Did you know that the NFL is a tax-exempt nonprofit?
Once in a while, I run across something that I did not know and it leaves me flabbergasted.
For example, I did not know that the National Football League, the colossus of professional sports, is classified as a non-profit — a tax-free non-profit, to be more specific. That’s right: The NFL has its own exemption, written into federal law, that makes it exempt from federal corporate taxes.
IT'S GOOD! ... to be a tax-exempt nonprofit
The Professional Golf Association and the National Hockey League, among others, enjoy a similar exemption although in their cases, it is not an exemption specifically written into the law.
As described in Waste Book 2012 — compiled by the staff of U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, a conservative Republican from Oklahoma:
In 2010, the registered NFL nonprofit alone received $184 million from its 32 member teams. It holds over $1 billion in assets. Together with its subsidiaries and teams – many of which are for-profit, taxed entities – the NFL generates an estimated $9 billion annually. Each of its teams are among the top 50 most expensive sports teams in the world, ranking alongside the world’s famous soccer teams. Almost half of professional football teams are valued at over $1 billion….
League commissioners and officials benefit from the nonprofit status of their organizations. Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, reported $11.6 million in salary and perks in 2010 alone. Goodell’s salary will reportedly reach $20 million in 2019. Steve Bornstein, the executive vice president of media, made $12.2 million in 2010. Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue earned $8.5 million from the league in 2010. The league paid five other officials a total of $19.2 million in just one year. In comparison, the next highest salary of a traditional nonprofit CEO is $3.4 million.
The NFL’s exemption stems from a 1966 law, passed at the time of the merger with the old American Football League, specifically allowing “professional football leagues” to enjoy 501(c)(6) status as tax-exempt trade organizations. Other leagues have piggy-backed on that legislation to claim that status themselves.
Major League Baseball also used to enjoy the same tax-exempt protection, but in 2007 it chose to surrender that status in part because as the salary information above illustrates, tax-exempt, non-profit status requires you to report the salaries of your top executives. MLB decided that protecting that information from the public was more important than escaping taxes.
As the Coburn report points out, “state and local governments usually exempt these organizations from state income and sales tax as well….” As the Indiana Business Journal reported, that proved to be a nice little perk when the Super Bowl was held in Indianapolis this year, because “hotels and restaurants … won’t be taxing National Football League employees. They’re exempt from paying, according to an Indiana Department of Revenue directive. The NFL is using its tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(6) to avoid paying the taxes, in addition to fuel, auto rental and admissions taxes.”
In Atlanta’s case, a hotel-motel tax was used to build the Georgia Dome and would also be used to help finance the proposed new open-air stadium demanded by the Falcons. If Georgia tax law is like that of many states, the NFL and its employees would be exempted from paying the tax that everyone else must pay to subsidize stadiums built for a highly profitable industry.
Can you say “Scchhhwwweeeeet”?
– Jay Bookman
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640 comments Add your comment
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2012
9:21 am
I heard this story about a drill sgt that had this group of recruits that wanted to be treated differently based on performance but one of the USMC recruits didn’t like the idea because he knew he spent all his time on line posting on blogs instead of doing the pushups that the other recruits did…
indigo
October 18th, 2012
9:21 am
USMC – 9:16
Obama has never promoted Socialism or that “no one would be poor and no one would be rich”.
How do you come up with such nonsense?
Li'l Aynie
October 18th, 2012
9:21 am
Oh, I thought the NFL is one of the small businesses that politicians want to protect!
Not on his watch
October 18th, 2012
9:21 am
It is so funny to see all of the Republican outrage on Benghazi and it would be nice to know how many of these same people are briefed on a DAILY basis with the security intelligence that pertains to the U.S.? How many of them actually hold “Top Secret Clearances” ?
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
October 18th, 2012
9:22 am
TAXPAYER et al,
No way this single report captures a fraction of the leakage that really occurs in various programs..consider that in 2009 Obama indicated that he identified waste in spending at .004 of 1% or $140 million…Shortly thereafter, he found 622 Billion of waste in Medicare/Medicaid alone and used this as an offset for PelosiCare…ie any waste they identify is justification for new spending…of course the GOP isn’t any better.
Point here is that there are many reports on waste but nothing is ever done about it that results in less spending…
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 18th, 2012
9:22 am
No chart ???
USMC
October 18th, 2012
9:23 am
SURPRISE!
