I just mentioned this, about Shaheen asking the IRS to go after 501(c) (4) groups, and look what falls into my lap.
Historically, the IRS has stayed out of politically charged battles over campaign spending. But lately the agency appears to be giving nonprofits a closer look. IRS rules permit 501(c)(4) social welfare groups to engage in politics, but not if it’s their “primary purpose.”
An Exempt Organizations Division work plan for fiscal 2011 outlines a new project examining the activities of 501(c)(4) groups. A recent IRS move to strip a nonprofit known as Emerge America and its local affiliates of their tax-exempt status has alarmed some in the nonprofit sector. The agency’s explanation to the group, which helps elect Democratic female candidates, hints that overly partisan organizations may not pass the “primary purpose” test.
I think the IRS is being used to harass legitimate non-profit activities, but…I also think that Sarah Warner’s New Hampshire Citizens Alliance for Action PAC fails to pass the smell test. They have only ever advocated for Carol Shea-Porter for Congress making it their primary political purpose. Based on his article they are in violation of the law.
Anyone out there interested in bringing this to the IRS’ attention? (Please?)
I’m all for spending money on political activity by the way. And I have no issue with advocacy ads with unidentified sources of funding. I am willing to let individuals place value on the message regardless of who delivers it, probably becasue I can smell the BS without any visual aids telling me who is shoveling it. Democrats, however, must be too stupid or (think their voters are) why else would the left be so angry about the ‘transparency’ issue?
Well how about just following the law? If left wing groups like the NHCAA want to hide their donors then follow the law. I don’t think the NHCAA is. They need to either give up their donor list, follow the law, or change their status. I’m good with any of these scenarios. But in the mean time, the IRS needs to pay Sarah Chaisson Warner’s a visit? It seems to me that an audit of the eligibility of New Hampshire Citizens Alliance for Action PAC is need of immediate attention. (And the NH AG/SoS might want to take a peek as well.)