Whats your opinion of the IRS targeting conservative groups?
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Whats your opinion of the IRS targeting conservative groups?
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/13/politi...ing/index.html
I think its messed up, personally. I wonder if there will be a lot of lawsuits over it.
I think its messed up, personally. I wonder if there will be a lot of lawsuits over it.
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As an auditor myself (non-government/IRS), I think it's justified if there is a higher risk of fraud or material misstatement resulting from prior experience or similarly identified companies/persons/applications. HOWEVER, if it was done solely on political or personal motives then I think it's ridiculous.
Now, considering the quoted text in the link above,
If the IRS is able to show that this was an approved used of target testing because of a previously identified misuse of tax exempt status by groups with a similar statement then I have zero problem with it. Politically motivated groups hiding under a religious organization would be one example - think radical Islam trying to receive tax exempt status with statements criticizing the country but hiding under a religious tax shelter.
I've read very little on the subject, but the headlines seem to suggest it was entirely politically motivated aimed at targeting conservative groups. I'm curious if any applications were denied as a result, or if it was simply "extra scrutiny" -- either way, it's wrong and a misappropriation of assets and time by our government agency.
Regardless of what happened and why, heads will roll simply because of the attention it's received and the public perception.
Now, considering the quoted text in the link above,
The IRS also applied extra scrutiny to applicants with statements that "criticize how the country is run" or that sought to educate the public on how to "make America a better place to live," designations that would have included conservative political groups looking to apply for 501(c)(4) status.
If the IRS is able to show that this was an approved used of target testing because of a previously identified misuse of tax exempt status by groups with a similar statement then I have zero problem with it. Politically motivated groups hiding under a religious organization would be one example - think radical Islam trying to receive tax exempt status with statements criticizing the country but hiding under a religious tax shelter.
I've read very little on the subject, but the headlines seem to suggest it was entirely politically motivated aimed at targeting conservative groups. I'm curious if any applications were denied as a result, or if it was simply "extra scrutiny" -- either way, it's wrong and a misappropriation of assets and time by our government agency.
Regardless of what happened and why, heads will roll simply because of the attention it's received and the public perception.
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If the conservative groups are claiming exemption under the guise of being a religious non-profit and are making political statements, I say "Bravo!". You can't claim exemption and then make political statements. Period.
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If a group wants to improve the country by explaining that wasting tax dollars is bad and puts "Tea Party" in their name
...and applies to RENEW their tax exempt status
...and they are required to supply copies of all articles ever published about them everywhere, all comments made on their facebook, and transcripts of all the speeches that happened where they had a microphone (even transcripts of unrecorded, impromptu speeches)
that's a problem.
If a quick standard check on the applicant (no FB data mining) shows they are advocating for particular bills and/or candidates since the last time they were granted status, you don't allow a renewal.
...and applies to RENEW their tax exempt status
...and they are required to supply copies of all articles ever published about them everywhere, all comments made on their facebook, and transcripts of all the speeches that happened where they had a microphone (even transcripts of unrecorded, impromptu speeches)
that's a problem.
If a quick standard check on the applicant (no FB data mining) shows they are advocating for particular bills and/or candidates since the last time they were granted status, you don't allow a renewal.