Weekly Jobless Claims Drop Proves to Be Short-Lived:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/49460659
Steve
October 18th, 2012
9:23 am
Jay listed several professional sports organizations “among others”, which leads me to wonder if trade unions also qualify for this exemption status. I am still not clear but will continue to look. None of them should be exempt, although I do know that the NFL, as one example does have a vibrant charity aspect.
What is a 501(c)(6) organization?
According to the Internal Revenue Service, a 501(c)(6) organization is a business league devoted to the improvement of business conditions of one or more lines of business. It is not engaged in any regular business typically carried on by for-profits.
Trade associations and professional associations are considered to be business leagues. The mission of a 501(c)(6) organization must focus on the advancement of the conditions of a particular trade or the interests of the community.
A 501(c)(6) business league may further its exempt purposes through lobbying as its primary activity without jeopardizing its exempt status. However, a 501(c)(6) organization that engages in lobbying may be required to either provide notice to its members regarding the percentage of dues paid that are applicable to lobbying activities, or pay a proxy tax.
Examples of 501(c)(6) organizations include the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, Home Builders Associations, and local chambers of commerce.
Learn more about 501(c)(6) organizations at the IRS Web site.
curious
October 18th, 2012
9:23 am
USMC
Good story, but the problem is that no country has ever been like that. No matter where you go, there are more successful people and those that aren’t.
Since you are obviously implying Obama/Democrats are socialists, I contend that they really only want everybody to have a “fair shot’, not a guarantee.
Jay’s column about tax exemptions is exactly how special interest groups get “unfair” traetment at the expense of the rest of us, including you.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 18th, 2012
9:24 am
NBC: “Weekly Jobless Claims Drop Proves to Be Short-Lived”
http://www.cnbc.com/id/49460659
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
October 18th, 2012
9:24 am
Woodstock Mike
October 18th, 2012
9:11 am
I think these readers need to do some research and see how many NFL owners are registered Democrats and enormous Democratic party donors. Guess because they are Democrats it’s cool though…
.
.
.
.
Really Woodstock? You know this to be true because you have already done the research? And now your just being tease?
Frankly I think that’s piffle.
USMC
October 18th, 2012
9:25 am
Welfare costs $1,030,000,000,000…
Report: Welfare government’s single largest budget item in FY 2011 at approx. $1.03 trillion
http://dailycaller.com/2012/10/18/report-welfare-governments-single-largest-budget-item-in-fy-2011-at-approx-1-03-trillion/
larry
October 18th, 2012
9:25 am
Go Mitt!!
Yes, please Go!. Back to Massachusetts, or California, or Michigan , or the Cayman Islands, or wherever you are from.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
October 18th, 2012
9:25 am
NOTONHISWATCH,
The optics on the Benghazi thing are a horrid thing for BO (next to likely poor voter turnout re to 2008)…Let’s say he did state unequivically in the rose garden that this was an act of terror…ergo, if he knew this why would WH and STATE (despite 24 hour confirm this was indeed an attack) continue to claim it was a video stimulated event?
This will get much more attention over the next week and in next weeks debate..
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 18th, 2012
9:25 am
“Since you are obviously implying Obama/Democrats are socialists, I contend that they really only want everybody to have a “fair shot’, not a guarantee.”
It may start out that way but it soon develops into “equal outcomes” and “guarantees” !
Just look at affirmative action.
USMC
October 18th, 2012
9:26 am
OBAMA: The 7-Eleven Presidency…
Under Obama, for every $7 brought in by gov’t, $11 spent…
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/7-eleven-presidency_654846.html
Steve
October 18th, 2012
9:26 am
Bad news for the country was just released indicating new unemployment claims at 388,000, which is up about 46,000 over last week, and subject to revision, typically upwards. Oh my…
Don’t be shocked if the country hires a new head coach and staff.
weetamoe
October 18th, 2012
9:29 am
You should have known this. Just like Luckovich should know what the MAG binders are and that the AJC readers should know that unemployment claims are up 46% and that CNN explains Candy Crowley’s bestowed more time on O during debate #2 because he is so much sloooowwer than Romney. It is time to venture out of your own back yards—and not just to join the million puppet march for Obama organized by one of the principal beneficiaries of the non-profit corporation known as Sesame Street.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 18th, 2012
9:29 am
Steve:
Exactly !
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2012
9:31 am
I scanned the list of “Budget Items” and what do you know, there is no “Welfare” budget item.
Thomas Heyward Jr
October 18th, 2012
9:32 am
Terroist attacks in New Yawk City……..and Bookman writes about the NFL.
