Free Site Registration


More Debits & Credits Posts

Group Asks IRS to Revoke AIPAC’s Tax Exemption

Print
Email
Reprints
By Michael Cohn
November 24, 2010

A group has sent a nearly 1,400-page filing to the Internal Revenue Service demanding that it “retroactively revoke” the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s tax-exempt status.

The group, known as the Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy, or IRmep, claims in the filing that AIPAC's original application for tax-exempt status contains “fraudulent representations and omissions.”

The group also noted that the pro-Israel lobbying organization has been investigated by the FBI and is currently in a civil suit over the acquisition and movement of classified information. The filing argues that these activities show AIPAC does not qualify as a “social welfare” organization.

Advertisement

IRmep’s leader called in to a radio show on NPR in January where IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman was the guest and asked about some of the charges. “If a charity is breaking the tax law, is engaged in activities that they are not supposed to be engaged in, we certainly will go after them,” he responded, according to the group. “Every year we pull 501(c)(3) charity status from a number of charities. We’ve got thousands of audits going on regarding charities, and so we don’t hesitate to administer the tax laws and make sure that people are following the rules.”

AIPAC did not respond to a request for comment.

The group has endured its share of controversies over the years, but it nevertheless remains politically influential. However, AIPAC has also seen its influence as a lobbyist in Washington for Israeli causes challenged in recent years by more liberal groups such as J Street, and the IRS filing could further erode its support and imperil its tax status. IRmep is another group that has been battling AIPAC, and the IRS filing is the most recent salvo in that campaign.

The IRS has increasingly been on the receiving end of letters from various groups demanding that the tax-exempt status of groups opposed to their ideology or political or religious leanings be investigated or revoked. As the IRmep filing shows, that trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

0 Comments

Be the first to comment on this post using the section below.

Add Your Comments...

Already Registered?

If you have already registered to Debits & Credits, please use the form below to login. When completed you will immeditely be directed to post a comment.

Forgot your password?

Not Registered?

You must be registered to post a comment. Click here to register.


Advertisement
Advertisement

What's New at Grant Thornton

May 14, 2012

CEO Stephen Chipman talks about his firm's new brand focus on growth, and its recent M&A activity.

Advertisement

SLIDE SHOW

Top 10 Payroll Mistakes Companies Make

May 14, 2012

Keeping your clients from running afoul of IRS rules around payroll taxes will help them avoid stiff penalties.

10 Years of the Top 100 Firms

May 6, 2012

Tracking trends at the biggest firms in the U.S.

Best Accounting Firm Taglines

April 27, 2012

Our favorite slogans from around the profession.

Favorite Busy Season Activities

April 10, 2012

LinkedIn Accounting members share the best methods to bust stress and boost morale.

The Best Places to Be an Accountant 2012

March 27, 2012

From our 2012 Regional Leaders list, we rank the best parts of the country to operate an accounting firm.

More Wacky Tax Deductions

March 26, 2012

LinkedIn members point out some weird tax deductions their clients have suggested.

7 Tax-Free Benefits for Employees

April 15, 2012

Employee rewards Uncle Sam can't touch.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement