Coolstreams, Inc. (also including the former trade name "Music Sojourn") is an Exempt, Non-Profit organization under IRS section 501(c)(3), Public Charity status 509(a)(2), and eligible to receive tax-deductible donations, with an effective date of exemption of February 23, 2004.  

You can see a copy of our Determination Letter by clicking here >>>

If you would like to read more about our path to obtaining non-profit status, see Scott's Blog entries here >>> (opens in a new window)

Below are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about supporting Coolstreams with a Membership and/or Donation.

1. Are Memberships Tax-Deductible? >>>

2. If I take a CD or DVD premium, how much of my Donation is a tax deductible contribution? >>>

3. How far back are Donations Tax-Deductible? >>>

4. Can you receive matching gift Donations? >>>

5. Can I get a copy of your 990 form? >>>

6. I Can't find you listed in Guidestar (or similar services covering Non-Profit Organizations) >>>

Q. Are Memberships Tax-Deductible?

A. Yes,  less the value of any CD or DVD premium(s) taken (see below for more on that), you can use the amount of your Membership contribution as a tax deductible contribution.

If you make an additional Donation during the period of your Membership, the amount of the additional Donation is also a tax deductible contribution.

While you do receive our Member's programs & streams, since our Memberships are under $75.00 per year, we asked the IRS about this directly and they agreed that these should be considered as detailed under "Certain membership benefits can be disregarded" in Publication 526 (2006) Page 4.   For more information on this topic, you can consult IRS Publication 526 (2006 or later) or a tax advisor.  This link opens Publication 526 in a new window as a .pdf >>>

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Q. If I take a CD or DVD premium, how much of my Donation is a tax deductible contribution?

A. If you choose to receive a premium, the fair market value of the premium(or premiums) is not deductible.  We'll tell you that amount when we send your contribution thank you email, or you can estimate it yourself by checking the retail value of the item on a retail seller site like Amazon.

For example, if you made an annual Membership donation of $59.95, and took 2 CD premiums that we estimated the value of as being $30.00, your tax deductible contribution amount would be $29.95.

Q. How far back are Donations Tax-Deductible?

A. Any Donation amount made to Coolstreams (or "Music Sojourn") on or after February 23, 2004 are tax deductible contributions (less the value of any Premiums received).  You would probably have to file an amended tax return for the year that you made the contribution to claim the deduction.

Q: So why did you not inform me of this before?

A. We did not receive our determination letter (of Tax Exempt status) until March 14, 2007.

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Q. Can Coolstreams receive matching gift Donations?

A. We think so, we don't know for sure yet, but we are happy to give it a try! If you work for a company that is willing to match contributions to Public Radio/TV, or Performing Arts Organizations (like Civic Theatre, etc.) please send us the information and forms and we'll make the contact.

Q. Can I get a copy of your 990 form?

A. Not yet - as of the time of this writing (March, 2007) we are not yet required to file a 990 form, so we do not have one to share with you.  Our determination letter does show that we will be required to file a 990 form, but we have not yet exceeded the income threshold that will require us to file the 990 form.

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Q. I Can't find Coolstreams listed in Guidestar (or similar services covering Non-Profit Organizations)

A. We are too "new" as a Non-Profit organization to be covered by those services yet (as of March 2007).  We do not know how long it will take for such services to cover or rate our service.