.
The FBI now has a 100% record of thwarting their OWN terrorist attacks.
(except for maybe fast n furious, I don’t really know if that qualifies).
.
Where’s the love for your overlords Bookman?
Brad Steel
October 18th, 2012
9:34 am
The tax code is a perverse disaster? really?
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
October 18th, 2012
9:34 am
USMC
When will the unemployment rate be next adjusted relative to teh 7.8% recently pronounced?
Ben
October 18th, 2012
9:35 am
Not on his watch: No, I don’t get daily briefings, but from what I’ve read Obama skips plenty of his. He must have missed two weeks worth since he was pushing the “offensive video caused everything” LIE for two weeks after the intelligence community had revealed the truth to the White House.
Fly-On-The-Wall
October 18th, 2012
9:35 am
I’m trying to figure out how a story about the tax exempt NFL did a pivot to Benghazi? Someone must have bust’d a move on us.
Don't Tread
October 18th, 2012
9:35 am
Wonder how long it will be before the OWS crowd parks itself outside the stadium?
Partisay
October 18th, 2012
9:36 am
Off topic but too good to pass up…
Controversial conservative author Dinesh D’Souza, who is also president of The King’s College, is in hot water for allegedly introducing a 29-year-old woman as his fiancée while he is still married.
Conservative provocateur Dinesh D’Souza, riding a wave of attention for his successful anti-Obama documentary, 2016: Obama’s America, suddenly finds himself swamped by a different sort of attention, this time over his alleged relationship with a 29-year-old woman with whom he shared a hotel room and described as his “fiancée” despite still being married to his wife of 20 years.
Another lying, religous, republican conservative…..
ByteMe - Got ilk?
October 18th, 2012
9:36 am
Someone must have bust’d a move on us.
Some people are driven by their own world’s “meme of the day”
ATL Born and Raised
October 18th, 2012
9:36 am
And the players are the ones getting screwed on tax liability. They have to file and pay an income tax in every state and even to certain cities (Philadelphia, for example) where they play a game because they technically earn their money for that game in that state/city. Maybe not as big a deal to Tom Brady and the like, but the journeyman players… It’s good to be Roger Goodell!
alex
October 18th, 2012
9:36 am
Ohh I’m sorry, did I upset your sensibilities, goodness jay.. But you are right ,I’ll sign off; you and jamvet and the grannies can continue your intellectual discourse………What’s next a report on how “binder” companies are polluting our waters? I shiver with (say it) ANTICIPATION…..
DannyX
October 18th, 2012
9:37 am
Wow USMC, you are all over the place. One week you are whining about fake job numbers produced by the government. Next week you prance out government job numbers with Glee.
Try an unbiased source like Gallup, Oct 17.
“WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. unemployment, as measured by Gallup without seasonal adjustment, is 7.3% in mid-October, down considerably from 7.9% at the end of September and at a new low since Gallup began collecting employment data in January 2010. Gallup’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 7.7%, also down from September. October’s adjusted mid-month measure is also more than a percentage point lower than October 2011.”
http://www.gallup.com/poll/158060/unadjusted-unemployment-mid-october.aspx
mm
October 18th, 2012
9:37 am
Typical corporate welfare. And we’re footing the bill.
Steve-USA
October 18th, 2012
9:38 am
So Dinesh D’Souza pulled a Clinton.
More of a guy thing instead of a political thing.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 18th, 2012
9:39 am
Thomas Heyward Jr :
“Terroist attacks in New Yawk City……..and Bookman writes about the NFL.”
Don’t complain ………. it could have been about charter schools or MARTA.
stands for decibels
October 18th, 2012
9:40 am
So, how many people are still pretending Obama wasn’t referring to the Benghazi attack when he was saying “acts of terror” and “this terrible act”?
I’ve been at least vaguely aware of right wing attack talking-points for, oh, probably four decades now.
This is, possibly by a wide margin, the most intellectually bankrupt, and possibly the most ridiculous (I don’t want to make this sound like it’s a joke, but it *is* ridiculous), attack talking-point I’ve heard in all these years.
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2012
9:40 am
I heard those fake 1000 pound bobmbs can be a real bear to detonate.
DannyX
October 18th, 2012
9:41 am
“More of a guy thing instead of a political thing.”
Wrong. Republicans are supposed to be the party of family values.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 18th, 2012
9:42 am
mm:
“Typical corporate welfare. And we’re footing the bill.”
