising out of any action
or inaction of the Service or former or current employees that occurred
prior to the date of this Agreement including, but not limited to, any
claims of continued conspiracy having its genesis prior to the date of
this Agreement. If any Scientology-related entity or Scientology-related
individual commences any such action or provides any such assistance, then
section VI shall apply.
5. The CTCC shall indemnify and hold the United States, the Service
or any Service employee (former or present) harmless with respect to any
litigation filed or pursued in contravention of the Agreement, that is,
any litigation filed or pursued by or with the assistance of any Scientology-related
entity or Scientology-related individual. For purposes of this paragraph
C.5, direct or indirect assistance includes, but is not limited to, financial
aid, litigation support, or the use in connection with litigation of documents
obtained from the Service by any Scientology-related entity or Scientology-related
individual prior to the date of this Agreement or under the Inspection
provisions of the Settlement Agreement entered into by the parties on even
date herewith.
6. Subject to the requirements of section VII, paragraph G., nothing
in the preceding two paragraphs shall be construed to prevent any Scientology-related
entity from conducting, supporting, or participating in, directly or indirectly,
any judicial proceeding to construe or enforce the obligation under this
Agreement, nor to impose any sanction or require indemnification to the
Service as a result of such proceeding.
D. Effect
on Outstanding Administrative Matters.
1. Church
tax inquiries under Code section 7611. The Service shall close the
following church tax inquiries on a no-change basis:
Church of Scientology International
Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Inc. (two outstanding
inquiries)
Church of Scientology Western United States
2. Other
examinations of Scientology-related entities. The Service shall close
the following income or employment tax examinations on a no-change basis:
Church of Scientology Expansion Trust
Church of Scientology Religious Trust
Scientology Endowment Trust
Bridge Publications, Inc.
Applied Scholastics International
Author's Family Trust B
International Association of Scientologists
Religious Technology Center
Church of Scientology International
Church of Spiritual Technology
Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Inc.
Church of Scientology Western United States
Church of Scientology of California (employment)
3. Outstanding tax assessments.
The Service shall abate in their entirety the following unpaid tax assessments:
Church of Scientology of California, FICA and FUTA for all
quarters of the years 1976 through 1986.
Religious Technology Center, FICA for all quarters of the years 1986
and 1987.
Church of Scientology International, FICA for all quarters of the
years 1986 and 1987.
Church of Spiritual Technology, FICA for all quarters of the years
1986 and 1987.
Church of Scientology Western United States, FICA for all quarters
of the years 1986 and 1987.
Religious Technology Center, Form 1120 Corporate Income Taxes, interest
and penalties for the years 1982 to 1988.
Church of Scientology International, Form 1120 Corporate Income Taxes,
interest and penalties for the years 1981 to 1988.
With respect to the foregoing tax assessments, the Service agrees to withdraw
any notices of levy and to release any notices of tax lien filed or made
prior to the date of this Agreement.
4. Trust fund recovery penalties.
The Service shall abate in their entirety assessments made under Code section
6672 with respect to certain FICA assessments against Church of Scientology
of California (1985-1986), Church of Scientology International (1988),
Church of Spiritual Technology (1988), Religious Technology Center (1988),
and Church of Scientology Western United States (1988), against the following
individuals: David Miscavige, Norman F. Starkey, Marc Yager, Mark Ingber,
Lyman Spurlock, Patrick Broeker, and Ann Marie Tidman (Broeker). In addition,
with respect to the foregoing penalty assessments, the service shall (1)
refund upon proper claim any amounts collected, along with interest as
permitted by law, (2) withdraw any notices of levy, and (3) release any
notices of tax lien filed.
5.
Time period in which to effectuate paragraph D. The Service shall take
the actions required under this paragraph D. by April 1, 1994.
E. Effect
on Outstanding Litigation Matters.
1. In general. The Service and the
CTCC agree that all litigation set forth in Exhibits II-1 and II-2 shall
be dismissed with prejudice by stipulation of the parties (or, where appropriate,
the pending appeal shall be withdrawn) with all litigation costs (e.g.,
attorney fees) to be borne by the respective parties. The parties agree
that no damages, costs, attorney fees, or any other amounts of relief shall
be sought by any Scientology-related entity or Scientology-related individual,
the United States, the Service or any individual plaintiff in any suit
contained in Exhibits II-1 or II-2.
2. Zolin. The Service further agrees that
following dismissal of the litigation listed on Exhibit II-2 as Zolin,
it shall use its best efforts to return to the CTCC all materials and all
copies thereof produced to the Service in response to the summons at issue
in that litigation by no later than April 1, 1994. The CTCC hereby certifies
that CSI shall retain all such materials during the transition period.
No inference shall be drawn from the fact the Service is returning these
materials that they were summonsed for an improper law enforcement purpose
and the CTCC agrees not to assert such an inference in any future litigation.
3. Stipulations. At Exhibit
II-3, are copies of stipulations to dismiss the cases discussed at paragraph
E.1. executed by counsel of record for the non-governmental parties thereto.
The parties agree that, to the extent practicable, these stipulations shall
be used to cause the dismissal of these cases and will provide a complete
resolution of all issues arising out of the same subject matter. The parties
agree that these stipulations shall be executed by counsel of record for
the government and returned to the CTCC. The CTCC will file the fully executed
stipulations with the appropriate court within 30 days of its receipt of
the executed stipulations. The parties further agree not to undertake any
further actions to prosecute or defend any such litigation during the period
of time following execution of this Agreement until the court has acted
on the parties' dismissal stipulations. In addition, the parties agree
to file as necessary requests to stay any action on such cases pending
dismissal.
4. Certain pending cases requiring
coordination. Recognizing that carrying out the provisions of this
paragraph E. shall require coordination with persons and agencies not parties
to this Agreement, the parties further agree as follows:
a. The Service shall use its best efforts to secure the voluntary
dismissal with prejudice of all litigation listed in Exhibits II-1 and
II-2 in which the Commissioner, the Service and /or Service employees are
represented by the United States Department of Justice.
b. The CTCC shall use its best efforts to secure the voluntary dismissal
with prejudice of all litigation listed in Exhibits II-1 and II-2 insofar
as it involves litigants who are not Scientology-related entities or individual
members of the CTCC. Following execution of this agreement, the Church
signatories, and the Individual and At-large members of the CTCC certify
that no Scientology-related entity nor Scientology-related individual shall
provide any further support or assistance (directly or indirectly) in such
litigation.
F. After-Discovered
Cases or Examinations in Existence as of the Date of this Agreement.
It is the intention of the parties to cease activity and dismiss with
prejudice all existing cases in controversy between the Service and any
Scientology-related entity or Scientology-related individual, costs to
be borne by each party (e.g., attorney fees), as well as all existing current
examinations of Scientology-related entities for years prior to 1993. Thus,
if there exists other civil actions that are not contained in Exhibits
II-1 and II-2 or in the Settlement Agreement, Exhibit IV-6, or an examination
of a Scientology-related entity is not listed in paragraphs D.1 and D.2,
and the exclusion of such suit was inadvertent (i.e., not specifically
discussed and intentionally excluded by the parties during their negotiations),
the parties agree to dismiss such suit or cease such examination as soon
as administratively feasible.
G. Finality.
The provisions of this section II. are final and conclusive, except
as provided in section IX, paragraph H., notwithstanding the seven-year
transition period set forth in other provisions of this agreement.
III.
Service Determinations Regarding Scientology-Related Entities.
A. Issuance
of Determination Letters.
Having received and reviewed the completed Forms 1023, Applications
For Recognition of Exemption and the attachments thereto for the entities
described in paragraphs B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4, B.5, B.6, B.7, B.8, and B.9
together with requests for group exemption letters and the attachments
thereto described in paragraphs in paragraphs C.1, C.2, C.3 and C.4, on
the basis of that information, the Service is issuing the individual determination
letters and group determination letters described below and copies of which
are attached at Exhibits III-1 through III-30.
B. Individual
Determination Letters.
1. The Service hereby issues individual determination letters (copies
attached as Exhibits III-1 through III-5, respectively) that the following
entities are organizations described in Code sections 501(c) (3), 170(c)
(2), 509(a) (1), and 170 (b)(1)(A)(i):
Religious Technology Center ("RTC")
Church of Scientology International ("CSI")
Scientology Missions International ("SMI")
Church of Spiritual Technology ("CST")
Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Inc. ("CSFSO")
2. The Service hereby issues an individual determination letter (copies
attached as Exhibit III-6) that Foundation Church of Scientology Flag Ship
Service Organization ("CSFSSO") is an organization described in Code sections
501(c) (3), 509(a) (1), and 170(b)(1) (A) (i). CSFSSO is not described
in Code section 170 (c) (2) because it is a foreign entity.
3. The Service hereby issues individual determination letters (copies
attached as Exhibits III-7 through III-14, respectively) that the following
Scientology-related entities are organizations described in Code sections
501(c) (3), 170(c) (2), and 509(a) (3):
Inspector General Network ("IGN")
International Hubbard Ecclesiastical League of Pastors ("IHELP")
Building Management Services ("BMS")
Bridge Publications, inc. ("BPI")
Dianetics Centers International ("DCI")
Dianetics Foundation International ("DFI")
Hubbard Dianetics Foundations ("HDF")
U.S. IAS Members' Trust
4. The Service hereby issues individual determination letters (copies attached
as Exhibits III-15 and III-16, respectively) that the following Scientology-related
entities are organizations described in Code sections 501 (c) (3), 170
(c) (2), 509 (a) (1) and, 170 (b) (1) (A) (vi):
The Way to Happiness Foundation ("TWTH")
Association for Better Living and Education ("ABLE")
5. The Service hereby issues individual determination letters (copies attached
as Exhibits III-17 and III-19, respectively) that the following Scientology-related
entities are organizations described in Code sections 501 (c) (3) and 509
(a) (3):
Scientology International Reserves Trust ("SIRT")
Flag Ship Trust ("FST")
New Era Publications International ApS ("NEP")
However, these organizations are not describe in Code section 170 (c) (2)
because they are foreign entities.
6. Pursuant to a ruling request, the Service hereby modifies the individual
determination letter (copy attached as Exhibit III-20) that the Church
of Scientology Religious Trust ("CSRT") is an organization described in
Code sections 501(c) (3), 170 (c) (2), and 509(a) (3).
7. The Service hereby issues individual determination letters (copies
attached as Exhibits III-21 through III-23, respectively) that the International
Association of Scientologists ("IAS") and its operating arms: Membership
Services Administration, Ltd., and Foundation International Membership
Services Administration d/b/a IAS Administrations, are organizations described
in Code sections 501(c) (3), and 509(a) (3). IAS and its operating arms
are not described in Code section 170(c) (2) because they are foreign entities.
8. The Service hereby issues an individual determination letter (copy
attached as Exhibit III-24) that the Hubbard College of Administration
("HCA") is an organization described in Code sections 501(c) (3), 170 (c)
(2), 509 (a) (1), and 170 (b) (1) (A) (ii).
9. Having previously issued a determination letter to the Church of
Scientology Western United States ("CSWUS") (under the name Church of Scientology
of San Diego) recognizing CSWUS as an organization described in Code sections
501(c) (3), 170 (c) (2), 509 (a) (1), and 170 (b) (1) (A) (i), and having
received and reviewed an updated Form 1023 and attachments thereto (dated
August 30, 1993), the Service hereby issues a revised determination letter
(copy attached as Exhibit III-25) recognizing CSWUS as an organization
described in Code sections 501(c) (3), 170 (c) (2), 509 (a) (1), and 170
(b)(1) (A) (i).
10. The Service agrees that the organizations listed in paragraphs B.1,
B.2. and B.9. are churches described in Code section 6033 (a) (2) (A) (i).
Pursuant to Code section 6033(a) (2), Treas. Reg. [Section] 1.6033-2(g)
(6), and Rev. Proc. 86-23, 1986-1 C.B. 564, the service determines that
the organizations described in paragraphs B.3, B.5, B.6, B.7, and B.8.
are church-affiliated organizations that need not file annual Forms 990.
However, nothing in this Agreement relieves any Scientology-related entity
from any requirement to file a return (e.g., filing the Form 990-T in the
event of unrelated business taxable income).
C. Group Determination
Letters.
1. The Service hereby issues a group determination letter (as described
in Rev. Proc. 80-27, 1980-1 C.B. 677 and Treas. Reg. [Section] 601.201
(n) (8) (copy attached as Exhibit III-26)) that the subordinate organizations
of the Church of Scientology International are organizations described
in Code sections 501(c) (3), 170 (c) (2), 509 (a) (1), 170 (b) (1) (A)
(i), and 6033 (a) (2) (A) (i).
2. The Service hereby issues a group determination letter (as described
in Rev. Proc. 80-27, 1980-1 C.B. 677 and Treas. Reg. [Section] 601.201(n)(8)
(copy attached as Exhibit III-27)) that the subordinate organizations of
Scientology Missions International are organizations described in Code
sections 501(a) (2) (A) (I), 170 (c)(2), 509(a)(1), 170(b) (1)(A)(i), and
6033 (a)(2)(A)(i).
3. The Service hereby issues a group determination letter (as described
in Rev. Proc. 80-27, 1980-1 C.B. 677 and Treas. Reg. [Section] 601.201(n)(8)
(copies attached as Exhibit III-28 and III-29, respectively)) that the
subordinate organizations of the following Scientology-related entities,
are organizations described in Code sections 501 (c) (3), 170 (c) (2),
509 (a) (1), 170 (b) (1) (A) (ii) (but are not described in Code section
6033 (a) (2) (A) (I):
Applied Scholastics Inc.
Hubbard College of Administration ("HCA")
4. The Service hereby issues a group determination letter (as described
in Rev. Proc. 80-27, 1980-1 C.B. 677 and Treas. Reg. Section 601.201(n)(8)
(copy attached as Exhibit III-30)) that the subordinate organizations of
the Citizens Commission on Human Rights ("CCHR") are described in Code
sections 501 (c) (3), 170 (c) (2), 509 (a) (1), 170 (b) (1) (A) (vi) (but
are not described in Code section 6033(a) (2) (A) (i)).
5. Subordinate organizations initially covered by the group exemptions
recognized under paragraphs C.1, C.2, C.3 and C.4 are set forth in the
following respective Exhibits:
Church of Scientology International Exhibit III-31
Scientology Missions International Exhibit III-32
Applied Scholastics Inc. Exhibit III-33
Citizens Commission on Human Rights Exhibit III-34
Hubbard College of Administration Exhibit III-35
IV. Obligations
and Undertakings During the Transition Period.
A. Establishment
of Church Tax Compliance Committee
1. Purpose of
Church Tax Compliance Committee. The Church Signatories and others
as described below shall form a Church Tax Compliance Committee (the "CTCC").
The purpose of the CTCC is to ensure that Scientology-related entities,
including those recognized under section III of this Agreement as tax-exempt
continue to be organized and operated in conformity with the requirements
of Code section 501 (c) (3) and the provisions of this Agreement. Further,
the CTCC is to ensure that no Scientology-related entity, regardless of
whether the entity is described in Code section 501 (c) (3), engages in
any conduct that may endanger the tax-exempt status of any other Scientology-related
entity or that would otherwise be in contravention of this Agreement. The
membership of the CTCC shall guarantee the obligations of any Scientology-related
entity as to necessary compliance with the Code and the requirements of
this Agreement. In addition, the CTCC will facilitate communication between
the parties to this Agreement.
2. Membership
of Church Tax Compliance Committee. The CTCC shall consist of Corporate,
At-large and Individual members.
a. Corporate CTCC members.
