The Internal Revenue Service has proposed new regulations to restrict the eligibility of nonprofit organizations applying for tax-exempt status.
Per the proposal, nonprofits tainted by certain kinds of political activity will be ineligible, since those kinds ipso facto don’t do anybody any good. Forget that “social welfare” and “political” issues might overlap.
Association with a candidate or political party, communicating with or supporting or even mentioning the name of a candidate for office too close to a general election, even voter registration drives would be disqualifying.
Let’s say a nonprofit bookstore promotes a select set of books online. The author of several of those volumes runs for office. Would the store’s tax-exempt status now be in jeopardy unless it scrubbed reviews of his books? Well, according to the IRS’s own explanation, “content previously posted by an organization on its Web site that clearly identifies a candidate and remains on the Web site during the specified pre-election period would be treated as candidate-related political activity.”
Any chance that the strict new rules will be varyingly interpreted and selectively enforced?
Well, yeah, if the IRS’s decades-long track record, especially the recent targeting of Tea Party and conservative groups applying for tax-exempt status, is any indication.
The agency is soliciting your comments on the proposed new tourniquet on political speech (here). The deadline is February 27. Proceed with pith if not vinegar.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
7 replies on “IRS Clarifies Targeting: Yes”
I know of a RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION, not involved, in any way, with political activities of any type, that has been waiting for ALMOST 2 YEARS FOR TAX EXEMPT STATUS.
(they hold religious services and classes about their religion) – nothing about politics.
But, I guess MOVE ON and related groups –especially the illiberal liberal and progressive/socialist groups don’t have that problem.
Yeah IRS. Get those Tea Baggers. Couldn’t happen to a nicer group. They shouldn’t ne tax exempt just like any political organization.
Name one Tea Bagger group that isn’t political. Bet you can’t.
Yeah IRS. Get ’em.
Your column does not show the link to the IRS website for comments. What is it?
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All groups should be treated the same way. George Soros and his left wing propaganda groups should get the same treatment! Fair is fair!
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