A recent column by Rhonda Silence described her blood boiling in anger because the IRS was “unfairly” investigating the Tea Party among a number of other organizations that were claiming tax exempt status under IRS statute 501(c)4 which provides tax exemption for social organizations; tax exemptions similar to that afforded charitable and educational firms.
But these organizations are not entitled to tax exempt status if their primary purpose is engaging in political activity. Most people, myself included, do think the primary purpose of these organizations on both sides of the political divide is to engage in political activity and therefore they should not be given tax exempt status. That being the case the IRS was properly requesting documentation to prove or disprove the claim that they are not primarily engaged in political activity.
Frankly, I am irritated every time I am subjected to a political ad on TV that is subsidized by taxpayers due to a claim for tax exempt status. But I don’t get so angry that my blood boils, as that would be detrimental to health.
Bill Hennessy
Grand Marais
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