The Corporate CTCC members are RTC, CST, CSFSO, CSWUS, BMS, and CSRT (hereinafter
"Corporate CTCC members"). The Church of Scientology Religious Trust is
also a Corporate member, to be represented by one CSRT trustee designated
for this purpose. The Presidents of RTC, CSI, CST, CSFSO, CSWUS and BMS
shall serve as representatives of their respective entities on the CTCC.
No Corporate CTCC member many withdraw from the CTCC.
b. At-large members of CTCC.
The Watchdog Committee (as described in the Qualified Written Material)
shall be an At-large member of the CTCC and shall be represented on the
CTCC by the Chairman of the WDC. In addition, the International Finance
Director and the Chief Accountant International shall serve as At-large
representatives on the CTCC. The At-large members of the CTCC may not withdraw
from the CTCC, although the individuals representing WDC or serving as
Finance Director or Chief Accounting International may be replaced by reason
of the prior office holder no longer serving in that capacity. The CTCC
shall give prompt notice to the Service of any replacement of these individuals
on the CTCC.
c. Individual CTCC members.
The individual members of the CTCC are David Miscavige, Norman Starkey,
Mark Rathbun and Heber Jentzsch. No individual member of the CTCC shall
be permitted to withdraw from service on the CTCC, except by reason of
death, being adjudicated an incompetent, or by mutual agreement of the
parties to this Agreement.
3. Responsibilities of CTCC.
In general, the CTCC is responsible for overall implementation of the duties
and obligations imposed with respect to the Scientology-related entities
by this Agreement during the transition period. Specific responsibilities
and duties of the CTCC shall include the following:
a. Annual Report. The CTCC is responsible
for submission of the Annual Report transmitting the information required
under section IV. paragraphs B., C., D.2 and D.3 of this Agreement (the
Annual Report). The CTCC is also responsible for engaging the certified
public accounting firm that is required to perform and report on certain
agreed-upon accounting procedures under section IV. paragraph B. of this
Agreement. Information required to be reported shall be contained in the
Annual Report relating to the taxable year at issue and due no later than
July 15 following the end of such year. This date may be extended by written
agreement between the Service and the CTCC. No extensions beyond November
15 shall be granted, absent extraordinary circumstances . The Annual Report,
any supplements thereto, and any responses to inquiries under paragraphs
B. and C. shall be submitted under penalties of perjury in a manner similar
to that set out in the form 990 (hence subject to prosecution under Code
section 7206(1)). This report will be signed by all members of the CTCC.
b. Communications.
i. If the CTCC determines that it needs to communicate with the Service
regarding any issue related to the Church and the Service, the CTCC may
so notify the Service in writing. Included within the notice will be specific
information regarding the issue the CTCC wishes to raise. Such disclosure
is intended to provide the Service with sufficient information to determine
if waivers under Code section 6103 may be required. If the Service determines
that it needs to communicate with the CTCC regarding any issues related
to the Church, the Assistant Commissioner may so notify the CTCC in writing.
ii. The CTCC shall submit waivers in favor of CTCC members and their
counsel as required under Code section 6103 on behalf of all Scientology-related
entities recognized as described in Code section 501(c)(3) under section
III of this Agreement as soon as practicable but in no event later than
120 days after execution of this Agreement. Every such waiver also shall
be submitted to the Service not more than 60 days after its execution by
the relevant Scientology-related entity.
iii. Not withstanding the provisions for written notice in subparagraph
i., nothing shall prohibit the parties from other, less formal modes of
communication, such as the telephone. It is contemplated that there will
be regular and frequent informal communications with respect to matters
arising under this Agreement.
c. Meetings.
i. The CTCC and the Assistant Commissioner shall meet no less than
once each year during the transition period, such meeting to be held no
later than 90 days following the Service's receipt of the CTCC's annual
report under subparagraph a.
ii. If the CTCC submits a written request for a meeting, then a meeting
with the Assistant Commissioner shall be held within 15 working days after
the receipt of such written request.
iii. All meetings under this subparagraph c. shall be held at a mutually
agreeable time at the National Office of the Service or other mutually
agreeable location.
d. Guaranty.
i. In general. The Corporate CTCC members absolutely and unconditionally,
jointly and severally, guarantee to the Service the full and prompt payment
of all U.S. tax liabilities under the Code (including but not limited to
income tax (including tax imposed under Code section 511) and employment
tax), together with all interest and penalties, accruing or arising during
the first three years of the transition period with respect to all Scientology-related
entities. This guaranty is for the sole benefit of the Service and is for
purposes of collection of the tax. The specific Scientology-related entity
that is allegedly liable for the tax may contest the liability as permitted
under the Code and regulations, and any final adjudication thereof, after
exhaustion of all appeals, shall be binding and conclusive on the CTCC.
If the liability is assessed against the specific Scientology-related entity
without judicial review, the CTCC may dispute the underlying liability
in any suit by the Service under paragraph A.3.d.ii. of this section IV.
to collect on the guaranty. In addition, the guaranty shall not be operative
to the extent that the Scientology-related entity satisfies the underlying
liability or is successful in disputing the fact or amount of such liability.
ii. Procedure for collection. At the time such liability is due and
owing (i.e., the Scientology-related entity has exhausted its remedies),
the Service may, at its sole option, present the CTCC with a notice substantially
in the form of a Revenue Agent's Report detailing the unpaid tax, interest
and penalty. The CTCC shall have 180 days from such notice to make the
payment, with interest, or to arrange for installment payments, with interest,
to be made over a period not to exceed three years, which will provide
the Service the present value of the liability. If no payment (and no arrangement
for installment payments) is timely made, the Service may enforce the guaranty
provisions of this Agreement.
iii. Term of guaranty. This guaranty will apply only to tax liabilities
of Scientology-related entities for taxable years 1993 through 1995. The
Service must present the CTCC with notice for payment in accordance with
subparagraph ii., no more than two years following its receipt of the CTCC's
report under paragraph A.3.a for the year 1997 or be forever barred from
collecting on this guaranty. For purposes of this subparagraph d.iii, the
notice under subparagraph d.ii may be given the CTCC prior to such time
as the Scientology-related entity has exhausted its judicial remedies.
iv. Example. A Class V church is determined by the Service to have engaged
in an activity giving rise to unrelated business taxable income. The Class
V Church disputes that the activity was a trade or business and the Class
V Church brings suit in Tax Court. The Tax Court upholds the Service's
position and the decision becomes final (including completion of appeal
thereof or expiration of the time for bringing an appeal). At this time,
the Service may collect the UBIT along with any applicable interest or
penalties, upon notice, from the CTCC.
v. Certain events not impairing guaranty. Without in any way limiting
the generality of the absolute and unconditional guaranty in paragraph
A.3.d, the obligations of the Corporate CTCC members under this Agreement
shall not be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time
to time of any of the following events with respect to this Agreement,
even if any such events happen without the giving of notice to, or obtaining
the consent of, the Corporate CTCC member:
a. any compromise, settlement, release, renewal, extension, indulgence,
modification or termination of any or all of the obligations, covenants
or agreements of any Church signatory, Scientology-related entity, or any
Corporate CTCC member under this Agreement, including but not limited to
any modification or amendment (whether material or otherwise) of any obligation,
covenant, or agreement set forth in this Agreement;
b. any waiver of the performance or observance by the Service or
any Church signatory or Scientology-related entity, as the case may be,
of any of the obligations, covenants, agreements, duties, terms or conditions
in this Agreement;
c. any extension of time for the filing of any tax return, payment
of all or any part of any U.S. tax liability or the extension of the time
for payment of any sums of money due under this Agreement or of the time
for performance of any obligation under or arising out of this Agreement;
d. any change in the composition of the CTCC, whether by the addition
of any Individual, At-large or Corporate member, or the substitution, admission,
withdrawal or removal of any CTCC member;
e. any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, merger,
sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets, marshaling
of assets and liabilities, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment
for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition,
readjustment of debt, or other similar proceeding affecting any Church
signatory, Scientology-related entity, any member of the CTCC or any of
their assets, any say of the enforcement by the Service of any remedies
against any Church signatory, Scientology-related entity or any member
of the CTCC, in connection with any of the foregoing;
f. the taking of any actions referred to in the Agreement or any
failure, omission, delay, or deficiency on the part of the Service in enforcing,
asserting or exercising any right, power, sanction or remedy pursuant to
the Code or this Agreement;
g. any release or discharge of any Church signatory, Scientology-related
entity, or CTCC member from the performance or observance of any obligation,
covenant, agreement, duty, term or condition herein, respectively, by operation
of law;
h. any merger, consolidation or sale, transfer, gift or other disposition
of assets by any Church signatory, Scientology-related entity or CTCC member;
or
i. any default or failure by any member of the CTCC fully to perform
the obligations, agreements, covenants, or duties under this Agreement.
vi. No set-off. No set-off, counterclaim, reduction or diminution
of obligation, claim for refund, abatement, or any defense of any kind
or nature which any member of the CTCC has or may have against the Service
shall be available to any member of the CTCC against the Service with respect
to the guaranty set forth in this section IV. paragraph A.3.d.
vii. Right to proceed directly against Corporate CTCC members. The Service,
in its sole discretion, shall have the right to proceed first and directly
against any one or all Corporate CTCC members under this Agreement, without
proceeding against or exhausting its remedies against any other Corporate
CTCC member of any other Scientology-related entity.
viii. Agreement by CTCC not to diminish assets during transition period.
The CTCC agrees that it shall not allow the material diminution of the
assets of the Corporate members of the CTCC during the transition period.
Diminution of assets will be deemed to be material to the extent that there
has been in any year during the transition period, the transfer, grant,
contribution, loan, payment for services, gift, voluntary or involuntary
conversion, exchange, sale or any other disposition of assets (including
but not limited to trademarks, copyrights, cash, securities, mortgages,
etc.) by one or more Corporate CTCC members within the taxable year at
issue resulting in the reduction in aggregate value, reflecting the greater
of cost or market, of ten-percent or more of the aggregate total value
(reflecting the greater of cost or market) of all Corporate CTCC members
as of the beginning of the taxable year at issue. At no time during the
transition period may the aggregate value of gross assets of the Corporate
CTCC members be reduced by over fifty percent from the aggregate net value
of their assets on December 31, 1993 through the disposition of assets
as defined in this subparagraph. Transfers, etc., within the Corporate
membership of the CTCC shall be disregarded for purposes of determining
whether there has been a material diminution of assets, as will transfers
between a Corporate CTCC member and a party that is not a Scientology-related
entity for which the Corporate CTCC member receives fair market value in
exchange. The involuntary loss or diminution in value of assets not attributable
to the action or conduct of any Scientology-related entity shall not be
considered in determining whether there has been a diminution of assets
to which this subparagraph applies.
ix. Discharge of guaranty. Upon a material breach by the Service of
any of its obligations under this Agreement, the guaranty under this paragraph
A.3.d. shall be null and void as to amounts not yet collected, and no amounts
may be collected that would otherwise have been due under the guaranty
prior to such material breach. For purposes of this subparagraph, only
the following actions will be considered to be a material breach by the
Service:
a. the filing of suit to collect sanctions under section VI.
from any corporate or individual CTCC member without engaging in substantive
discussion with the CTCC of the parties' respective positions as required
by paragraph H.3.a.iii of section VI;
b. the issuance of a Regulation, Revenue Ruling or other pronouncement
of general applicability providing that fixed donations to a religious
organization other than a church of Scientology are fully deductible unless
the Service has issued previously or issues contemporaneously a similar
pronouncement that provides for consistent and uniform principles for determining
the deductibility of fixed donations for all churches including the Church
of Scientology;
c. the knowing, negligent or willful disclosure of information described
in section V. paragraph A.4 of this Agreement in violation of any provision
of section 6103, to the extent such disclosure is not the result of a good
faith but erroneous interpretation of section 6103; or
d. the knowing, negligent or willful failure to disseminate the Church Fact
Sheet as required by paragraph 5 of the Settlement Agreement attached hereto
as Exhibit IV-5; or
e. examining, assessing or seeking to collect any tax liability of
any Scientology-related entity for any taxable year ending before January
1, 1993, unless the Service terminates such action and refunds or credits
any amounts collected within 90 days of notice from the CTCC, or unless
section IX, paragraph H. applies.
e. Liability for penalties.
The CTCC shall be liable for the penalties set forth in section VI. of
this Agreement.
4. Actions of CTCC. David
Miscavige will act as the initial Chairman of the CTCC. He may be removed
from this office and replaced by another individual CTCC member by majority
vote of the CTCC members. The CTCC shall promptly notify the Service of
any change in the Chairmanship. The Chairman may act on behalf of the CTCC,
and bind the CTCC, except where a specific provision of this Agreement
requires the action of more than one CTCC member.
B. Financial
Reporting Requirements.
1. Special Accounting
Procedures.
a. In general. The special accounting
procedures of this section IV. paragraph B. apply to each corporate member
of the CTCC, CSFSSO, NEP, BPI, Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International,
and to (i) any other Scientology-related entity formed under the laws of,
and operating primarily in, a country other than the United States for
any year in which such entity has United States source gross receipts (including
contributions) in excess of $1,000,000 in value, and to (ii) any Scientology-related
entity formed under the laws of, and operating primarily in, the United
States for any year in which it has either (a) gross assets, or (b) gross
receipts in excess of $10,000,000 in value. The entities with respect to
which special accounting procedures apply are collectively called the "reporting
entities."
b. Special accounting
procedures -- operational aspects.
i. Required procedures. The CTCC shall retain a qualified CPA (defined
below) to perform the agreed-upon procedures enumerated in Exhibit IV-2
of this Agreement with respect to each of the reporting entities. Following
its performance of these procedures, the qualified CPA so selected shall
report to the CTCC and to the Service in the form prescribed by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants for engagements to apply Agreed-Upon
Procedures (SAS No. 35, Special Reports -- Applying Agreed-upon Procedures
to Specified Elements, Accounts, or Items of a Financial Statement) (hereinafter
referred to as "Special Purpose Reports"). These Special Purpose Reports
shall include a summary of any exceptions the qualified CPA discovers through
the agreed-upon procedures.
ii. Foreign entities. To the extent that the particular reporting entity
is required under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction to have certified
financial statements or an accountant's review prepared annually, those
reports (converted to the English language and to United States dollars)
may, in general, be substituted for the special purpose reports enumerated
in Exhibit IV-2. However, the special purpose reports relating to fundraising
and overseas cash flows must be performed for all reporting entities. In
addition, this section IV. paragraph B.1.b.ii. shall not apply unless:
(a) the financial statements are prepared by an accountant that otherwise
meets the definition of Qualified CPA under this Agreement (or their equivalent
under the laws of the foreign jurisdiction in which the accountant is admitted
to practice); (b) the financial statements include a balance sheet, income
statement accountants' report, and accountants' notes to the financial
statements, (statements of cash flows and management letters shall be included
to the extent they are prepared); and, (c) the foreign entity remains a
reporting entity for purposes of special procedures to be performed in
connection with other reporting entities.
c. CPA's reports--In general.
The CTCC shall also deliver to the Service two (2) copies of the special
purpose reports and management letter (described below) for all reporting
entities for each year during the Reporting Period. The Special Purpose
Report must state that the Special Purpose Report was conducted in accordance
with SAS no. 35, Special Reports--Applying Agreed-upon Procedures to Specified
Elements, Accounts, or Items of a Financial Statement and this Agreement.
d. CTCC responsibilities.
The CTCC shall cause all reporting entities to fully and timely cooperate
with the Qualified CPA in the preparation and submission of the Special
Purpose Reports.
e. Selection of a qualified
CPA. The CTCC shall be responsible for the selection of a qualified
CPA that meets the requirements set forth below. When selecting a CPA,
the CTCC should consider, among other matters:
i. The qualification of CPAs available to do the work;
ii. The CPA's experience in performing audits of churches and other
nonprofit organizations; and
iii. The CPA's ability to timely complete and submit the Special Purpose
Report.
f. Definition of a qualified
CPA.
i. In general. For the first two taxable years to which this section
IV. paragraph B. applies (i.e., for calendar years 1993 and 1994), the
CPA must be a Big Six firm or, in the alternative, another firm agreed
to by the Service. For the last taxable year to which this paragraph B.
applies (i.e., 1995), the CPA may be designated by the CTCC, provided that
the firm or CPA is (i) a qualified CPA and (ii) is acceptable to the Service.
The Service consents to the designation of Richard D. Clark for the last
year, provided that, at that time, he otherwise meets the requirements
of being a qualified CPA.
ii. Requirements for qualified CPA. For purposes of this Agreement,
any CPA that meets the qualifications criteria of this section IV. paragraph
B.1.f. and enters into a Special Purpose Report agreement with the CTCC,
Corporate CTCC members and all reporting entities, and that complies with
the provisions of this Agreement, will be considered a qualified CPA and
acceptable to the Service.
(a) Certification. The CPA must be a CPA in good standing in a state
or the District of Columbia. The CPA does not have to be licensed by the
state in which the Corporate CTCC members are located; however, the CPA
must abide by the rules and regulations of professional conduct promulgated
by the accountancy board of the state in which the Corporate CTCC members
are located.
(b) Practice before the Service. The CPA (or any accountant working
for such CPA who is participating in the required reporting process under
this Agreement) may not be, or have been, under suspension from practice
before the Service.
(c) Independence. The CPA must be independent. A CPA will be considered
independent if the CPA meets the standards for independence contained in
the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct in effect at the time the CPA's
independence is under review. In addition, the CPA may not, at the time
engaged (or at any time prior to that time), be a Scientology-related individual,
a Scientology-related entity or a WISE sublicensee.
(d) Peer review requirement. The CPA must belong to and participate
in a peer review program, and must have undergone a satisfactory peer review
conducted by the AICPA's Division for CPA Firms. After the initial peer
review has been performed, the CPA must submit to a peer review of the
accounting and audit practice every three years or at such additional times
as designated by the peer review executive committee.
g. CTCC's approval of selection.
The CTCC's approval of a CPA must be recorded in writing and state the
following:
i. The CPA meets the Service's qualifications to perform the Special
Purpose Report required by this Agreement; and
ii. The CTCC, the Corporate CTCC members and all reporting entities
and CPA will enter into a Special Purpose Report agreement in accordance
with the provisions of this Agreement.
h. Notification of selection.
When the selection of a CPA by the CTCC has been made, the CTCC must notify
the Service, in writing, prior to the execution of the Special Purpose
Report agreement (as defined below) and in no event less than 90 days prior
to the end of the taxable year for which the change of CPA is effective.
The Service will notify the CTCC, in writing, within 30 days of the date
of receipt of such notice, if the selection of a CPA is not satisfactory.
A copy of the Special Purpose Report agreement, or any amendment to such
agreement, is to be provided to the Service as soon as feasible after the
execution thereof. One copy of the current Special Purpose Report agreement
must be maintained in the CPA's workpapers or permanent file.
i. First qualified CPA.
The Service has been notified that the CTCC has selected Nanas, Stern,
Biers, Neinstein and Co., 9454 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California,
90212 as its first qualified CPA. The Service approves of such selection.
Notwithstanding paragraph h., the Special Purpose Report Agreement with
Nanas, Stern, Biers, Neinstein and Co. shall be provided to the Service
no later than with the First Annual Report due under this Agreement.
j. Special Purpose
Report agreement. The CTCC, Corporate CTCC members and all reporting
entities shall enter into a Special Purpose Report agreement with the CPA
that specifically complies with all of the following:
i. The CTCC, Corporate CTCC members, all reporting entities and
CPA acknowledge that the agreed-upon procedures are being performed and
the Special Purpose Report is being issued in order to enable the CTCC,
the Corporate CTCC members and the reporting entities to comply with the
provisions of the Code and this Agreement.
ii. The CTCC, Corporate CTCC members and all reporting entities acknowledge
that this Agreement provides that if the CTCC fails to have a Special Purpose
Report performed and documented in compliance with this Agreement, the
CTCC and Corporate CTCC members are in violation of the provisions of this
Agreement.
iii. The CPA represents that he meets the requirements under this
Agreement satisfactory to the Service.
iv. The CPA will perform the agreed upon procedures in Exhibit IV-1
and will prepare the Special Purpose Report in accordance with the requirements
of this Agreement.
v. The CPA will document the Special Purpose Report work performed
in accordance with the professional standards of the AICPA and the requirements
of this Agreement.
k. Special Purpose Report
scope limitation. The CTCC, Corporate CTCC members and reporting entities
shall not limit the scope of the Special Purpose Report, nor suffer or
permit the Special Purpose Report scope to be limited, to the extent that
the CPA is unable to meet the Service's Special Purpose Report requirements.
l. Access
to Special Purpose Report-related documents. Pursuant to the terms
of the Special Purpose Report agreement, the CPA must (at no charge to
the Service):
i. retain all Special Purpose Report-related documents (including
but not limited to CPA's reports, workpapers, and management letters) for
a period of four years after the close of the taxable year for which each
Special Purpose Report was prepared; and
ii. following the Service's request of, and the consent by, the CTCC,
m. Required disclosures to
CPA. Prior to commencing the agreed upon procedures, the CTCC shall
provide to the CPA a copy of all Scientology scripture concerning finances
and accounting (e.g. the Treasury Division volumes) and any other written
material relating to or involving the handling of funds by Church personnel
in effect at that time. The CTCC also shall promptly provide to the CPA
copies of any newly-issued materials on these subjects or any modification,
amendment, or rescission of any existing material on the subject. In addition,
the CPA is to be given a copy of the Agreement and any future amendments
to the Agreement.
n. Submission of Special
Purpose Reports. The Annual Report shall include separate Special Purpose
Reports for each reporting entity. These Special Purpose Reports are for
the use of only the CTCC and the Service.
o. Submission of
plan of corrective action. The CTCC shall submit written comments to
the Service on the exceptions and recommendations in the Special Purpose
Reports and shall also submit to the Service: (i) a written plan for any
corrective action taken or planned; and, (ii) comments on the status of
any corrective action taken on previously reported exceptions and recommendations.
2. Internal financial
reports.
a. As part of the Annual Report, the CTCC shall deliver a copy of the
internally generated annual financial statements (either (i) income and
expense statement, balance sheet, and all notes to financial statements
or (ii) if such records are not generated in the normal course of church
operations, then the adjusted trial balance and all adjusting journal entries)
prepared for the internal use of the particular entity or other Scientology-related
entity for the following entities.
Church of Scientology International
Religious Technology Center
Church of Spiritual Technology
Foundation Church of Scientology Flag Ship Service Organization
Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Inc.
Church of Scientology Western United States
Church of Scientology Religious Education College, Inc.
Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International
Scientology Missions International
International Hubbard Ecclesiastical League of Pastors
Church of Scientology Religious Trust
Scientology International Reserves Trust
Flag Ship Trust
New Era Publications International ApS (including subsidiaries)
Bridge Publications, Inc.
Building Management Services
FSO Oklahoma Investments Corporation
World Institute of Scientology Enterprises
Church of Scientology Advanced Organization Saint Hill, Europe and
Africa (CS AOSH EU&AF)
Church of Scientology, Inc. (CS AOSH ANZO)
SOR Services (UK) Ltd.
SOR Services Ltd. (Cyprus)
Transcorp Services S.A.
San Donato Properties Corporation
In addition, internal annual financial statements as required above are
to be provided for any Scientology-related entity not designated above
(or in paragraph B.1.a. above) for any year in which it has either (a)
gross assets (based on the greater of cost or fair market value) in excess
of $15,000,000 in value, or (b) gross receipts in excess of $15,000,000
in value.
b. As part of each Annual Report, the CTCC also shall include a consolidation
of the above internal reports in a master balance sheet, and income and
expense statement prepared in the same manner as the consolidated financial
data submitted with the Qualified Written Materials. These consolidations
are to be done in accordance with reasonable accounting practices and consistently
year to year. The Annual Report also shall include a separate consolidated
balance sheet for the corporate CTCC members. Consolidating adjustments
shall include, but are not limited to, liabilities and corresponding receivables
between Corporate members of the CTCC. The nature of consolidating adjustments
will be explained in the Annual Report. All amounts shall be reported in
United States dollars.
c. As part of each Annual Report, the CTCC also shall include copies
of audited financial statements (in the English language and U.S. dollars)
for the International Association of Scientologists, Foundation International
Membership Services Administrations, Membership Services Administration
(U.K.), Ltd., and the U.S. IAS Members' Trust.
3. Report
on central reserves transactions and balances. As part of the Annual
Report, the CTCC shall deliver to the Service a summary of central reserves
transactions containing information in similar format to the summary information
that was provided as part of the Qualified Written Material, with the exception
that the information included in the Annual Report need not contain a list
of reserves transfers to non-reserves accounts of the same Scientology-related
entity. In this regard, for each year that this subparagraph applies, the
Annual Report should contain a list of all expenditures (as described below)
that have been made from the Church's central reserves system as described
in the Qualified Written Material, or from the central reserves account
of one Scientology-related entity into the central reserves account of
another such entity. The list should include (i) the date of the expenditure,
(ii) to whom the payment was made, (iii) by whom the payment was received,
(iv) the purpose of the expenditure, and whether, and if so, why, in the
opinion of the CTCC, this transfer furthers Code section 501(c) (3) purposes.
For this purpose, the term "expenditure" includes, but is not limited to,
grants, purchases, transfers, loans or repayments of loans, or other expenditures
of assets under the control of the central reserves committee. In addition,
the Annual Report shall include a beginning balance and a year-end balance
showing the amount of cash and other assets in the Central Reserves.
4. Tax returns. As part of the Annual Report,
the CTCC shall provide a copy of each United States tax return (including
information returns) and all United States tax forms filed by any Scientology-related
entity. These returns may not be included in the Annual Report in electronic
form unless agreed to by the parties. Forms W-2, 1099, 940, 941 and 941E
need not be submitted under this paragraph. The Annual Report shall also
include copies of the annual update on the group exemptions required by
Rev. Proc. 80-27, 1980-1 C.B. 677 and Treas. Reg. Section 601.201(n) (8).
5. Term. Reporting under this section IV.
paragraph B. is required for three taxable years, beginning with the 1993
Annual Report.
C. Fiduciary Reporting
Requirements.
1. Compensation information. For
each calendar year in issue, the Annual Report shall contain the following
information with respect to compensation paid certain individuals by Scientology-related
entities:
a. The names and total compensation (as more fully described below)
paid to each of the twenty natural persons with the highest amount of compensation
during the calendar year in issue. For purposes of determining the highest
paid individuals, the compensation of an individual includes amounts received
from Scientology-related entities by the spouse of that individual. Where
a spouse has such compensation, the spouse's name and the nature and amount
of the compensation are to be separately listed. To determine those individuals
for whom this paragraph requires disclosure, all compensation from all
Scientology-related entities is to be aggregated. A husband and wife are
to be treated as a single entry on this list (i.e., not as two highly paid
individuals). In addition, any individual who is included in the list required
in paragraph C.1.b. below is not to be included in this list.
b. The total compensation paid to each Individual CTCC member, as well
as natural persons serving on the CTCC in a representative or At-Large
capacity, and to (i) each such person's spouse, (ii) siblings of each such
individual CTCC member (including compensation of each sibling's spouse),
(iii) with respect to Individual CTCC members, each Individual CTCC member's
parents, and (iv) with respect to Individual CTCC members, each Individual
member's children. The Annual report shall separately list the name and
compensation of each such family member.
c. The Annual Report also shall include (i) copies of Forms W-2 and
1099 for each natural person listed whose compensation must be reported
under paragraphs C.1.a. or C.1.b. and (ii) a description of any relationship
(direct or indirect) between any Scientology-related entity and a natural
person whose compensation must be reported under paragraphs C.1.a. or C.1.b.
in which anything of value is exchanged. Thus, for example, if an individual
or any member of that individual's family is a shareholder or holds another
ownership interest in an entity that does business, or receives anything
of value from any Scientology-related entity, the existence of such relationship
and the facts relating to it are required to be disclosed in the Annual
report. Under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph c., reporting is not
required if the stock or ownership interest is less than five percent.
d. For purposes of the Annual Report, the term "compensation" includes
anything of value provided (directly or otherwise) by, or attributable
to, any Scientology-related entity. Whether an item is considered "compensation"
is determined without regard to whether that item of value is includible
in the individual's gross income for purposes of reporting or taxation.
"Compensation" includes, but is not limited to, the following: (i) wages
or salary (including any bonus or overtime pay); (ii) other payments (as
an independent contractor, provider of goods or services, or otherwise),
including but not limited to any interest, dividend or other corporate
distribution; (iii) gross commissions; (iv) the value of any deferred compensation
(qualified or non-qualified and valued without regard to any risk of forfeiture,
vesting or other restriction); (v) the value of any beneficial interest
in any trust attributable in any fashion to contributions made by or on
behalf of any Scientology-related entity (valued without regard to any
risk of forfeiture, vesting or other restrictions); (vi) any fringe benefit
(other than de minimis fringes excludible under sections 132 (a) (4) and
132 (e) of the Code; (vii) the highest balance of any loan or loans outstanding
from any Scientology-related entity to the individual at any time during
the year in question; (viii) any personage or rental allowance; and, (ix)
the amount of any reimbursed expenses (business or otherwise). For the
purposes of (ix), compensation from this source may be ignored if the individual
received in the aggregate less than $10,000 for all reimbursements in the
year.
To the extent compensation is provided in a form other than wages or
salary, such compensation is to be listed separately with a short description
of which category it falls within. If a fair market value is not available,
the type of compensation should be listed along with an explanation that
will be helpful to understand its nature and possible worth.
Finally, if compensation is received from more than one Scientology-related
entity, compensation should be listed separately for each such entity.
2. Modifications
of organizational documents. The Annual Report shall describe any amendment
or other change in any organizational document of any of the following
organizations: (i) any organization whose tax-exempt status is recognized
under this Agreement, other than subordinate entities under the group exemptions
provided in section III. paragraph C.; (ii) those entities described in
paragraph B.2 or D.2, below. For purposes of this paragraph, an organizational
document includes any document that is necessary for inclusion in a Form
1023. Thus, articles of incorporation, articles of association, constitution,
bylaws, trust instrument or indenture or similar document, including any
board or trustee resolution interpreting such document are organizational
documents.
3.
Reporting of any dividend payment with respect to any entity. The Annual
Report shall disclose any dividend or other distribution with respect to
its stock (including, but not limited to any distribution in liquidation
or reorganization of the company) paid during the year by any Scientology-related
entity formed as a company or corporation. This report will include the
facts surrounding the distribution. Reporting under this paragraph shall
also occur if a payment is made in the nature of a dividend or a return
of capital by any other Scientology-related entity (e.g., a partnership
distribution).
4.
Reporting of any ownership change with respect to any entity. The Annual
Report shall disclose any change in ownership or control of any Scientology-related
entity. Thus, if such entity is a stock company or trust, any changes in
the legal or beneficial ownership of the stock or trust must be reported.
With respect to trusts, nonstock or nonprofit organizations, any change
in the ability to any other entity or individual to appoint the board or
trustees must be reported.