And just how many people are employed through the game, stadiums, adverstisements, etc., etc., etc. ?
Thousands and thousands of people pay taxes directly or indirectly related to the NFL.
That’s not “a bill” !
Steve-USA
October 18th, 2012
9:43 am
“Wrong. Republicans are supposed to be the party of family values.”
So the Democrat’s are the party that cheats on their wives. I am not sure all Dem’s agree with you.
straitroad
October 18th, 2012
9:43 am
The NFL? That’s a pretty good piece of writing but not exactly content for October 18th of an election year. I hope you are concerned about relevant news such as the alarming reports coming out of Libya that our personnel were being guarded by unarmed guards or more realistic employment numbers.
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2012
9:44 am
Did someone say Party of Family Values.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 18th, 2012
9:44 am
Why are some of you (liberal and conservative) still referring to the Benghazi attack as an act of terror?
Bookman said yesterday it wasn’t. So there !
DannyX
October 18th, 2012
9:44 am
“I heard those fake 1000 pound bobmbs can be a real bear to detonate.”
When are Republicans going to start with their next wacky conspiracy theory? How a bout it guys?
Was the government faking this attack to win the election. You know, like the fake unemployment numbers?
RB from Gwinnett
October 18th, 2012
9:46 am
Curious’ “Since you are obviously implying Obama/Democrats are socialists, I contend that they really only want everybody to have a “fair shot’, not a guarantee.”
Who doesn’t have a fair shot? Please explain.
mm
October 18th, 2012
9:47 am
“Thousands and thousands of people pay taxes directly or indirectly related to the NFL.”
You nailed it. The key word is “people”. But the NFL (corporation) is not paying.
Thanks for playing.
Joe Hussein Mama
October 18th, 2012
9:48 am
Paul — “Victoria’s Secret to sell items at Cowboys Stadium”
Fellas, listen to me closely. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING.
Guys, if you go to Cowboys Stadium and decide that, for some inexplicable reason, you need to buy your lady some lacy underthings while you are there, buy them while you’re sober. If you wait until you’ve had a few beers, you’re going to screw up, get something in the wrong size and THIS will happen:
Lingerie is too big:
wife/gf/POSSLQ: OH MY GAWD, YOU ACTUALLY THOUGHT I WAS A SIZE 16? (throws breakable objects)
Lingerie is too small:
wife/gf/POSSLQ: (murmuring softly and tearfully) you think I’m fat . . . snif (breaks into tears and sobbing)
Guys, YOU CANNOT WIN IN THIS SCENARIO. If you want to get your lady some frilly girl undies, take her to VS YOURSELF. The advantages of this are clear:
1) She’s going to pick out something she likes
2) You’re probably going to like it, too
3) She’s going to get the right size
4) You look generous
5) You’re spending time on something she wants to do (clothes shopping)
6) Are you gonna get any afterwards? Confidence is HIGH
Save yourself some hassle and sweeping up broken plates and curios after her tantrum. Use the JHM method instead and WIN!
kayaker 71
October 18th, 2012
9:49 am
Just to keep the record straight….. in 1966 when this law was passed, there was a Senate majority of 64/36 Dems to Repubs and a 248/187 House majority D/R….. and by the way, we had a Democratic president as well. So, libs….. where is the indignation?
Union
October 18th, 2012
9:49 am
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443749204578048421344521076.html?mod=WSJ_hp_EditorsPicks
godless heathen
October 18th, 2012
9:50 am
So, how many people are still pretending Obama wasn’t referring to the Benghazi attack when he was saying “acts of terror” and “this terrible act”?
You mean besides Candy Drop Crowley?
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2012
9:50 am
“Donald Trump’s head looks like it has the mange.” – What Kristen Stewart could tell the buffoon.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
October 18th, 2012
9:50 am
Well, this is one of those thingies where you’re not suppose to look too close at the NFL. It’s sorta like if Romney can cut the tax rates by 20% and spend 2 trillion more on Defense and continue the Bush tax cuts without raising taxes on anybody to pay for it all—well, it’s kinda rude and boorish to question it.
Besides, we kinda kick the can down the road to pay for the new stadium. You know, don’t tax you, don’t tax me, tax the heck out of the rubes that come in here as tourists.
Anyhow, somebody needs to give Bookman’s knuckles a good hard rap with a yard stick and tell him to mind his own business. There’s some things you just have to beleive on Faith alone. Have a good Thursday everybody.
