Improvement of business conditions

 

To be exempt as a business league, an organization must show that its purpose is improving business conditions of one or more lines of business. Similarly, the activities of chambers of commerce and boards of trade are directed towards improving business conditions in a trade community.

This does not include providing particular services that are a convenience or economy to individual members in their businesses. For example, the following activities do not further section 501(c)(6) exempt purposes:

  • Advertising that carries the name of members
  • Interest-free loans
  • Assigning exclusive franchise areas
  • Op­erating a real estate multiple listing system
  • Operating a credit reporting agency.

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