100+ Years of Combined Tax Resolution Experience.
The recent revelation that the IRS targeted non-profit groups for additional scrutiny based on their political orientation has shocked many observers.
The recent revelation that the IRS targeted non-profit groups for additional scrutiny based on their political orientation has shocked many observers. And for good reason. In order for our system of government to work properly, all of us are dependent on the IRS to execute the tax code fairly and properly. That’s why this recent scandal has been so damaging and so shocking to taxpayers and elected officials across the political spectrum.
But it gets worse. In fact, according to a recent FOX News report, this type of bullying on the part of the IRS has been happening for decades:
Ever since 1954, when then-Senator Lyndon Johnson pushed for a law enabling the IRS to punish non-profits who opposed him politically, the IRS has been in the business of government censor. What’s worse is that one of the biggest targets of this censorship has been religious people and houses of worship. In fact, one of the IRS’s first targets in the 1950s was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was subjected to a searching IRS audit because of his religious advocacy for civil rights for African-Americans.
The IRS of course has the crushing power to deny or revoke the non-profit status of a synagogue, church, or mosque if it says something the IRS decides is too “political.” But it can also put houses of worship and other religious organizations through the wringer of intrusive, costly, and time-consuming audits.
There are two ways the targeting works. One way is for an outside group, often one that is anti-religion, to file a complaint asking the IRS to investigate a church they don’t like. The IRS responds to the complaint by opening an investigation and asking the church often hundreds of questions about its activities, with the threat of revocation of non-profit status. This is what lawyers call “selective enforcement” and it is unconstitutional. No one should be singled out in this way, especially because of collusion between the IRS and outside groups with an axe to grind.
The second way the censorship starts is for IRS officials to take their lead from high government officials, including the President, to decide which groups to target for disfavor. This is apparently what happened to the “tea party” groups, but religious groups have also been targeted in this way.
If there is a silver lining in this controversy, it is that these revelations have led to intensive political and media scrutiny of the IRS—a level of scrutiny that many individual taxpayers wish had been applied years ago. The truth is that many taxpayers and small business owners have been subjected to extreme intimidation and bullying on the part of the agency—but their plight did not draw this level of attention.
So for the sake of taxpayers all across the nation, and for the sake of our democracy as a whole, let us hope that the IRS reacts to this recent embarrassment by cleaning up their act and treating all taxpayers with the respect they deserve, regardless of their income level, their religion, or their political persuasion.
Questions or comments? Do you need assistance in your IRS tax dispute? Call 844-841-9857 today to learn more!
The world of tax laws is a complex maze, and the IRS statute of limitations is your guide. It tells you how long the IRS has to audit your tax returns and collect any money you might owe. Knowing this timeframe is essential. It’s your protection against the IRS coming after you years down the...
If you and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) disagree on an outcome or decision involving your tax matter, you can legally appeal their decision. IRS tax appeals allow you to state your case to the IRS appeal division for another evaluation. Whether you need to dispute a tax penalty, assessment or other decision from the...
One of the keys to business success is understanding the tax rules and how they apply to or affect your company. In states where marijuana is legal for medical or recreational use, there are usually special taxes that apply to the sale of the drug. If you’re considering opening a dispensary or own one already,...
The landscape of cannabis taxation is as dynamic as the changing tides of its legal status across various jurisdictions. Entrepreneurs and consumers alike must navigate a complex maze of federal and state tax regulations that often clash or overlap, especially as more states join the roster of cannabis-legal states. Businesses entrenched in the burgeoning industry...
As the fiscal year draws to a close, taxpayers might observe a shift in their strategies by assessing the updated landscape of tax brackets for 2023. With the guidance of Polston Tax’s experienced advisors, individuals, and businesses can navigate the system’s complexities, ensuring a path to financial efficiency and potential savings. Tailored tactics can cater...
Sales tax can be a daunting topic for any business owner, especially if your organization sells across state lines. Knowing the ins and outs of sales tax law is essential for staying compliant and avoiding fines, and it can help you set up your business to meet the requirements of different states, including sunny Florida....