This is guaranteed to raise the blood pressure of the nation's political right
The Internal Revenue Service has revoked the tax-exempt status of a conservative-aligned charity for engaging in political activity as far back as the 2004 presidential election — including statements opposing Hillary Clinton for president.
The Patrick Henry Center for Individual Liberty, based in Manassas, Va., “has shown a pattern of deliberate and consistent intervention in political campaigns” and made “repeated statements supporting or opposing various candidates by expressing its opinion of the respective candidate’s character and qualifications,” according to a written determination released by the IRS Friday.
Although the name of the group was redacted from the determination, the facts of the case match statements made by the Patrick Henry Center’s founder. A separate IRS noticeconfirms that the Patrick Henry Center’s tax exemption was revoked in February.
[snip]
IRS revokes group's tax exemption over anti-Clinton statements
It should be noted that this group was organized under (c)(3) and not (c)(4).
Under c3 no influencing of legislation or a campaign is allowed while under c4, which is the matter at hand in the Issa investigation, an organization IS allowed to use funds for political purposes as long as the use doesn't violate the provisions of subsection (h) of section 501.
This whole can of worms is far too complex and the SCOTUS lets it continue. Either federal income tax exempt status is (or is not) compatible with full freedom of political speech or it is not...
Don't be so certain, their activity clearly violates the law as written.there will be a lawsuit and the Center will win.
Funny how george soro's companies aren't on the chopping block or had their tax exempt status revoked yet are constantly doing the same thing.
Church's should not be tax exempt unless they are involved with a charity. The opulence displayed by some churches should not have tax exempt status.I know of many church pastors who do the same thing in the pulpit, thus their tax exemption should be revoked as well.
So exactly why was their tax exempt status revoked? Because they criticized Hillary Clinton?
In a manner that broke the laws under which their tax exempt status was granted, yes. Along with other political activities their type of organization isn't allowed to engage in.
In a manner that broke the laws under which their tax exempt status was granted, yes. Along with other political activities their type of organization isn't allowed to engage in.
I read the article twice. I can't figure out what they did that was so wrong.
Tax exempt organizations interject themselves in politics all the time.
To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.
Exemption Requirements - 501(c)(3) Organizations
The text of the law can be found at: 26 U.S. Code § 501 - Exemption from tax on corporations, certain trusts, etc. | LII / Legal Information Institute
Then I will be breathlessly awaiting the news that the IRS has removed the tax exempt status of 501(c)3 organizations who endorsed Obama, such as the HSUS.
If they engage in that activity, they should indeed have their exempt status revoked.Then I will be breathlessly awaiting the news that the IRS has removed the tax exempt status of 501(c)3 organizations who endorsed Obama, such as the HSUS.
If they engage in that activity, they should indeed have their exempt status revoked.
I read the article twice. I can't figure out what they did that was so wrong.
Tax exempt organizations interject themselves in politics all the time.
Don't be so certain, their activity clearly violates the law as written.
I know of many church pastors who do the same thing in the pulpit, thus their tax exemption should be revoked as well.
1st amendment trumps the IRS and that is all they have to claim and given the recent SCOTUS rulings they will win. as long as the majority of their
funding is going toward their charity organization purpose the IRS has no weight in the matter.
again soro's so called charity businesses do way worse so why is the IRS not going after them ol yea he backs democrats so he is off limit.
there will be a lawsuit and the Center will win.
Funny how george soro's companies aren't on the chopping block or had their tax exempt status revoked yet are constantly doing the same thing.
That's not how the rules work. Being a charity, a (c)(3) org, means donors can DEDUCT their contributions. And Congress gave the IRS some guidelines about what orgs qualify as charities, and the IRS enforces those rules. One of them is you can't work to elect or oppose specific candidates if you are organized as a charity. Has nothing to do with the 1st Amendment - it's about donors' deductions and whether the org has to pay income taxes on its net income for the year. Those things are under the purview of Congress which delegates authority to IRS to enforce rules they set up about income tax matters.
Sababa - missed your post earlier. That's well said, especially about the fact that the lines aren't black and white.
"We are against abortion. Candidate X's voting record has resulted in the deaths of 30 million babies." Probably good.
"Vote for Candidate Y, because Candidate X is a baby killer." Probably prohibited coming from a (c)(3)
No, they won't win, because they violated the rules for a 501c3 organization. Media Matters, which is partially funded by George Soros qualifies for 501c3 because they provide education to the public at no cost and the do not engage in politics. If you are thinking that is unfair, I will tell you the political right's NewsBusters also has a 501c3 exemption for the same reason.Then why have Soro's 501c3 charities not been shut down for the same reason? hmm i have to ask because they promote more than anyone else yet again only conservatives are targeted.
again they will sue the IRS for the decision it will go to court and they will win.
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