Politics
By Casey Harper (The Central Square)
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee is looking into allegations that the IRS is not selectively enforcing its tax-exempt rules against liberal nonprofits.
With new allegations of political bias, House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has launched an investigation into the IRS requesting interviews, records of communications and training documents, among other things, how part of the investigation.
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Comer said the IRS “could deny enforcement” of federal rules that prevent liberal nonprofits from violating 501(c)3 rules that bar political lobbying. He sent a letter to the IRS raising this concern.
“Tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and implementing regulations requires that exempt entities be ‘operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, experimental or public safety, literary or educational’ and related purposes,” the letter reads, adding that many of these groups “appear to view their charitable work as indistinguishable from their substantive lobbying activities.”
Meanwhile, Comer points out, the IRS has a history of enforcing its rules against conservative groups.
Former IRS chief Lois Lerner targeted the tea party and other conservative groups during her time in the Obama administration. A review of that scandal by the House Oversight Committee years ago found that the IRS “systematically vetted and delayed conservative groups applying for tax-exempt status.”
Comer’s letter references one group in particular, One Fair Wage, which advocates for raising the minimum wage.
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“According to a statement of work on their website, the organization is “currently leading the 25 x 250 campaign, through which One Fair Wage is promoting legislation and ballot measures in 25 states…” the letter reads.” In civil litigation initiated by One Fair Wage, Inc., last year, the entity stated on multiple occasions that a significant activity of the organization, if not its primary purpose, includes lobbying.
IRS chief David Werfel is expected to testify before Congress on Thursday. The agency has faced criticism in recent years for significant backlogs and leaks of taxpayer information, as well as accusations of bias against conservatives.
“We are concerned that the IRS may now be committed to holding back legitimate enforcement efforts as they concern activist groups hiding behind their nonprofit status,” Comer’s letter reads.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.