IRS TO CRACK DOWN ON POLITICKING BY CHARITIES
Washington, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service said that it would be watching to make sure charities and religious organizations don't violate their tax-exempt status by engaging in political activities this campaign season.
The IRS said that its Political Activities Compliance Initiative would once again be in effect this election season, seeking to educate Section 501(c)(3) organizations about federal laws that bar them from engaging in politics on behalf of a candidate.
Tax-exempt organizations are permitted to engage in advocating for or against issues and, to a limited extent, ballot initiatives or other legislative activities.
The IRS is sending letters to the national Democratic and Republican party committees explaining the law's prohibition regarding charities and churches. In March, a letter published in the Federal Election Commission's monthly newsletter asked candidates to ensure that their contacts with charitable organizations do not inadvertently jeopardize the tax-exempt status of any charity.