East Cobb RINO, Inc. (LLC)
October 18th, 2012
9:53 am
In addition to the tax exempt status, the NFL likes to argue (depending on how it suits them) that they are: a) a single entity with 32 subsidiary units or b) 32 independent businesses.
Whenever they are facing scrutiny over issues such as ticket price fixing, franchise valuations, or in labor negotiations they try to argue they are 32 separate small businesses. Detroit Lions owner Bill Ford said “The NFL has 32 owners, as opposed to a single corporation,” Ford said in an interview in his office at Ford Motor’s world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. “The whole thing is so different. And the issues are so different.” (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/07/us-nfl-ford-idUSTRE70645920110107)
In American Needle V. NFL, they claimed to be a single business entity for the purpose of being immune to the antitrust cases that have allowed player unions to establish and to protect free agency and other benefits. The NFL initially won the case, but American Needle got the verdict reversed on appeal. The NFL won an appeal to a higher court to let the original verdict stand. Then in an highly unusual move, the NFL appealed the higher courts decision (which they had just won) to the SCOTUS. They got greedy. They wanted to expand the ruling to broaden their monopoly. The Supreme Court ruled the NFL is 32 separate small businesses and the case was won for American Needle. (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5214509)
But we still watch on TV, go to games, and buy their stuff.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
October 18th, 2012
9:53 am
ATL BORN…
No, the real winners are tax lawyers…they don’t want the tax code to change one iota..
Union
October 18th, 2012
9:54 am
seems that all i have gotten from post debate antics.. obama goes on and on about big bird and binders. romney.. 5 point plan.. why doesnt obama talk more about a plan and less about the competition?
Keep Up the Good Fight!
October 18th, 2012
9:54 am
Some people are clueless that it does not matter who was in control of the congress at the time the exemption was passed (btw, as a side note, says X number of Dems were in the congress does not indicated who voted for or against a bill). It’s bad policy and, in light of today’s concerns and the deficit, should be stopped.
Just to set the record straight.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
October 18th, 2012
9:55 am
STANDS,
If we all agreed that BO was referring specifically to the Benghazi attacks in the rose garden, why didn’t he communicate this the WH Carney or Rice or Clinton? I guess that didn’t happen or they would be standing by him instead of 14 days or so of claiming it was video related…
Partisay
October 18th, 2012
9:55 am
“Wrong. Republicans are supposed to be the party of family values.”
So true. And it’s so funny to see people like Steve-USA thinking it’s just a “guy” thing when these people base their whole politcal beliefs on, and preach, family values. They all say – vote for us because we are morally better people. I wonder back in Clinton’s day if Steve-USA was telling everyone “Hey, it’s not a polical thing. It’s just a guy thing.”
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
October 18th, 2012
9:57 am
DANNY X
Do you think it is logical to compare unemployment numbers per a POLL to those offered by the Labor Dept? Let’s wait and see what BLS comes up with instead of changing the measure to a poll…
indigo
October 18th, 2012
9:57 am
kayaker 71 – 9:49
1966???????
Some of us have grown up and learned not to live in the past.
Steve-USA
October 18th, 2012
9:57 am
Partisay-
Yes I was.
Here's what's really holding back the jobs market
October 18th, 2012
9:58 am
Jim Murphy is like a lot of business executives these days—looking to hire but having a hard time finding the right people for the jobs he needs to fill.
In fact, the CEO at Almac Clinical Technologies in Souderton, Pa., has faced this unlikely problem for the past several years, a time during which his life-sciences business has expanded but the pool of workers fitting his needs has not.
“We’ve steadily been hiring for the last couple of years, but it’s always a lot of work,” Murphy said in a recent interview. “You end up having to develop ways to try and and find these folks, whether it’s using recruiters, strengthening your own recruiting focus internally, even just old-school things, like bigger internal employee referral bonuses.”
http://economywatch.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/10/14344079-heres-whats-really-holding-back-the-jobs-market?lite=obinsite
St Simons- island off the coast of New Somalia
October 18th, 2012
9:58 am
dues paid to a trade organization would be deductible as a business
expense, correct?
correct, I rec JEing it in Sales Expense and save that receipt!
ByteMe - Got ilk?
October 18th, 2012
9:59 am
romney.. 5 point plan
Romney doesn’t have a “plan”. he has a bunch of ideas that don’t add up. They don’t add up mathematically and they don’t add up to a “plan”. Just a bunch of vague poll-tested sound bites with no details.
Call us when he fills in the blanks with details about how he plans to cut tax rates by 20% while at the same time eliminating deductions that only total about 4% of that 20% in lost revenue and still somehow balances the budget.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
October 18th, 2012
9:59 am
UNION
Great, oft under utilized point….Yet I’m quite certain BO has in fact issued specifics about his vision for the next four years…does anyone know where I can find it?
He certainly did’nt paint a meaningful picture when responding to african american former supporter wondering why he should vote again for BO…
curious
October 18th, 2012
10:00 am
RB from Gwinnett
Too many to list. But, if you think this world is fair and everybody has a fair shot, you haven’t been exposed to many groups like women, minorities, handicapped, etc.
ByteMe - Got ilk?
October 18th, 2012
10:00 am
Jim Murphy is like a lot of business executives these days—looking to hire but having a hard time finding the right people for the jobs he needs to fill.
A lot of that is likely the housing market forcing people to stay put when a better job might be 1000 miles away. Solve underwater mortgages and you likely solve the employment issues.
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2012
10:01 am
For-profit schools often seek to provide vocational skills rather than traditional academic training and could, in theory, move more quickly to respond to changes in what employers are demanding. The industry argues that it gives working parents, returning service members, and other nontraditional students more freedom to earn degrees.
Yet across the sector, there aren’t enough safeguards to protect instructional quality. Recently, Tom Harkin, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, issued a scathing report; the product of two years of investigation, it found that for-profit universities spend more on marketing, advertising, recruiting, and admissions staffing than on actual instruction. The average salary of a for-profit college CEO was $7.3 million in 2009 — eight times the average presidential pay for the nation’s 50 wealthiest universities, as calculated by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
Other data back up Harkin’s concerns. Statistics from 2011 show the percentage of students who get a diploma within six years of entering a for-profit school is 28 percent — half the 56 percent graduation rate at public institutions. Meanwhile, a 2010 Education Trust report found that the graduation rate at the University of Phoenix, by far the nation’s largest college system of any kind, was only 9 percent; the 12 percent at its Boston campus was barely better. (The University of Phoenix told the Arizona Republic that its internal records show a 36 percent graduation rate.) In 2010 and 2011, the Government Accountability Office found irregularities at a number of for-profit institutions — recruitment tactics in which enrollees were told not to worry about student debt, unrealistic projections of how much students would earn with their degrees, and inconsistent adherence to academic standards, including inaction against plagiarism.
Welcome to the Occupation
October 18th, 2012
10:01 am
For example, I did not know that the National Football League, the colossus of professional sports, is classified as a non-profit — a tax-free non-profit, to be more specific
Which of course helps explain why the league absolutely positively could NOT under ANY circumstances even THINK about budging one inch in yielding to the pensions demands of the refs during the recent lockout.
It was obviously hurting for cash.
Moderate Line
October 18th, 2012
10:02 am
In 2010, the registered NFL nonprofit alone received $184 million from its 32 member teams. It holds over $1 billion in assets. Together with its subsidiaries and teams – many of which are for-profit, taxed entities – the NFL generates an estimated $9 billion annually. Each of its teams are among the top 50 most expensive sports teams in the world, ranking alongside the world’s famous soccer teams. Almost half of professional football teams are valued at over $1 billion.
+++++
I believe you are confusing the league with the team. I do not think the teams themselves are non-profits. A non-profit means there is no profit. It does not mean it doesn’t have any assest or revenue. All non-profits have assets. There are several non-profits which have revenues of over $1 billion. The Mayo Foundation has 5.8 billion in revenue plus with assets over 3 Bilion.
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2005/14/Revenue_1.html
kayaker 71
October 18th, 2012
10:02 am
Keep, 9:54,
Do you think that any legislation would pass a Senate dominated by a 64 to 36 Democratic majority without the necessary votes coming from Democrats? And to set the record straight, how would a law get through a Democratic dominated House with a Democratic majority? And then, the Democratic president has to sign it and with Johnson in charge, nothing got through those two organizations unless it had his stamp on it. Can you spell, naive?
Verbal Kint
October 18th, 2012
10:02 am
“Romney doesn’t have a “plan”. he has a bunch of ideas that don’t add up.”
Like…..Obama!
DannyX
October 18th, 2012
10:04 am
I really don’t know why men like the NFL. The NFL is a big part of gay recruitment. The gays are trying to get you.
