An agricultural or horticultural organization will jeopardize its exemption under Code section 501(c)(5) if it ceases to have as its purposes bettering the conditions of persons engaged in agriculture or horticulture; improving the products; and developing a higher degree of efficiency in their occupations. In addition, an organization's net earnings may not inure to the benefit of its members. These organizations may conduct political campaign and lobbying activities furthering their exempt purposes, but may have to pay a proxy tax if they use member dues for this purpose. Like other tax-exempt organizations, an agricultural or horticultural organization that doesn't file a required annual return or notice for three consecutive years automatically loses its tax-exempt status. Additional information Examples of nonqualifying activities - agricultural/horticultural organizations Return to Life Cycle of an Agricultural or Horticultural Organization