5. Reporting on creation
of new entities. The Annual Report shall include an update disclosing
the existence of any entity meeting the definition of Scientology-related
entity that has not been previously disclose to the Service. The report
must include, for example, every new entity formed after December 31 of
the prior taxable year (or with respect to the first Annual Report, after
November 1, 1992) other than a subordinate entity included under one of
the group exemptions provided in section III. paragraph C. The following
information must be included for purposes of disclosure in the Annual Report:
(i) name and address; (ii) employer identification number, if applicable;
(iii) the nature of its purposes and activities; (iv) the officers, trustees
and/or directors of the entity; (v) a balance sheet as of the end of the
taxable year; (vi) an income and expense statement as of the end of the
taxable year; (vii) the ownership of the entity; (viii) the relationship
of the entity to any other Scientology-related entity, and, (ix) an explanation
of whether, and to what extent, the new entity or any of its operations
has, or may have, an effect on the tax-exempt status of any other Scientology-related
entity, or, in the alternative, the specific reasons the CTCC believes
that the creation and operation of the new entity have no such effect.
6.
Reporting of any ecclesiastical modification or the restructuring of any
entity. The Annual Report shall include any changes to the ownership
(e.g., corporate organization) of any Scientology-related entity or to
the ecclesiastical management structure of the Church, including, but not
limited to, any changes in the structure outlined in the booklet entitled
"The Command Channels of Scientology" as submitted in the Qualified Written
Material. Changes in the personnel who hold positions within the ecclesiastical
structure need not be included within the report required under this paragraph,
other than those who serve on the CTCC.
7. Reporting
of certain asset transfers and expenditures.
a. The Annual Report shall disclose the transfer, grant, contribution,
loan, payment for services, gift, voluntary or involuntary conversion,
exchange, sale or any other disposition of assets (hereinafter an "expenditure")
by one Scientology-related entity to another Scientology-related entity
within the taxable year at issue, if the transfer involved assets (including
trademarks, copyrights, cash, securities, mortgages, etc.) with an aggregate
value, reflecting the greater of cost or market, of $1,000,000 or more.
b. The Annual Report shall contain the fact of and the steps taken to
ensure expenditure responsibility with respect to a specific expenditure
if that expenditure is made by one or more Scientology-related entities
recognized as tax-exempt under section III of this Agreement to a noncharitable
beneficiary and if, in any single taxable year, such payments to the specific
noncharitable recipient exceed $25,000. For purposes of this paragraph,
the term expenditures does not include a transaction with a person other
than a Scientology-related entity or a Scientology-related individual for
which fair market value is received in return.
c. The Annual Report disclosure required under section IV. paragraph
C.7.a. and C.7.b. is to contain the following information: (i) the name
and address of both transferor and transferee; (ii) the amount and nature
of the assets transferred; (iii) the purpose of the transfer; and, (iv)
whether, and if so, why, in the opinion of the CTCC, this transfer furthers
Code section 501(c)(3) purposes.
d. Reserves transaction reported under paragraph B.3. need not be reported
again under this paragraph C.7.
8. Reporting
of certain asset transfers that diminish the assets of the corporate members
of the CTCC. The Annual Report shall disclose the transfer, grant,
contribution, loan, payment for services, gift, voluntary or involuntary
conversion, exchange, sale or any other disposition of assets by one or
more Corporate CTCC members where within the calendar year at issue, the
transfer involved assets (including but not limited to trademarks, copyrights,
cash, securities, mortgages, etc.) with an aggregate value of ten-percent
or more of the aggregate total value (reflecting the greater of cost or
market) of all Corporate CTCC members as of the beginning of the taxable
year at issue. The report is to contain the following information: (i)
the name and address of both transferor and transferee; (ii) the amount
and nature of the assets transferred; (iii) the purpose of the transfer;
and, (iv) whether, and if so, why, in the opinion of the CTCC, this transfer
furthers Code section 501(c)(3) purposes. Transfers, etc. within the Corporate
membership of the CTCC shall be disregarded for reporting purposes under
this paragraph C.8.
9. Reporting
of any amendment of any directive concerning the treatment of funds.
The Annual Report shall disclose the issuance, modification, amendment,
or rescission of any written material relating to or involving the handling
of funds by Church personnel. The Annual Report also shall include copies
of relevant materials and an explanation of the reasons for change. Under
this paragraph, disclosure is required with respect to all directives,
including but not limited to HCO Policy Letters, Executive Directives and
similar items. Thus, for example, disclosure under this paragraph would
be required in the event of any modification to the book entitled Treasury
Division, Volume 3 of the Organization Executive Course (by L. Ron
Hubbard).
10.
Activity or inaction in contravention of this Agreement. The CTCC shall
use its best efforts to include with the Annual Report information relating
to any action or inaction by any Scientology-related entity or individual
that occurred during the year that is in contravention of, or inconsistent
with, any provision of the Code, Treasury regulations or this Agreement,
including the recognition of exemption for certain entities contained in
section III. paragraphs B. and C. and the certifications contained in section
IV. paragraph D. Information disclosed under this paragraph shall include
an explanation of the action or inaction involved, the name of the individual
or entities involved, the date of the act or inaction, and whether, and
to what extent, the CTCC has investigated, including any findings and any
actual or planned corrective action with respect thereto.
11. Update on operational
modifications. The Annual Report is also to contain an update on the
operational modifications that are required to be undertaken under section
IV. paragraph E.
12. Education
and training issues under Code section 170. The Annual Report shall
disclose any modifications to the training side of the "Scientology Classification,
Gradation and Awareness Chart". Such disclosure shall contain sufficient
information to enable the Service to determine whether the new or modified
training courses should be afforded the same treatment as that set forth
in section VII., paragraph B.
13. Term
of fiduciary reporting under section IV.c. The term of the fiduciary
reporting required under this paragraph C. is three taxable years, beginning
with 1993.
D. Certifications.
1. In general. By executing this
Agreement, the Church signatories in their trust or corporate capacities,
and their subscribing officers or trustees individually, certify under
penalty of perjury the following to the best of their knowledge, information
and belief:
a. that all Scientology-related entities are in compliance with
the Code, Treasury regulations and other Service pronouncements of general
guidance and applicability;
b. that the Church signatories and CTCC will use their best efforts
to educate Scientology parishioners as to the nondeductibilty of donations
to foreign organizations and the provisions of section VII. paragraph B.;
c. that no Scientology-related entity or Scientology-related individual
(in his or her capacity as such) has, after 1986, knowingly committed any
act of fraud or criminal conduct that might constitute a violation of public
policy endangering the tax-exempt status of any Scientology-related entity
(assuming for the limited purpose of this paragraph that all Scientology-related
entities are otherwise described in Code section 501(c)(3)); and
d. that all Qualified Written Material submitted in connection with
this Agreement was correct and truthful as of the date submitted through
the date of signature of this Agreement, as supplemented by the Forms 1023
filed in August and September 1993.
2. Section 501(c)(3). The Annual
Report shall include a certification to the Service from CTCC members,
in their Corporate, At-large, or Individual status, that Scientology-related
entities recognized as described in Code section 501(c)(3) under section
III, paragraphs B. or C. will operate in conformity with Code section 501(c)(3)
and the regulations thereunder and that other Scientology-related entities
will operate in a manner that does not jeopardize the tax-exempt status
of any Scientology-related entity so recognized. Specifically, but not
by way of limitation, such certification shall include the following Scientology-related
entities: Church of Scientology Religious Education College Inc., Church
of Scientology Advanced Organization Saint Hill Europe and Africa, Church
of Scientology, Inc. (Advanced Organization Saint Hill Australia, New Zealand
and Oceania), RTC Australia, San Donato Properties Corporation, Transcorp
Services, S.A., MCL Services, N.V., Media Storage, Inc, Mile High, Inc.,
Galaxy Productions, Inc., Mastertech, Inc., Nesta Investments, Ltd., and
FSO Oklahoma Investments Corporation.
3. Continuing certifications.
The CTCC must certify in the Annual Report that the certifications
described in this paragraph D. continue to be correct, to the best of their
knowledge and belief. Such certification shall be substantially in the
form of Exhibit IV-3 hereto. In addition, the CTCC must certify as part
of the Annual Report that nothing has occurred that would significantly
impair (directly or indirectly) the efficacy of the guaranty contained
in section IV. paragraph A.3.d.
E. Operational modifications. The
Church signatories and the CTCC will assure the following:
1. All payments or tithes for ecclesiastical management services to
Scientology-related entities, including but not limited to parishioner
contributions in connection with the ministry of religious services, payments
or tithes for purchase of religious materials, payments or tithes for ecclesiastical
management services, and transfers to reserve entities, are to be invoiced
by the Scientology-related entity actually intended to perform the services
and that receives such payment or tithe, irrespective of whether such payments
or tithes are initially deposited into the performing entity's bank account.
2. Deposit of Funds.
a. U.S. dollar-denominated checks drawn on U.S. banks and credit
card advices payable to Scientology-related entities for serves or goods
to be provided within the United States shall first be deposited within
the United States.
b. Checks and credit card advices payable to Scientology-related
entities in currencies other than U.S. dollars may be couriered overseas
prior to deposit, provided that there are in place appropriate financial
controls to ensure the processing, handling and tracing of such deposits
to the account of the Scientology-related organization to which such payment
is drawn.
c. To the extent U.S. dollar-denominated checks drawn on non-U.S.
banks payable to Scientology-related entities for services or goods to
be provided within the United States are physically received outside the
United States, they may be first deposited outside the United States. To
the extent such payments are physically received inside the United States
they may be couriered overseas prior to deposit, provided that there are
in place appropriate financial controls to ensure the processing, handling
and tracing of such deposits to the account of the Scientology-related
organization to which such payment is drawn.
d. U.S. dollar-denominated checks and credit card advices payable
to Scientology-related entities for goods and services provided outside
the United States may be deposited outside of the United States.
e. Any other funds of a Scientology-related entity received from
sources within the United States may be couriered overseas for deposit
only if, and only to the extent, there are in place appropriate financial
controls to ensure the processing, handling and tracing to such deposits
to the account of the Scientology-related organization to which such payment
is drawn.
3. Management and accounting procedures (whose material provisions are
attached to this Agreement as Exhibit IV-3) are to be implemented to assure
that all commissions or similar payments from Scientology-related entities
to individual fundraisers are properly reported to the Service by the payor,
and that contributions collected by individual fundraisers are not commingled
with other funds held by such individual. Further, no payments from one
Scientology-related entity shall be made to another such entity by way
of being made to an individual , whether that individual is an agent of
either Scientology-related entity or otherwise.
4. As of the date of this Agreement, parishioner advance donations to
CSFSO and CSWUS shall no longer be transferred to United States Parishioners
Trust and/or the Trust for Scientologists. Nor shall USPT or TFS receive
any such payments directly from parishioners.
5. United States Parishioners Trust and the Trust for Scientologists
shall be dissolved as soon as practicable consistent with the terms of
their respective trust instruments. The assets (including mortgages) contained
in such trusts as of the date of this Agreement shall, along with earnings
thereon, be transferred to one or more corporate members of the CTCC in
accordance with their documents of dissolution, except that the ship mortgage
on the M/V Freewinds presently held by the Trust for Scientologists may
be distributed to Flag Ship Trust. Documents to effectuate the dissolution
are attached as Exhibit IV-4. Dissolution shall be completed within 12
months of the date of this Agreement.
6. Norman F. Starkey, as Trustee of Author's Family Trust B, shall,
no later than December 31, 1993, effectuate the transfer of substantially
all of the corpus and income in Author's Family Trust B, including all
the shares of Author Services, Inc. ("ASI") as permitted under the will
of L. Ron Hubbard to the Church of Spiritual Technology ("CST") without
consideration. Mr. Starkey, as trustee, may retain sufficient cash and
securities to cover any remaining actual or contingent liabilities of the
Trust until those liabilities have been resolved or satisfied. The members
of the CTCC shall use their best efforts to assure that such transfer is
accomplished.
7. The members of the CTCC shall use their best efforts to effectuate,
by no later than December 31, 1993, the dissolution of Theta Management
Limited. All property and functions of Theta will be transferred without
consideration to IASA.
8. The members of the CTCC shall, no later than December 31, 1993, effectuate
the dissolution of the Church of Scientology Freewinds Relay Office, Inc.,
FSS Organization N.V., and majestic Cruise Lines, Inc., and the transfer
of all of their assets and functions to the Foundation Church of Scientology
Flag Ship Service Organization.
9. The members of the CTCC shall, no later than December 31, 1993, effectuate
the dissolution of International Publications Trust. The shares of New
Era Publications International, ApS shall be transferred without consideration
to Church of Scientology International.
10. The members of the CTCC shall, no later than December 31, 1995,
effectuate the dissolution of WISE, Inc. and the transfer of all of its
assets, including but not limited to its rights to the Scientology religious
marks, to the Inspector General Network.
F. Treatment
of Information Exchanges.
1. All information provided by the CTCC under this section IV. shall
constitute return information for purposes of Code section 6103. No information
constituting Code section 6103 information, separately or collectively,
shall constitute a return or other information for purposes of Code section
6104 (a)(1)(A) and 6104 (b).
2. The Service may seek further information regarding the application
of any provision of the Code, this Agreement or the Settlement Agreement
attached as Exhibit IV-5, to any Scientology-related entity (whether or
not such inquiry is raised by reason of information contained in the Annual
Report) from the CTCC. Because the Service is obtaining information from
the CTCC, as opposed to one or more churches, the provisions of Code section
7611 do not apply. However, if at any time the CTCC believes that the Service
is seeking information that should be obtained under the provisions of
Code section 7611, then the CTCC shall so notify the Service, in writing,
of its views and unless the pending request for additional information
from the Service otherwise meets the definition of routine request or other
exception under Code section 7611 and the regulations thereunder, the provisions
of that section shall apply as of the date the Service contacts the specific
taxpayer involved.
3. The Annual Report or other information request under this Agreement
including follow-up questions under paragraph F.2., or any other contacts
with the CTCC do not constitute an examination under Code section 7611
or an inquiry or examination under any other section of the Code (including
sections 7602 and 7605), unless such contact is either (i) designated by
the Service specifically as a Church Tax Inquiry letter under section 7611
or a notice of examination under section 7602, or (ii) the CTCC notifies
the Service that it considers the contact to be subject to section 7611
or section 7602.
V.
Treatment of the Code Section 6104
Public Inspection File and Certain Other Materials.
A. Code
section 6104 Public Inspection File.
1. The Code section 6104 public inspection file for Church of Scientology
International shall include a Form 1023 with information and financial
data for taxable years 1989, 1990, and 1991. In addition, the Code section
6104 public inspection file for CSI shall include agreed upon portions
of the Qualified Written Material. These documents and the resulting determination
letter shall be the only materials considered as the application, supporting
papers and determination information described in Code section 6104(a)(1)(A)
with respect to Church of Scientology International.
2. The Code section 6104 public inspection file of each Scientology-related
entity (other than Church of Scientology International) to be recognized
as exempt under section III. paragraph B. hereof shall include the individual
Form 1023 with information and financial data for taxable years 1989, 1990,
and 1991, previously submitted by the Church. With respect to the parent
Scientology-related entities listed in section III. paragraph C., the Code
section 6104 public inspection file shall include a group exemption request
with information for taxable years 1989, 1990, and 1991, as previously
submitted by the Church. Each such application shall incorporate by cross-reference
the application and Code section 6104 public inspection file of Church
of Scientology International as described in paragraph A.1. These documents,
including Church of Scientology International's Code section 6104 public
inspection file incorporated by reference and the resulting determination
and ruling letters, shall be the only materials considered as the application,
supporting papers and determination information described in Code section
6104(a)(1)(A) for each remaining Scientology-related entity to be recognized
as exempt pursuant to this Agreement.