From what I understand the gays designed the NFL uniforms. The pants they wear are disgusting, you can see a players backside. I do research on this so I have to watch all of the games. Last week I was focusing on Tom Brady. I have his backside seared into my memory, disgusting. The close ups, the slow motion, the hi-def tv, all made it impossible to take my eyes off his backside, it was like he was naked. Other players had their hands all over him, disgusting.
The NFL should require their players to wear little flaps over their backsides. At least the tv networks should be required to blur out the image. The players are showing more than Janet Jackson showed during the Super Bowl half time disaster. Disgusting.
Boycott the NFL until they cover up. Don’t let the gay recruiters win! Do it for the children.
Hhmmmm....
October 18th, 2012
10:04 am
Now that would have been a great debate question for either candidate, “Do you support ending the tax exempt status that the NFL currently enjoys?”…. cricket, cricket, cricket….
barking frog
October 18th, 2012
10:05 am
Them what has, gets.
TBone
October 18th, 2012
10:05 am
As an entity the NFL or other associations operate under 501(c)3 or 5 status and are tax exempt. Basically good non-profits are restricted in distribution of proceeds to directors. They can and do pay salaries for staff positions and other reasonable expenses. They players, coaches and all other personnel pay all kinds of taxes so don’t get your panties in such a wad.
Richard
October 18th, 2012
10:05 am
Jay,
Do the individual teams have tax exempt status as well?
ByteMe - Got ilk?
October 18th, 2012
10:06 am
Yet I’m quite certain BO has in fact issued specifics about his vision for the next four years…does anyone know where I can find it?
You mean this? http://www.barackobama.com/issues?source=primary-nav-see-more
The basic plan for the next four years is finish what he started in the past four years and expand on it to the extent that the Republicans allow.
Elect Romney and he’ll (according to some of the things he says that may have already been contradicted by other things he says) roll back welcome changes to health care market, increase the deficit, start a war with Iran, kill off nursing home care for seniors, destroy the promise of SS and Medicare, and make abortion something the government gets to arbitrate.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
October 18th, 2012
10:06 am
Yet I’m quite certain BO has in fact issued specifics about his vision for the next four years…does anyone know where I can find it?
Here you go and This one too
But if you don’t have the thinking capacity to find the website, I am not confident you will comprehend how to enter it and read for yourself. Do you need a tutor?
Jay
October 18th, 2012
10:08 am
Richard, no, the teams do not have tax-exempt status.
While most do enjoy taxpayer-subsidized stadium/parking deals, they are considered for-profit, taxable entities
DannyX
October 18th, 2012
10:09 am
“Do you think it is logical to compare unemployment numbers per a POLL to those offered by the Labor Dept?”
If you don’t like the poll you can always try another private company. ADP, the payroll company, also tracks private employment, oops they are also showing a much improved job market. You better stick with the manic Republican hate ‘em when the numbers are good, love ‘em when they are bad Labor Dept numbers.
southpaw
October 18th, 2012
10:09 am
“Typical corporate welfare.”
So how much was the NFL’s check from the government?
If you want to say the league should pay some tax, I won’t necessarily argue that point. But welfare is paid from the government to the recipient, and that isn’t happening here.
stands for decibels
October 18th, 2012
10:11 am
Who doesn’t have a fair shot? Please explain.
Any kid born in poverty in ours, the richest, most powerful nation ever on Earth, that has decided for some bizarre reason not to provide the kind of social services and a safety net that less well off nations manage as a matter of course.
(But you know that, and are playing Teh Stupid, like you do every damn day in here, and shame on me for feeding your sorry ass.)
/drive-by
AmericaShrugged
October 18th, 2012
10:13 am
We need to eliminate all corporate taxes. It’s an unfair system with tons of loopholes to begin with. Let them reinvest all their earnings or pay them out to the owners as divinends. However, those cuts should be offset by taxing dividends and capital gains at regular income rates. Why should Romney, or Anne Chambers Cox, pay a lower rate on their passsive income than I pay on what I actually have to work for?
stands for decibels
October 18th, 2012
10:13 am
You may want to read up on Godwin’s Law.
um, kind of the point of my post?
/really-gone-now
Adam
October 18th, 2012
10:14 am
Scout: Just look at affirmative action.
Yeah, that “binders full of women thing” needs to stop.
godless heathen
October 18th, 2012
10:16 am
If you want to say the league should pay some tax, I won’t necessarily argue that point. But welfare is paid from the government to the recipient, and that isn’t happening here.
In Libbie-land, taking less = giving.