3. The Service shall close without action exemption determination applications
by the following Scientology-related entities:
Religious Technology Center ("RTC")
Church of Scientology International ("CSI")
International Hubbard Ecclesiastical League of Pastors ("IHELP")
The Way to Happiness Foundation ("TWTH")
Association for Better Living and Education ("ABLE")
Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Dallas
Church of Scientology of Georgia
Church of Scientology Mission of New Jersey
RTC, CSI, IHELP, TWTH and ABLE submitted revised and updated Forms 1023
and are being recognized as exempt under paragraph B. of section III. of
this Agreement. The remaining three entities are being recognized as subordinate
entities under group exemptions being recognized under paragraph C. of
section III. of this Agreement.
4. All information submitted in connection with the closed applications
as described in paragraph A.3., and all information submitted in connection
with this Agreement other than that listed in paragraph A.1. and A.2.,
including but not limited to (i) all Qualified Written Material information
not specifically included as part of the Code section 6104 public inspection
file of Church of Scientology International pursuant to paragraph A.1.,
and (ii) this Agreement itself, shall be considered to be return information
described in Code section 6103(b)(2).
B. Disclosure
of Information by the Service.
1. The Service shall maintain the information described in section V.
paragraph A.4. of this Agreement in the office of the Assistant Commissioner
and shall disseminate such information within the Service only to the extent
the Assistant Commissioner determines it necessary for the administration
of the Code (including actions taken in administering this Agreement).
2. The Service shall not disclose any information described in section
V. paragraph A.4. of this Agreement, including but not limited to this
Agreement itself, to any third party other than as permitted under Code
section 6103 or otherwise as permitted under applicable law or under this
Agreement.
3. The Service agrees to use its best efforts to notify the CTCC of
any litigation against the Service by a third party to compel production
of information described in section V. paragraph A.4. of this Agreement.
C. Disclosure
of Information by the CTCC.
1. The CTCC may use information described in section V. paragraph A.4.
only to the extent necessary to carry out its obligations hereunder to
inform Church parishioners of the provisions of section VII of this Agreement.
2. The CTCC may use information described in section V. paragraph A.4.
only to the extent it determines it is necessary in connection with any
tax matter by any state or local governmental body in the United States
or by any foreign governmental body. To minimize the extent of such disclosure,
the Service agrees to certify the effect of relevant provisions of this
Agreement to any other governmental taxing authority upon request by the
CTCC and following consultation with the CTCC concerning the text of such
certification. This paragraph C.2. of this section V in no way limits the
obligations or discretion of the Service with the respect to governmental
taxing authorities under section 6103.
3. The CTCC shall not produce information described in section V. paragraph
A.4. of this Agreement, including but not limited to this Agreement itself,
except to the extent allowed under this section V. It is the specific intent
of the Parties that such materials, including but not limited to this Agreement
itself, shall not be the subject of discovery in any civil litigation between
a third party and any Scientology-related entity or individual, and the
CTCC agrees not to produce such information in such circumstances except
to the extent disclosure is compelled by a court of competent jurisdiction
after exhaustion of all available judicial review. The parties agree that
the provisions of this paragraph C. of this section V. are the result of
shared concerns regarding confidentiality. Except in carrying out the provisions
of paragraph C. of this section V., the CTCC agrees not to assert or otherwise
publicly characterize this Agreement in a manner that would indicate that
the Service has required that information under this Agreement be kept
confidential.
D. Proceeding Under Agreement.
Notwithstanding any other paragraph of this section V, information described
in section V. paragraph A.4. of this Agreement may be disclosed in any
proceeding to construe or enforce any provision of this Agreement or in
any proceeding relating to the federal tax liability of any Scientology-related
entity. In the event disclosure becomes necessary under this paragraph
D., the parties agree to use their best efforts to file all information
described in section V. paragraph A.4. under seal so that it does not become
part of the public judicial or administrative record.
E. Disclosure Following Inquiries.
The CTCC agrees that the Service, in response to inquiries, may characterize
the information in the section 6104 public inspection files and may acknowledge
the existence of an agreement that has settled a variety of longstanding
issues between the Church and the Service, including exemptions from tax
as well as a variety of outstanding tax and litigation matters. In addition,
in response to such inquiries, the Service may disclose that there is a
Closing Agreement concerning the nature and extent of permissible disclosure
by the Service in light of the requirements of Code section 6103 and acknowledge
the existence and extent of tax information authorizations submitted pursuant
to this Agreement and the Settlement Agreement.
F. Correction of Misstatements.
Either the Service or the CTCC may disclose information described in section
V. paragraph A.4. of this Agreement in the event of a misstatement of fact
or mischaracterization published or disclosed about the contents of, the
effects of, or reasons for, this Agreement or matters related thereto.
Information described in section V. paragraph A.4. may be disclosed for
this purpose only to the extent necessary to correct the misstatement or
mischaracterization and only if the Assistant Commissioner and the CTCC
have consulted prior to such disclosure.
G. Term of Undertaking. Paragraph A.
of this section V. applies as long as the Service retains any of the information
described in paragraph A. The remaining paragraphs of this section V. apply
only through December 31, 1999.
VI.
Penalty Provisions During Transition Period
and Other Procedural Matters.
A.
Introduction: Purpose and Scope of Sanctions.
This section VI sets forth sanctions to provide assurance to the Service
that the Church Tax Compliance Committee will ensure that all Scientology-related
entities will operate in a manner consistent with Code section 501(c)(3)
and will carry out specified obligations under this Agreement during the
transition period. The provisions of this section are in addition to, and
not in lieu of, any other enforcement measures available to the Service
under this Agreement, the Code, at law or in equity. Thus, notwithstanding
any provisions of this section or this Agreement in its entirety, the Service
may question its recognition or exemption of any Scientology-related entity
for any taxable year subsequent to 1992 (and for previous years if this
Agreement is not final by reason of section IX. paragraph H.) or take any
other action permitted under the Code, without regard to whether the Service
has asserted (successfully or otherwise) any penalty under this section
VI. Nevertheless, it is intended that the consensual sanctions set forth
in this section are to provide the Service with intermediate sanctions
for activities or conduct not in accordance with the provisions of Code
section 501(c)(3) for which revocation of recognition of exemption may
be too harsh or otherwise inappropriate as a sanction, and that the Service
will notify and consult with the CTCC prior to pursuing any sanctions under
this Agreement.
B. Self-Dealing Transactions.
1. First-tier penalties.
a.
On Individual CTCC member who is a self-dealer or who is related to a self-dealer.
Under this Agreement, there is a penalty imposed on each knowing act of
self-dealing between a disqualified person and a Scientology-related entity.
The penalty shall equal 5 percent of the amount involved with respect to
the act of self-dealing for each taxable year (or part thereof) in the
sanction period (defined below). The penalty imposed by this paragraph
shall be paid by each Individual CTCC member: (i) who is the disqualified
person who engaged in such act of self-dealing; or (ii) who is related
(as described in section VIII. paragraph N.2. through 9., including the
attribution rules contained therein) to any person that participates in
the act of self-dealing. No penalty shall be due under this paragraph B.1.a.
if and to the extent that an act of self-dealing has been corrected within
the correction period.
b.
On Individual CTCC members with knowledge of transaction. In any case
in which a penalty is imposed by section VI. paragraph B.1.a., there is
an additional penalty imposed on the participation of any Individual CTCC
member in an act of self-dealing between any disqualified person and a
Scientology-related entity, knowing that it is such an act, equal to 2
1/2 percent of the amount involved with respect to the act of self-dealing
for each taxable year (or part thereof) in the sanction period, unless
such participation is not willful and is due to reasonable cause. The penalty
imposed by this paragraph shall be paid by any Individual CTCC member who
participated in the act of self-dealing. No penalty shall be due under
this paragraph B.1.b. if and to the extent that an act of self-dealing
has been corrected within the correction period.
2. Second-tier penalties.
a. On Individual
CTCC member who is a self-dealer or who is related to a self-dealer.
In any case in which a first tier penalty is imposed by section VI. paragraph
B.1. on an act of self-dealing by a disqualified person with a Scientology-related
entity and the act is not corrected within the sanction period, there is
hereby imposed a penalty equal to 200 percent of the amount involved. The
penalty imposed by this paragraph shall be paid by each Individual CTCC
member: (i) who is the disqualified person who engaged in such act of self-dealing;
or (ii) who is related (as described in section VIII. paragraph N.2 through
9., including the attribution rules contained therein) to any person that
participates in the act of self-dealing. No penalty shall be due under
this paragraph B.2.a. if and to the extent that an act of self-dealing
has been corrected within the correction period.
b.
On Individual CTCC member refusing to correct.
i. In any case in which a second tier penalty is imposed under section
VI. paragraph B.2.a., if any Individual CTCC member refuses to agree to
part or all of the correction, a penalty is imposed equal to 50 percent
of the amount involved. The penalty imposed by this paragraph shall be
paid by each Individual CTCC member who refused to agree to part or all
of the correction.
ii. In addition, in the event that correction does not occur by reason
of any officer or director of any Scientology-related entity refusing to
agree to part or all of the correction, there is a penalty equal to 50
percent of the amount involved. The penalty imposed under this paragraph
shall be paid by each Individual CTCC member.
iii. No penalty shall be due under this paragraph B.2.b. if and to the
extent that an act of self-dealing has been corrected within the correction
period.
3. Self-dealing.
a. In general. For purposes of this
section VI., the term "self-dealing" means any direct or indirect:
i. sale or exchange, or leasing, of property between a Scientology-related
entity and a disqualified person;
ii. lending of money or other extension of credit between a Scientology-related
entity and a disqualified person;
iii. furnishing of goods, services, or facilities between a Scientology-related
entity and a disqualified person;
iv. payment of compensation (or payment or reimbursement of expenses)
by a Scientology-related entity to a disqualified person;
v. transfer to, or use by or for the benefit of, a disqualified person
of the income or assets of a Scientology-related entity; and
vi. payment by any Scientology-related entity of any penalty imposed
under this section VI. upon any Individual CTCC member.
b. Special rules. For purposes of
section VI. paragraph B.3.a.--
i. the transfer of real or personal property by a disqualified person
to a Scientology-related entity shall be treated as a sale or exchange
if the property is subject to a mortgage or similar lien which the Scientology-related
entity assumes or if it is subject to a mortgage or similar lien which
a disqualified person placed on the property within the 10-year period
ending on the date of the transfer;
ii. the lending of money by a disqualified person to a Scientology-related
entity shall not be an act of self-dealing if the loan is without interest
or other charge (determined without regard to Code section 7872) and if
the proceeds of the loan are used exclusively for purposes specified in
Code section 501(c) (3);
iii. the furnishing of goods, services, or facilities by a disqualified
person to a Scientology-related entity shall not be an act of self-dealing
if the furnishing is without charge and if the goods, services, or facilities
so furnished are used exclusively for purposes specified in Code section
501(c) (3);
iv. the furnishing of goods, services, or facilities by a Scientology-related
entity to a disqualified persona shall not be an act of self-dealing if
such furnishing is made on a basis no more favorable than that on which
such goods, services, or facilities are made available to the general public;
and
v. the payment of compensation (and the payment of reimbursement
of expenses) by a Scientology-related entity to a disqualified person for
personal services which are reasonable and necessary to carrying out the
exempt purpose of Scientology-related entities shall not be an act of self-dealing
if the compensation (or payment or reimbursement) is not excessive.
c. Exceptions. Notwithstanding section
VI. paragraphs B.3.a. and B.3.b., the following shall not be treated as
an act of self-dealing:
i. The provision to a disqualified person of goods, services and
facilities by a Scientology-related entity on the same basis as generally
provided to other members of the Sea Organization, with commensurate adjustments
for the ecclesiastical rank and responsibilities of the disqualified person.
The goods, services and facilities described in this section VI. paragraph
B.3.c.i. include all benefits generally provided by Scientology-related
entities to members of the Sea Organization, including but not limited
to room and board, medical care, uniforms, child care and education, use
of corporate vehicles and ministry of religious services.
ii. The provision of insurance coverage by any Scientology-related
entity to any disqualified person against a claim of misconduct in his
or her capacity as an executive of any Scientology-related entity (but
not including any penalty imposed under this section VI. paragraph B. upon
any Individual CTCC member), as well as reasonable litigation costs and
attorneys' fees incurred in defending any such claim.
iii. The direct payment, without the use of insurance, by any Scientology-related
entity of a disqualified person's personal liability arising from any claim
of misconduct in his or her capacity as an executive of any Scientology-related
entity (excluding a penalty imposed under this section VI. upon any Individual
CTCC member), as well as payment or reimbursement of reasonable litigation
costs and attorney's fees incurred in defending against any such claim
(including defense against a penalty imposed under this section VI. upon
any Individual CTCC member), provided that the board of the Scientology-related
entity that is making the expenditure and the other Individual CTCC members
determine, upon appropriate review of the circumstances and consultation
with outside legal counsel, that the Individual CTCC member acted reasonably
under the circumstances, in the best interest of the relevant Scientology-related
entity or entities, and without knowledge or reason to believe that such
action would be in violation of any applicable law or of this Agreement.
iv. Any transaction for which the disqualified person and the affected
Scientology-related entity have obtained guidance in advance from the Service
that the proposed transaction would be in the best interest of the continued
operation of the affected Scientology-related entity and will not be penalized
under this Agreement. Any request for such guidance shall be sent to the
Assistant Commissioner as provided in section IX of the Agreement. If after
120 days no response to the request has been received, the transaction
described in the ruling request shall be deemed not to create a situation
in which the penalties of this section VI will be applied.
v. Theft, embezzlement or other misappropriation of property or funds
from a Scientology-related entity is an act of self-dealing only if, and
only to the extent, that a disqualified person participates in such misconduct.
d. Amount involved. For purposes
of this section VI., paragraph B., the term "amount involved" means, with
respect to any act of self-dealing, the greatest of (i) the amount of money
and the fair market value of the other property given; (ii) the amount
of money and the fair market value of the other property received; or (iii)
the sum of $100,000. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in the case
of services described in section VI. paragraph B.3.iv., the amount involved
shall be the greater of $100,000 or the excess compensation. In addition,
in the case of a lease or loan, the amount involved shall be the greatest
of (i) the fair market interest rate or rental, (ii) the amount actually
charged, or (iii) $100,000. For purposes of determining the amount involved,
the fair market value in the case of the penalties imposed by section VI.
paragraph B.1.a., shall be determined as of the date on which the act of
self-dealing occurs; and in the case of the penalties imposed by section
VI. paragraph B.1.b., shall be the highest fair market value during the
sanction period.
C. Noncharitable Expenditures.
1. First-tier penalties.
a. On Corporate CTCC members.
Under this section VI. paragraph C., a penalty is imposed on each noncharitable
expenditure (as defined in section VI. paragraph C.3.) of any Scientology-related
entity described in the Code section 501(c) (3). The penalty shall be equal
to 10 percent of the amount involved as defined in paragraph C.5.. The
penalty imposed by this paragraph shall be paid on a joint and several
basis by the CTCC Corporate members. No penalty shall be due under this
paragraph C.1.a. if and to the extent that a taxable expenditure has been
corrected within the correction period.
b. On Individual CTCC members.
There is hereby imposed on the agreement of any Individual CTCC member
to the making of an expenditure or undertaking an activity, knowing that
it is a noncharitable expenditure, a penalty equal to 2 1/2 percent of
the amount involved, unless such an agreement is not willful and is due
to reasonable cause. The penalty imposed by this paragraph shall be paid
by any Individual CTCC member who agreed to the making of the expenditure
of undertaking the activity. No penalty shall be due under this paragraph
C.1.b. if and to the extent that a taxable expenditure has been corrected
within the correction period.
2. Second-tier penalties.
a. On Corporate CTCC members.
In any case in which a first tier penalty is imposed by section VI. paragraph
C.1.a. by reason of a noncharitable expenditure and such expenditure or
activity is not corrected within the sanction period, there is hereby imposed
a penalty equal to 100 percent of the amount involved. The penalty imposed
by this paragraph shall be paid on a joint and several basis by the CTCC
Corporate members. No penalty shall be due under this paragraph C.2.a.
if and to the extent that a taxable expenditure has been corrected within
the correction period.
b. On Individual CTCC
members.
i. In any case in which an additional penalty is imposed by paragraph
C.2.a., if an Individual CTCC member refused to agree to part or all of
the correction, there is hereby imposed a penalty equal to 50 percent of
the amount involved. The penalty imposed by this paragraph shall be paid
by each Individual CTCC member who refused to agree to part or all of the
correction.
ii. In addition, in the event that correction does not occur by reason
of any officer or director of any Scientology-related entity refusing to
agree to part or all of the correction, there is a penalty equal to 50
percent of the amount involved. The penalty imposed under this paragraph
shall be paid by each Individual CTCC member.
iii. No penalty shall be due under this paragraph C.2.b. if and to the
extent that a taxable expenditure has been corrected within the correction
period.
3. Noncharitable expenditure
a. Noncharitable expenditure. For purposes of this section VI.,
the term "noncharitable expenditure" means:
i. any amount paid or incurred by a Scientology-related entity described
in Code section 501 (c) (3):
ii. any amount paid or incurred by a Scientology-related entity as a
special noncharitable expenditure as defined in paragraph C.4.
b. Expenditure responsibility.
The expenditure responsibility referred to in section VI. paragraph C.3.a.i.
(a) (1) means that the Scientology-related entity is responsible to exert
all reasonable efforts and to establish adequate procedures during the
transition period:
i. to see that the payment is spent solely for the charitable purpose
for which made,
ii. to obtain full and complete reports from the recipient on how
the funds are spent, and
iii. to make full and detailed reports on such expenditures to the
Service as part of the Annual Report described in section IV paragraph
C.7.
Expenditure responsibility is required under this section VI. paragraph
C.3.b. only to the extent the CTCC is required to report with respect to
its expenditure responsibility as part of the Annual Report under section
IV., paragraph C.7.
c. Governing principles. In determining
whether a particular expenditure is a noncharitable expenditure, the Service
shall be guided by principles of section 53.4945-6 (b) (2) of the Treasury
Regulation (regardless of whether the expenditure involves an administrative
expense), under which it is neither the policy nor the prerogative of the
Service to substitute its judgment for the reasonable exercise of business
judgment by executives of the affected Scientology-related entity.
4. Special noncharitable expenditure.
For purposes of this section VI., the term "special noncharitable expenditure"
means any amount paid or incurred by a Scientology-related entity or Scientology-related
individual in connection with the following:
a. Any act or omission that any CTCC member knew would impair the
efficacy of the guaranty of collection set forth in section IV. paragraph
A.3.d. of this Agreement.
b. The diminution of assets in violation of section IV. paragraph
A.3.d.viii.
c. Any expenditure by a Scientology-related entity that has not been
recognized as tax exempt under section III. of this Agreement or by any
Scientology-related individual, if such expenditure jeopardizes the tax-exempt
status of any Scientology-related entity recognized under section III.
of this Agreement as described in Code section 501 (c) (3).
d. The conduct or support of litigation by a Scientology-related
entity or a Scientology-related individual against the Service or any present
or former Service employee in violation of section II. paragraph C.4. or
C.5. of this Agreement.
e. The financial support by a Scientology-related entity or Scientology-related
individual of a tax refund claim against the Service in violation of section
VII., paragraph G.
5. Amount involved. For purposes of this
section VI. paragraph C., the term "amount involved" as it relates to the
penalties provided under this section imposed on a noncharitable expenditure
means:
a. For the penalties imposed under this section VI. paragraph C.
(except as provided below with respect to certain of the special noncharitable
expenditures and noncharitable activities described in paragraph C.4.),
the "amount involved" shall be the greater of (1) the amount paid or incurred
in connection with a noncharitable expenditure or (2) the sum of $25,000.
b. For the penalties imposed by reason of special noncharitable expenditure
defined in paragraph C.4.a., the "amount involved" is equal to the greater
of (1) the difference between the assets of the CTCC Corporate members
before the impairment of the guaranty and the assets of the CTCC Corporate
members subsequent to the impairment, or (2) the sum of $25,000.
c. For the penalties imposed by reason of special noncharitable expenditure
defined in paragraph C.4.b., the "amount involved" is equal to the greater
of (1) the excess value of the assets over 10-percent of the difference
between the assets of the CTCC Corporate members before the transfer and
the assets of the CTCC Corporate members subsequent to the transfer, or
(2) the sum of $25,000.
d. For the penalties imposed by reason of special noncharitable expenditure
or noncharitable activity defined in paragraphs C.4.d. and C.4.e., the
"amount involved" is equal to the greatest of (1) the number of staff hours
of Service or Department of Justice attorneys required for the year to
respond to any litigation, multiplied by $100, (2) the cost to indemnify
the Service and the United States in any litigation for the year and for
all costs including any damages, or (3) the sum of $25,000.
D. Reporting Obligations.
1. Penalty on Corporate
CTCC members. A penalty is imposed jointly and severally on the Corporate
CTCC members in the event of certain failures in providing the Annual report.
a. In the case of a failure to submit the Annual Report required
under section IV. paragraph A.3.a. of this Agreement by the date and in
the manner prescribed therefor (determined with regard to any extension
of time for filing), there shall be paid $250 for each day until the submission
of such report.
b. In the case of a failure to include within the Annual Report any
of the information required to be shown under this Agreement or to show
information that is materially correct, there shall be paid by the Corporate
CTCC members $250 for each day during which such failure continues.
The maximum penalty under this section VI. paragraph D.1. with respect
to any one Annual Report shall not exceed $75,000.
2. Penalty on Individual
CTCC members. Upon a failure to submit an Annual Report in a timely
and complete fashion, the Service may make a written demand on the CTCC
specifying therein a reasonable future date by which the Annual Report
shall be submitted (or the missing or correct information furnished) for
purposes of this paragraph.
a. Failure to comply
with demand. If the CTCC fails to comply with any demand under paragraph
D. 2. on or before the date specified in such demand, there shall be paid
by each Individual CTCC member $250 for each day after the expiration of
the time specified in such demand during which such failure continues.
The maximum penalty imposed under this paragraph on all Individual CTCC
members for failures with respect to any one Annual Report shall not exceed
$75,000 per Individual member.
b.
Application of penalties for failure to provide information. Each failure
to include with the Annual Report information required under any single
subparagraph of section IV. paragraph B. or section IV. paragraph C. of
this Agreement shall be treated as a separate failure to provide information
and shall be subject to a separate penalty or penalties under this section
VI., except that the $75,000 maximum applies to the Annual Report as a
whole and, therefore, is not increased by reason of multiple failures to
comply within the same Annual Report.
3. Exception for reasonable
cause. No penalty shall be imposed under this section VI. paragraph
D. with respect to any failure if the CTCC shows that such failure is due
to reasonable cause.
4. Exception
for inability to certify specific information. If the CTCC is unable
to certify any matter as required under this Agreement due to an actual
or potentially noncompliant act or acts or failure to act, no penalty shall
be imposed under this section VI. paragraph D. with respect to the failure
to provide such certification, provided that:
a. the CTCC makes the required certifications with respect to all
but those actual or potentially noncompliant acts,
b. the CTCC takes appropriate and timely steps to determine whether
a potentially noncompliant act is in fact noncompliant,
c. the CTCC discloses all noncompliant acts as soon as possible under
the circumstances, and currently discloses that it is investigating a particular
act or acts that may be noncompliant,
d. the CTCC takes appropriate and timely steps to correct all noncompliant
acts, and
e. the CTCC reports to the Service with respect to the correction
of noncompliant acts as soon as possible under the circumstances.
E.
Joint and Several Liability and Certain Penalty Limitations for Individual
CTCC Members.
1. The Corporate CTCC members shall be jointly and severally liable
for payment of the penalties imposed by section VI. paragraphs C.1.a.,
C.2.a., and D.1. The penalties on the Individual CTCC members are to be
paid by the specific Individual CTCC member subject to the penalty.
2. The maximum amount of any penalty imposed on any Individual CTCC
member under section VI. with respect to (1) any one act of self-dealing
under paragraph B., (2) any one noncharitable expenditure under section
VI. paragraph C., or (3) deficiencies in the Annual Report under section
VI., paragraph D., shall not exceed the lesser of (i) the individual CTCC
member's total compensation for the taxable year from all Scientology-related
entities, or (ii) the sum of $50,000 each taxable year, except that the
maximum penalty on an individual CTCC member charged with an act of self-dealing
in no event shall be less than the sanction imposed for that act.
3. No single act or expenditure by a Scientology-related entity shall
be subject to multiple penalties under paragraphs B.1.b, C.1.b, and/or
D.2, or multiple penalties under paragraphs B.2.b, C.2.b, and/or D.2. (for
example, an expenditure constituting both an act of self-dealing under
paragraph B. and a noncharitable expenditure under paragraph C.). Such
an act or expenditure shall be subject to the applicable penalty in paragraph
B., C., or D. that results in the highest penalty amount.
F. Additional Penalty. If
any person or entity becomes liable for any penalty under paragraphs B.
or D. of this section VI. by reason of any act or failure to act which
is not due to reasonable cause and either:
then such person shall be liable for an additional penalty equal to the
amount of the applicable first tier penalty.
G. Third-Tier Penalty.
1. If there has been (i) willful, repeated and flagrant misconduct,
and (ii) a failure to correct such misconduct, giving rise to penalties
under paragraphs B. and/or C. of this section VI., there is imposed on
the Corporate members of the CTCC a penalty equal to $50,000,000.
2. For purposes of this section VI., various terms are defined as follows:
a. the phrase "flagrant misconduct" means:
(i) For any act of self-dealing under section VI. paragraph B., the
intentional diversion of assets from one or more Scientology-related entities
that is not corrected within the correction period.
(ii) For any noncharitable expenditure under paragraph C., the intentional
use of assets from one or more Scientology-related entities for any purpose
other than one specified in Code section 170 (c) (2) (B) that is not corrected
within the correction period.
b. The phrase "diversion" means the transfer of assets by a Scientology-related
entity that constitutes the private inurement of its net earnings to the
benefit of a private shareholder or similarly-situated individual.
c. The phrase "repeated," with respect to misconduct, means more
than two occurrences of conduct resulting in the imposition of second-tier
sanctions under this Agreement.
H. Procedures
for Penalty Determinations
1. a. First-tier Penalty
i. With respect to a claimed penalty arising from information in the
Annual Report, the Service shall notify the CTCC in writing of its belief
than an event subject to penalty under paragraphs B.1., C.1. or D. of this
section VI. has occurred within 180 days of receipt of the Annual Report.
Such notice (hereinafter the "initial notice") shall identify the expenditure,
act (or failure to act) or transaction the Service believes warrants the
imposition of penalties and an explanation of its reasons for this conclusion.
The notice shall specify the exact provisions of the applicable law or
of this Agreement the Service believes has been violated and shall, subject
to the requirements of Code section 6103, cite and append evidence in its
possession that supports its belief.
ii. Upon receipt of the initial notice, the CTCC shall investigate the
matter and report its conclusions back to the Service within 90 days of
receipt of the initial notice.
iii. If, following receipt of the CTCC's report under section VI. paragraph
H.1.a.(ii), or in the event of a failure to respond, the Service still
believes that an event warranting imposition of a penalty has occurred
and has not been corrected, the Service will provide a conference of right
with the Assistant Commissioner to undertake a discussion on the merits
of the respective positions of the CTCC and the Service.
iv. If, following the conference of right under paragraph H.1.a.(iii)
of this Section VI., the Service still believes that an event warranting
imposition of a penalty has occurred and is not in the process of being
corrected, the Service will issue a final determination of penalty and
send notice thereof to the CTCC. Such notice shall specify the exact provisions
of applicable law or of this Agreement the Service believes have been violated
and shall, subject to the requirements of Code section 6103, cite and append
evidence in its possession that supports its belief, including its reasons
for not accepting the arguments and evidence submitted by the CTCC in support
of its position that no violation has occurred.
v. With respect to a claimed penalty arising from information in the
Annual Report, the Service must issue a final determination of first-tier
penalty to the CTCC no later than one year from the date the Service receives
the CTCC report described in section VI. paragraph H.1.a.(2).
vi. If the CTCC continues to disagree with the Service's determination
of a first-tier penalty notice, it shall so notify the Service in writing.
Upon receipt of such notice, the Service may sue under paragraph H.1.e.
to collect the first-tier penalty. Until the completion of such suit, including
the exhaustion of any appeals or other proceedings for appellate review,
the CTCC need not pay any first-tier penalty determined by the Service.
b. Second-tier penalties.
If an event subject to a first-tier penalty under this Agreement has not
been corrected with the sanction period as defined in section VIII. P.,
the Service may issue a notice of final determination of second-tier penalty.
The Service must issue any notice of final determination of second-tier
penalty no later than 90 days after expiration of the sanction period.
No second-tier penalty shall be due under this Agreement if and to the
extent that a taxable expenditure has been corrected within the correction
period.
c. Other penalties. In the case
of penalties other than those described in paragraphs H.1.a. or H.1.b.
of this determination of penalty to the CTCC.
d. No notice of determination, initial or final, may be made under this
Agreement if the notice is not sent by certified mail to the CTCC by the
120th day after the end of the transition period. In addition, no penalty
may accrue for any period after December 31, 1999. However, provided that
the initial notice was mailed prior to this date, the penalty asserted
may be collected and enforced notwithstanding the expiration of the transition
period.
e. Any penalty imposed under this section VI. is payable upon notice
and demand, and may be collected by the Service through suit. The Service
and the Corporate, Individual and At-large CTCC members agree that all
parties shall have the right to specific performance (in addition to all
other remedies available under the Code, at law, in equity or under this
Agreement).
f. Should correction, as defined in section VIII., paragraph S., occur
within the correction period, as defined in section VIII. paragraph T.,
no penalty shall be collected under this section VI.
2. Interest. In the event that any
penalty under this section VI. is asserted by the Service and the CTCC
fails to make payment within 90 days of the final notice of penalty, interest
on the amount of such penalty shall accrue from the date of issuance of
such final notice to the date of payment at the Federal short-term applicable
rate (as set forth and applied in Code sections 6621(b) and 6622).
3. Non-assertion of
penalties.
a. If it is established to the satisfaction of the Service, in the exercise
of its reasonable discretion, that any event subject to penalty has been
correction during the correction period for such event, then any penalty
imposed with respect to such event (including interest) shall not be asserted,
and if asserted, shall not be collected, and, if collected, shall be promptly
credited or refunded to the extent permitted by law.
b. The Service shall not assert any penalty under this section VI. when
the CTCC has established to the Service's satisfaction in the exercise
of its reasonable discretion, that:
i. what would otherwise constitute a transaction or event warranting
imposition of penalties caused no financial detriment to charitable interests;
ii. the transaction of expenditure has been corrected;
iii. the CTCC has acted promptly and in good faith to correct any
such transaction or expenditure and prevent its recurrence; or
iv. the penalty is disproportionate to the severity of the transaction
or expenditure.
VII.
Treatment of Parishioners' Contributions
A. The Service acknowledges its obligation to interpret and apply the
"gift or contribution" requirement of Code section 170(c) equally and consistently
to the fundraising practices of all religious organizations that receive
fixed donations from parishioners in connection with participation in worship
and similar religious rituals or services.