Joe Hussein Mama
October 18th, 2012
10:17 am
Adam — “Yeah, that “binders full of women thing” needs to stop.”
Three rings to rule them all, and in the bookshelf bind them.
n
October 18th, 2012
10:17 am
When Israel starts WWIII, with MItt’s approval, hoards of young people will have to abandon their TV sets, junk food, beer, gladiator sports and reality shows that keep their minds occupied, and be drafted as cannon fodder into the service of the folks who run things. A volunteer armed forces will be inadequate to wage WWIII. The hoi polloi will be marched off to war. Just wait.
Partisay
October 18th, 2012
10:17 am
Steve-USA
Since you said yes on the Clinton deal, I have no reason not to believe you. I’ll take you for your word. My apoligies for insinuating otherwise.
Adam
October 18th, 2012
10:17 am
RB: Who doesn’t have a fair shot? Please explain.
Anyone who works for you, for starters.
B
O
O
O
O
O
O
M!!!
Oh, and don’t worry, I do have the survey you asked for about 80% complete. I am sure you’ll give it as much due diligence as you give your employees
Welcome to the Occupation
October 18th, 2012
10:17 am
RW, stands: Who doesn’t have a fair shot? Please explain.
A fair shot at WHAT, exactly? Please explain.
Cosby
October 18th, 2012
10:17 am
Gee..do not know why you brought this up Jay, but I have known for years…The NFL for the past two years have enjoyed profits of over $9 billion dollars..tax free…and then they succer the tax payer into building stadiums for them(and no Jerry jones did not pay the entire amount for the Dallas Stadium..though he did pay for part)…but then this is the American Culture..that is ok but then that surgeon that holds my life in his hands should be making minimum wage..because I would rather sit in an expensive stadium I paid for, paying outragious prices for the ticket, and outrageous prices for stale beer and raw hotdogs while some illerate does the hee bee jee bee after some play and I had to leave the game early to get a tatoo..yep the modern American Culture..product of Government Schools and the government who keeps you on the plantation!
RB from Gwinnett
October 18th, 2012
10:19 am
Cut the BS curious, you made the claim, back it up. Who doesn’t have a fair shot? Be specific.
Aquagirl
October 18th, 2012
10:20 am
A fair shot at WHAT, exactly? Please explain.
A fair shot at teaching themselves to read, getting their own health insurance when they’re 7, and then knitting bootstraps to pull themselves up. Lazy b@stards.
Welcome to the Occupation
October 18th, 2012
10:20 am
n: “When Israel starts WWIII, with MItt’s approval… The hoi polloi will be marched off to war. Just wait.”
You’re absolutely right, with one exception.
It’s not just going to be under Romney. Obama might slow the march to war somewhat, but it’s not clear how much he can, or really wants to.
curious
October 18th, 2012
10:21 am
For you younger folks here.
In 1966, a sizeable number of Democrats in Congress were from the South.
Today, they would be Republicans and beginning in the 70’s many of those Democrat Congressmen began switching parties.
Not that party affilation has anything to do with obeying special interest groups, lobbyists, and the like.
Adam
October 18th, 2012
10:22 am
A fair shot is everyone having equal opportunity.
Republicans and conservatives like to say they support equal opportunity, not equal outcomes. So, prove it. What policies have you put in place or promoted that help with equal OPPORTUNITY?
Adam
October 18th, 2012
10:23 am
The Labor Department says the four-week average of applications, a less volatile measure, fell slightly to 365,500, a level consistent with modest hiring.
Ooops, right wing talking point balloon deflated….
lovelyliz
October 18th, 2012
10:25 am
Even as the federal deficit has ballooned, U.S. corporations are paying lower tax bills than ever before, according to one measure.
That’s the takeaway from a new report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities dissecting the tax structures of corporations, which CBPP Director Chuck Marr says are now paying taxes at “historical lows as a share of the [total] economy.”
Corporate Tax Revenues Nearing Historic Lows As A Percentage Of GDP, Report Says
Marr points to a basic discrepancy: While the U.S.’s top corporate tax rate of 35 percent is one of the highest in the world, the amount corporations actually end up forking over to the government is much lower, sometime as low as 4 percent. This is due to a dizzying number of deductions, write-offs, and other accounting tricks that allow corporations to legally reduce their tax burden.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/02/corporate-tax-revenues-ne_n_830361.html
lovelyliz
October 18th, 2012
10:26 am
IRS data indicates that the overall share of federal taxes paid by corporations in now less than 10%, down from nearly 13% in 1997