B. Until the earlier of (i) December 31, 1999, (ii) the issuance or
adoption by the Service of audit policies or practices in the examination
of tax returns utilizing uniform and consistent principles for determining
the deductibility of fixed donations to all churches, or (iii) until legislation
is enacted which affects the deductibility of such fixed donations, the
Service agrees not to contest the deductibility of Church of Scientology
fixed donations in connection with qualified religious services. The phrase
"qualified religious services" means those appearing on the "Scientology
Classification, Gradation and Awareness Chart." If the taxpayer produces
an accurate receipt or other documentation from the donee Church of Scientology
substantiating (1) the amount of the taxpayer's fixed donation and (2)
the qualified religious services with respect to which the donation was
made, then, for as long as this paragraph B. of this section VII. applies,
as set forth in paragraph F., the full amount of the fixed donation for
these services shall be treated as a charitable contribution under Code
section 170 and shall not be challenged on that basis. Nothing in the preceding
sentence affects other requirements, including substantiation, as provided
by law. In the absence of such documentation, the Service also may independently
determine the amount of and the extent to which the taxpayer's fixed donations
were made in connection with qualified religious services. Individual taxpayers'
contributions to churches of Scientology not in connection with religious
services or any substantial return benefit remain fully deductible if other
requirements under the law are met. Payments to churches of Scientology
for books or other religious articles are not deductible except to the
extend that a dual payment exists.
C. To apply paragraph B. for taxable years before 1993, and in consideration
of the other provisions of this agreement, the Service will settle all
outstanding controversies with individual Church of Scientology parishioners
involving the deductibility of their fixed donations under Code section
170 on a no-change basis (subject to substantiation of payment for qualified
religious services and compliance with other requirements of the Code).
Any future deficiency controversies with individual taxpayers involving
the deductibility of Church of Scientology fixed donations for taxable
years beginning before 1993 also will be resolved on a no-change basis
on the section 170 issue subject to substantiation of payment for qualified
religious services and compliance with other requirements of the Code.
This process will be implemented as follows:
1. The Office of Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service will enter
into stipulated decision documents with the taxpayers listed on Exhibit
VII-I (or authorized representatives) to carry out this paragraph in the
cases pending before the United States Tax Court. Upon notice and request
of the CTCC, the office of Chief Counsel will enter into a similar stipulated
decision document in any future case that becomes docketed in the Tax Court
with respect to a taxable year beginning before 1993. The stipulated decision
documents will reflect an allowance of charitable contribution deductions
for Church of Scientology fixed donations in the full amount of the payments
substantiated as being paid for qualified religious services as provided
in paragraph B. above. The stipulated decision documents also will identify
as overpayments any credible or refundable amounts paid by the taxpayers
for the years at issue, provided that the Tax Court has jurisdiction to
determine the existence and amount of such overpayment.
2. The Service will issue administrative refunds for the full amount
of the tax that is attributable to the fixed donations to churches of Scientology
for qualified religious services, plus interest, to the taxpayers in the
following cases:
Powell v. United States, No. CV 90-8271 (S.D. Fla.) Nieves v. United
States, No. CV 90-4211 (S.D. N.Y.)
Following the issuance of the administrative refund, the taxpayers will
dismiss with prejudice their respective cases.
3. In the case of a refund claim for a taxable year beginning before
1993 that is not barred by the statute of limitations and is not the subject
of a docketed deficiency cases before the Tax Court or a refund cases before
a District Court or the Court of Federal Claims at the time of the execution
of this Agreement, the taxpayers shall be entitled to an allowance of 80
percent of his or her fixed donations in connection with qualified religious
services, as provided in paragraph B. and the claim shall be treated accordingly.
The Office of Chief Counsel shall request the Untied States Department
of Justice to enter into a stipulation with taxpayer's counsel (or taxpayer)
in any future case seeking a refund of income taxes for taxable years beginning
before 1993 based on the Service's disallowance of charitable contribution
deductions for Church of Scientology fixed donations for which the statute
of limitations has nor expired, in accordance with the preceding sentence.
See, however, the CTCC's obligation not to promote such claims as provided
in paragraph G.
4. For any refund controversy described in subparagraph 3., above, the
provisions of paragraph B. shall remain open until the Service mails a
notice of final disallowance of such refund claim.
5. If the Service is in compliance with the provisions of subparagraphs
1-3, above, and the taxpayer refuses the Service's offer to provide a stipulation
or settlement in resolution of the fixed donation issue of the taxpayer/parishioner
to the Church of Scientology as provided herein, then, notwithstanding
any other provision of his section VII., the Service shall not be bound
by this paragraph as to that taxpayer (and that year for which there is
no agreement) and shall not thereafter be bound to the 80/20 dual payment
percentage as to that taxpayer for that tax year. Nothing in this paragraph
prevents the Service, at its election, from stipulating or settling on
any other basis (or proceeding in any manner) with any taxpayer if the
taxpayer declines to settle in accordance with this section VII.
6. This paragraph C. shall apply to all pending and future administrative
cases in examination, appeals, or collection for taxable years beginning
before 1993.
7. All overpayments resulting from the stipulations or judgments provided
in subparagraphs 1. through 3., above, shall be promptly credited or refunded
under applicable provisions of the Code (including section 6611) and regulations.
D. To apply paragraph B. for taxable years after 1992, the Service shall
prepare and transmit instructions to all appropriate IRS functions and
Offices at the National, Regional and District level and to IRS Service
Center explaining their obligations to carry out paragraph B. of this section
VII. In particular, those instructions shall direct the various Service
functions not to disallow any portion of deductions for Church of Scientology
fixed donations in connection with qualified religious services on the
ground that the payments are not charitable contributions, until the earliest
of (i) December 31, 1999, (ii) the issuance by Service of the audit policies
or practices described in paragraph B. (ii) or (iii) until legislation
is enacted which affects the deductibility of such fixed donations. Nothing
in the paragraph prevents the Service, at its election, from stipulating
or settling on any other basis (or preceding in any manner) with any taxpayer
of the taxpayer declines to settle in accordance with this section VII.
E. The Service also agrees to withdraw, obsolete or supersede, Rev.
Rul. 78-189 no later than April 1, 1994, irrespective of whether the audit
policies or practices described in paragraph B. (ii) are ever issued.
F. 1. Except as provided in subparagraph 2., below, the Service shall
apply paragraph B. to all pending and future administrative cases in examination,
appeals, or collection for taxable years beginning after 1992 through taxable
years ending before January 1, 2000.
2. If the Service implements the audit policies or practices described
in paragraph B. (ii) for a taxable year ending before January 1, 2000,
then the service shall allow individual taxpayers charitable contribution
deductions for no less than 80 percent of their Church of Scientology fixed
donations in connection with qualified religious services, as defined in
paragraph B., to the extend substantiated as provided in paragraph B.,
for taxable years ending before January 1, 2000.
3. If, prior to January 1, 2000, the Service has not issued or adopted
audit policies or practices described in paragraph B. (ii), the parties
agree to meet to discuss further agreements or actions that nay be undertaken
to implement paragraph A. in the spirit of this entire Agreement.
G. While recognizing that all individual Scientologists not barred by
law or agreement are entitled to file claims for refund to recover amounts
covered by this settlement and that the CTCC may inform Church parishioners
of the provisions of section VII of this Agreement, the CTCC agrees not
to promote or encourage individual Scientologists to file claims for refund
of taxes for the taxable year 1993.
H. Individual taxpayers making fixed donations to churches of Scientology
shall be considered to be third-party beneficiaries of this section VII.
and shall be entitled to enforce its terms in any administrative or judicial
proceeding. Such individual taxpayers shall not be charged with the receipt
of taxable income by virtue of any of the provisions of this agreement.
I. The CTCC shall use its best efforts to have Scientology parishioners
agree to the stipulations and settlements as provided in this section VII.
J. If the Service either holds a meeting regarding the deductibility
of fixed donations to religious organizations and invites religious organizations
to participate or solicits comments from religious organizations on the
subject, the Service shall invite the Church of Scientology to participate
or to supply comments on the same basis as the other religious organizations.
VIII. Definitions.
For purposes of this Agreement:
A. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time.
B. "Entity" includes any corporation, limited
liability company, trust, association, committee, partnership, or unincorporated
organization, as well as any "person" (other than an individual), as defined
in Treas. Reg. sec. 301.7701-1 through -4.
C. An entity is a "Scientology-related
entity" if that entity is described in one or more of the paragraphs
set forth below:
1. An entity is a Scientology-related entity if it is a signatory to
this Agreement or is identified in section III., paragraphs B. or C. or
section IV., paragraph D.2. of this Agreement or Exhibits III-1 through
III-35 of this Agreement.
2. An entity is a Scientology-related entity if it delivers religious
services to parishioners in a manner prescribed by the works of L. Ron
Hubbard and as authorized (directly or indirectly) by Religious Technology
Center, Church of Scientology International or other entity described in
another paragraph as a Scientology-related entity. Thus, for example, all
Class V churches, Continental organizations, CSFSSO, CSFSO, CSWUS, Saint
Hill or other advanced organizations and missions are Scientology-related
entities.
3. The publications organizations discussed at page 1-21 through 1-27
of the letter to John Burke, Monique Yingling dated June 29, 1992, (the
"June Submission") and part of the Qualified Written Material are Scientology-related
entities. Thus, for example, Bridge Publications, Inc., and New Era Publications
International ApS, as well as their related subsidiaries or affiliates,
are Scientology-related entities. Pages 1-21 through 1-27 are attached
as Exhibit VIII-1 to this Agreement.
4. The social benefit and other public benefit entities discussed at
pages 1-28 through 1-42 of the June submission along with all subsidiaries,
subordinate chapters, subordinate organizations, or sublicensees thereof
(e.g., organizations that are permitted to use particular names, copyrights,
service marks, and/or technologies) are Scientology-related entities. Thus,
for example, Citizens Commission on Human Rights, National Commission on
Law Enforcement and Social Justice, Scientology Defense Fund Trust, Association
for the Better Living and Education, Applied Scholastics Incorporated,
Narconon International, The Way to Happiness Foundation, and the Foundation
for Religious Freedom are Scientology-related entities. Pages 1-28 through
1-42 are attached as Exhibit VIII-2 to this Agreement.
5. Any entities subject to the ecclesiastical direction or general guidance
of Church of Scientology International or Religious Technology Center,
directly or indirectly, including but not limited to any trusts, that hold
assets (including but not limited to intellectual property and mortgages)
for any other Scientology-related entity or for the advancement or protection
of the Scientology religion whether or not those entities were discussed
at pages 1-43 through 1-56 of the June submission are Scientology-related
entities. This definition does not include the trust or estate of any parishioner
who has made an intervivos or testamentary transfer of assets to the Church.
This definition does not include financial institutions that are not owned
(directly or indirectly) in whole or in part by any entity that otherwise
meets the definition of Scientology-related entity under another subparagraph
of this paragraph VIII. C. This definition does not include (i) any fiduciary
that is not a Scientology-related entity or a Scientology-related individual
(ii) the employee of any such fiduciary, (iii) any escrow agent holding
assets of a Scientology-related entity under and escrow arrangement of
a strictly temporary nature, (iv) any trustee under a deed of trust upon
real property to secure the debt of a Scientology-related entity (v) any
person acting under the power of attorney to Scientology-related entity,
provided that any such fiduciary described in (i) through (v) above, and
is nor otherwise a Scientology-related entity under paragraph of this section
VIII, paragraph C. Pages 1-43 through 1-56 are attached as Exhibit VIII-3
to this Agreement.
6. Any entity directly or indirectly involved in, or related to, the
ownership and /or operation of the M.V. Freewinds including those listed
at pages 1-57 through 1-59 of the June submission are Scientology-related
entities. Thus, for example, the Foundation Church of Scientology Flag
Ship Service Organization, Flag Ship Trust, Transcorp Services S.A., San
Donato Properties Corporation and MCL Services N.V. are Scientology-related
entities. Pages 1-57 thorough 1-59 are attached as Exhibit VIII-4 to this
Agreement.
7. Any membership entity primarily composed of Scientologists, whether
or not listed on pages 1-60 through 1-62 of the June submission, including
but not limited to the International Association of Scientologists, Danish
Association of Scientologists, and European Association for Scientology,
along with any entities performing the operations of (or holding the assents
of ) such organizations (including Foundation of International Membership
Services Administration N.V., Membership Services administration (UK) Ltd
and U.S. IAS Members' Trust), are Scientology-related entities. Pages 1-60
through 1-62 are attached as Exhibit VIII-5 to this Agreement.
8. Any entity that owns, (including, but not limited to, those entities
listed below in this subparagraph C.8.), (sub) licenses to others to use,
and/or has rights to (sub) license others to use what has been described
in the Qualified Written Material as the Scriptures (the written and spoken
words of L. Ron Hubbard on Scientology and Dianetics) or any technology,
copyright, trademark or service mark held by RTC, CSI, CST, any publications
organization (described in paragraph C.3 above), the Estate of L. Ron Hubbard
or Author's Family Trust B, is a Scientology-related entity.
9. Any other entity licensed to use, or otherwise granted permission
to use or employ, any copyright, service mark, or trademark that has been,
is now (or shall in the future) be held or owned, directly or indirectly,
by Religious Technology Center, Church of Scientology International, the
Estate of L. Ron Hubbard, Author's Family Trust B or Church of Spiritual
Technology, is a Scientology-related entity.
10. Any taxable or for-profit entity of which one or more Scientology-related
entities and/or any of the trustees, directors and/or officers of any entity
defined as a Scientology-related entity under this section VIII. paragraph
C, separately or together, owned or had a beneficial interest of more than
twenty-five percent is a Scientology-related entity. In addition, any non-profit
entity of which one or more Scientology-related entities and/or any of
the trustees, directors and/or offices of any entity defined as a Scientology-related
entity under this section VIII. paragraph C, separately or together, control
the voting power of, or have a beneficial interest of, more than twenty-five
percent, is a Scientology, related entity. For purposes of this definition,
any Individual or At-Large member of the CTCC shall be considered an officer
of a Scientology-related entity.
11. For purposes of subparagraphs 4, 8, or 9, the term Scientology-related
entity includes only those entities that are under the ecclesiastical direction
or general guidance of CSI, directly or indirectly, and that are not owned
in whole or in part by any entity that otherwise meets the definition of
Scientology-related entity under another subparagraph of this section VIII.
paragraph C.. Thus, by the way of example, the term Scientology-related
entity generally does not include (I) sublicensees of the World Institute
of Scientology Enterprises (hereinafter "WISE"), (ii) any entity that would
not otherwise be described above, except that it has been licensed to publish
or disseminate solely the fictional works of L. Ron Hubbard, and (iii)
licenses of Applied Scholastics, Inc. that are not included as subordinate
entities under its group exemption, as provided in section III., paragraph
3.c and listed on Exhibit III-28 (or will be subordinate entities in the
future) .
12. a. In general. The term Scientology-related entity generally includes
an entity whether formed under the laws of the United States or of a country
other than the United States, except to the extent other provisions of
this Agreement expressly include only U.S. entities or expressly exclude
non-U.S. entities.
b. Exception.
i. With respect to certain provisions of this Agreement, the term Scientology-related
entity does not include an Excluded Foreign Scientology-related Entity.
A Scientology-related entity is an Excluded Foreign Scientology-related
Entity if it is formed under the laws of, and substantially all of its
operations are in, a country other than the United States and it (a) is
described in section VIII, paragraph C.2 and is a Mission or Class V church;
(b) is described in Section VIII, paragraph C.4; (c) is described in Section
VIII, paragraph C.5, provided that it is not an entity that has as its
primary function the holding of assets for the Church of Scientology; or
(d) is described in Section VIII, paragraph C.9 but has neither annual
gross receipts not gross assets in excess of $15 million.
ii. To the extent a Scientology-related entity is otherwise specifically
included in a provision (notwithstanding the fact that is an Excluded Foreign
Scientology-related Entity), it is a Scientology-related entity for the
specified purposes of the affected provision. Specifically, but not by
the way of limitation, an Excluded Foreign Scientology-related entity with
respect to the following provisions of this Agreement:
Section II.: paragraphs B.5., B.7 through B.9, C.1. through C.6,
E.1., E.4.b. and F.
Section III.: Paragraph B.10
Section IV.: paragraphs A.3.d., B.1.a., B.1.f.ii. B.2.a., B.3., B.4.,
C.1., C.3., C.4., C.5., C.6., C.7.a.,C.7.b., C.10.,E.1., E.2.,E.3., and
F.2.
Section V.: all
Section VI.: paragraph B.
iii. An Excluded Foreign Scientology-related Entity is excluded from the
definition of Scientology-related entity with respect to the following
provisions of this Agreement:
Section IV.: paragraphs A.3. (other than A.3.d.), D.1., D.2., D.3.
Section VI: paragraph A, C (unless paragraph C.10. of section IV applies)
and G.
Section IX: paragraph A.
iv. With respect to other provisions of this agreement concerning procedural
matters (such as reporting term limitations) that relate to the specific
provisions referred to in Section VIII, paragraph C. 12.b.ii., Scientology-related
entity also includes Excluded Foreign Scientology-related entity.
c. Limitation. paragraph 12.b. shall not apply to exclude from treatment
as a Scientology-related entity any entity that otherwise meets the definition
of Scientology-related entity under a subparagraph of this section VIII.
paragraph C. other than subparagraphs 2.,4.,5., or 9.
13. If an entity is treated as a Scientology-related entity by reason
of paragraph C.1. of this section VIII., then such entity shall be treated
as a Scientology-related entity notwithstanding that one or more of the
other subparagraphs of paragraph C. of this section VIII might otherwise
apply to exclude such entity from being treated as a Scientology-related
entity.
14. The term Scientology-related entity is not limited to those entities
that are in existence as of the date of this Agreement but also includes
those described in paragraph C. created after this Agreement is signed.
D. "Scientology-related
Individual" means an individual rendering services to or on behalf
of a Scientology-related entity as a staff member, agent officer, trustee,
or attorney in fact of that Scientology-related entity. The term "Scientology-related
individual" includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Individual CTCC members, At-Large CTCC members and individuals serving
on the CTCC as representatives of Corporate CTCC members. The term "Scientology-related
individual" applies only to the extent that such individual is acting in
his capacity as staff member or other service-provider to or on behalf
of the Scientology-related entity.
E. "Qualified Written Material"
means any information designated as "Qualified Written Material" pursuant
to paragraph 4 of the agreement between Church of Scientology International
and the Service, executed on behalf of the CSI on May 5, 1992. This material
was obtained as part of the discussions in which the Service requested
information relating to the organizational structure and operations of
the Church mostly by written requests dated May 4, 1992 and October 16,
1992, to which the Church responded in June and November of 1992, respectively,
and in various other written responses.
F. "Service" means the Internal Revenue
Service, including but not limited to the Office of Chief Counsel. References
to officers or employees (present or former) of the Service shall include,
but not limited to, officers or employees (present or former) of the Officer
of Chief Counsel.
G. "Taxable year" means calendar year.
H. "Transition period" means
taxable years 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999.
I. "Agreement" means this closing agreement.
J. "CTCC" means the Church Tax Compliance
Committee.
K. "Church Signatories" means
the following entities: Church of Scientology International, Religious
Technology Center, Church of Spiritual Technology, Church of Scientology
Religious Trust, Building Management Services, Church of Scientology Flag
Service Organization, Inc. and the Church of Scientology Western United
States.
L. "Settlement Agreement"
means an agreement entered into between the Church Signatories and the
Service on even date herewith relating to the disposition of certain other
matters between the parties attached hereto as Exhibit IV-5.
M. "Annual Report" means the report
complied and submitted during the transition period by the CTCC as required
under section IV of this Agreement.
N. Disqualified Person.
In General. The term "disqualified person" means with respect to a Scientology-related
entity, any of the following persons:
1. an Individual CTCC member (within the meaning of section IV. paragraph
A.2.c. of this Agreement);
2.A member of the family (as defined in paragraph 9) of an Individual
CTCC member;
3. a corporation not recognized as exempt under Code section 501 (c)
(3) of which any person described in section VIII. paragraph N.1. or N.2.
owns more than 35 percent of the total combined voting stock or stock value;
4. a limited liability company not recognized as exempt under Code section
501 (c) (3) in which any person described in section VIII. paragraph N.1.
or N.2. owns more than 35 percent of the membership interests;
5. a partnership not recognized as exempt under Code section 501 (c)
(3) in which any person described in section VIII. paragraph 1. or 2. owns
more than 35 percent of the profits interests or capital interests; or
6. an estate or a trust not recognized as exempt under Code section
501 (c) (3) in which any person described in section VIII. paragraph N.1.
or N.2. holds more than 35 percent of the beneficial interest.
7. Stockholdings; Membership Interests. For purposes of paragraphs 3.
and 4., there shall be taken into account indirect stockholdings and membership
interests which would be taken into account under section 267 (c) and 318
(a) (4), except that, for purposes of this paragraph, Code section 267
(c) (4) shall be treated as providing that the members of the family of
an individual are the members within the meaning of section VIII. paragraph
N.9.
8. Partnerships, Trusts, Estates. For the purposes of paragraphs 4.
and 5. the ownership of profits interest, capital interest or beneficial
interest shall be determined in accordance with the rules for constructive
ownership of stock provided in Code section 267 (c) (other than paragraph
(3) thereof), except that Code section 267 (c) (4) shall be treated as
providing that the members of the family of an individual are the members
within the meaning of paragraph 9.
9. Members of Family. For purposes of this definition, the family of
any individual shall include on the individual's parents, children, spouse,
siblings and the spouses of the individual's siblings.
10. Time of determination. A person is a disqualified person, if, at
any time during the transition period that a person is described in this
definition.
O. Wilful. The term "wilful" means a knowing,
voluntary, intentional violation of a known legal duty.
P. Sanction Period. The term
"sanction period" means, with respect to any act of self-dealing under
section VI. paragraph B or noncharitable expenditure under section VI.
paragraph C, the period beginning on the date on which the act of self-dealing
or noncharitable expenditure occurs and ending on the earliest of :
1. the date on which the penalty imposed by section VI. paragraph B.a.1.
or C.a.1 is paid;
2. the date on which correction of the act of self-dealing or noncharitable
expenditure is completed; or
3. 180 days after the final judicial decision sustaining the Service's
final determination with respect to a penalty imposed by section VI. paragraph
B.1. or C.1. hereof under section VI. paragraph H.1.
Q. First-Tier Penalty. For
purposes of this paragraph P., the term "first tier penalty" means any
penalty imposed by section VI. paragraph B.1. or C.1.
R. Second-Tier Penalty.
For purposes of this paragraph P., the term "first tier penalty" means
any penalty imposed by section VI. paragraph B.1. or C.2.
S. Correction. The terms "correction"
and "correct" mean:
1. for any act of self-dealing, undoing the transaction to the extent
possible, but in any case placing the Scientology-related entity in a financial
position not worse than that in which it would be if the disqualified person
were dealing under the highest fiduciary standards;
2. for any noncharitable expenditure (A) recovering part of all of the
expenditure to the extent recovery is possible, and where full recovery
is not possible such additional corrective action as is prescribed by the
Service or (B) in the case of a failure to comply with paragraph D making
or correcting the report in question, and
3. for any failure to report under paragraph IV.D., the filing with
the Service of an annual Report or corrected Annual Report 9 (or relevant
part thereof), meeting the requirements of this Agreement.
T. Correction Period. The term,
"correction period" means, with respect to any event that is subject to
penalty under the Agreement, the period beginning on the date on which
such events occurs and ending 180 days after the date of the mailing under
section VI. paragraph H.1.b. of a final notice of determination with respect
to the second tier penalty imposed on such event, extended by any other
period the Service determines is reasonable and necessary to bring about
correction of the event.
U. Church. The term "Church" when used
in a descriptive sense refers to all Scientology-related entities. When
used in connection with specific obligations under this Agreement, however,
the term "Church" shall generally mean the CTCC.
V. Commissioner. The term "Commissioner"
means the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.
W. Assistant Commissioner.
The term "Assistant Commissioner" means the Assistant Commissioner of the
Internal Revenue Service for Employee Plans and Exempt organizations (or
the successor to his or her function in any reorganization of the Service).
X. Knowing. An individual shall be
considered to have participated in a transaction "knowing" that it is either
an act of self-dealing under section VI., paragraph B. or a noncharitable
expenditure under section VI., paragraph C. only if
1. He has actual knowledge of sufficient facts so that, based solely
upon such facts, such transaction would be an act of self-dealing or a
noncharitable expenditure, and
2. He is aware that such an act under these circumstances may violate
the relevant provisions of this Agreement, and
3. He negligently fails to make reasonable attempts to ascertain whether
the transaction is an act of self-dealing or a noncharitable expenditure,
or he is in fact aware that it is such an act.
The term knowing does not mean "having reason to know," but evidence that
a person had reason to know of a particular fact or of a provision of this
Agreement can be circumstantial proof of actual knowledge.
Y. Reasonable cause. The
term "reasonable cause" means the exercise of responsibility by a CTCC
member on behalf of the CTCC and Scientology-related entities with ordinary
business care and prudence.
IX. Other Matters.
A. Representations. The Church
signatories represent that all are duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are organized
and that all have the power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement,
to perform their duties and obligations and to exercise their rights under
this Agreement, to cause Scientology-related entities to comply with the
terms of this Agreement, and further represent that the execution of this
Agreement by the officers or trustees has duly and properly authorized
by each Church signatory and that upon execution, this Agreement constitutes
a valid and legally binding obligation of each Church signatory.
B. Notices.
1. All notices and reports hereunder shall be in writing and sent by
certified mail, return receipt requested.
2. Notice to the Service shall be sent as follows:
Assistant Commissioner Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations
Internal Revenue Service
Room 3408E
1111 Constitution Avenue,
N.W. Washington, D.C. 20224
In the event of a reorganization of functions within the Service in which
the office of Assistant Commissioner (Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations)
is eliminated, notices hereunder to the Service shall be sent to the Service
official succeeding to the functions now served by the Assistant Commissioner
(Employee Plans and Exempt Organization), as determined by the Service
and sent to the CTCC in accordance with paragraph B. 4. hereof.
3. Notice to the CTCC shall be sent as follows:
Church Tax Compliance Committee
c/o Church of Scientology International
6331 Hollywood Blvd.,
Suite 1200
Los Angeles,
California 90028-6329
4. Either party may change the address designated for future notices hereunder
by notice in the manner provided in paragraph B. 1. to the other party
to the existing address of record as provided in paragraph B. 2. or B.
3..
C. Rules of Construction.
1. This Agreement has been prepared by the combined efforts of the parties
and their respective attorneys.
2. The parties may by written agreement extend the time for performance
of any obligation under this Agreement, except and only to the extent that
another provision of this Agreement precludes such an extension of time.
3. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, no remedy conferred on
or reserved to a party to this Agreement is intended to be exclusive of
any other available remedy or remedies, but each and every such remedy
shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given
under this Agreement or now or hereafter existing pursuant to the Code,
at law or in equity. No delay or omission to exercise any right or power
accruing upon any default, omission or failure of performance hereunder
shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver
thereof, but any such right or power may be exercised from time to time
and as often as may be deemed expedient. In the event any provision of
this Agreement should be breached by any party, and thereafter duly waived
by the other party so empowered to act, such waiver shall be limited to
the particular breach so waived and shall not be deemed to waive any other
breach hereunder.
4. The words "hereof," "herein," "hereunder," "hereto" and other words
of similar import refer to this Agreement in its entirety.
5. The words "agree" and "agreements" contained herein are intended
to include and mean "covenant" and "covenants."
6. References to section headings and other subdivisions of this Agreement
are for convenience only and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof.
7. All references made in (i) the neuter, masculine or feminine gender
shall be deemed to have been made in all such genders, and (ii) in the
singular or plural number shall be deemed to have been made, respectively,
in the plural or singular number as well.
D. Entire Agreement. This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Service and the
Church and supersedes all prior agreements and understanding, both written
and oral, between the Service and the Individual CTCC members, Corporate
CTCC members, At-large CTCC members, Church Signatories, Scientology-related
entities and Scientology-related individuals with respect to the subject
matter hereof. However, nothing contained herein shall affect the Settlement
Agreement, executed on even date herewith.
E. Survival of Agreement.
All covenants, agreements, representations, and warranties made herein
and in all reports (including any Annual Report under section IV.), certificates,
tax returns prepared and delivered pursuant hereto shall continue in full
force and effect so long as any of the provisions of this Agreement remain
unperformed.
F. Costs of
Compliance with Agreement. The Church Signatories, Individual CTCC
members, Corporate CTCC members, and At-large CTCC members shall, solely
at their own cost, perform and discharge all of the obligations and duties
and exercise all rights under this Agreement, For example, no set off is
available against any penalty asserted under section VI. paragraph C. 1.
by reason of such costs. The Service shall at its own cost perform and
discharge all of the obligations and duties and exercise all rights under
this Agreement.
G. Counterparts. This Agreement
shall be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
H. Finality. This Agreement is final
and conclusive except:
1. The matter it relates to may be reopened in the event of fraud, malfeasance,
or misrepresentation of material fact;
2. It is subject to the Internal Revenue Code sections that expressly
provide that effect be given to their provisions (including any stated
exception for Code section 7122) notwithstanding any other law or rule
of law; and
3. If it related to a tax period ending after the date of this Agreement,
it is subject to any law, enacted after the Agreement date, that applied
to that tax period.
I. Date of Agreement.
The date of this Agreement is October 1, 1993.
Signatures
Dated: October 1, 1993 [Signature] DAVID MISCAVIGE, Individual Member
of CTCC
Dated: October 1, 1993 [Signature] NORMAN F. STARKEY, Individual Member
of CTCC
Dated: October 1, 1993 [Signature] MARK RATHBUN, Individual Member of
CTCC
Dated: October 1, 1993 [Signature] HEBER JENTZSCH, Individual Member
of CTCC
Dated: October 1, 1993 [Signature] (POA) MARC YAGER, Chairman, WatchDog
Committee, At-Large Member of CTCC
Dated: October 1, 1993 [Signature] (POA) JONATHAN EPSTEIN, International
Finance Director, At-Large Member of CTCC
Dated: October 1, 1993 [Signature] (POA) NIGEL OAKES, Chief Accountant
International, At-Large Member of CTCC
Dated: October 1, 1993 RELIGIOUS TECHNOLOGY CENTER By: [Signature] Mark
Rathbun Title: President
Dated: October 1, 1993 CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL By: [Signature]
Heber Jentzsch Title: President
Dated: October 1, 1993 CHURCH OF SPIRITUAL TECHNOLOGY By: [Signature]
Title: POA
Dated: October 1, 1993 CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY FLAG SERVICE ORGANIZATION,
INC. By: [Signature] Title: POA
Dated: October 1, 1993 CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY WESTERN UNITED STATES By:
[Signature] Title: POA
Dated: October 1, 1993 BUILDING MANAGEMENT SERVICES By: [Signature]
Title: POA
Dated: October 1, 1993 CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY RELIGIOUS TRUST By: [Signature]
Title: POA
Dated: October 1, 1993 COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE By:
[Signature] John E. Burke, Assistant Commissioner, Employee Plans and Exempt
Organizations
Dated: October 1, 1993 COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE By:
[Signature] James J. McGovern, Associate Chief Counsel, Employee Benefits
and Exempt Organizations
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