Judge: Lawsuit Seeking Enforcement of IRS Politicking Rules Can Proceed

Written by Don Byrd
I missed this in last week’s news, but a federal judge in Wisconsin has ruled a lawsuit brought by the Freedom From Religion Foundation against the IRS can proceed against arguments by the government that it should be dismissed. The suit claims the IRS has failed to enforce its prohibition against electioneering by tax-exempt churches.

Are Atheist Leaders Clergy?

Written by Don Byrd
An interesting twist in the cat-and-mouse game currently playing out between the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Department of Justice over FFRF’s challenge to the IRS’ housing allowance for clergy. Federal officials now argue FFRF leaders, including the plaintiff in the case, qualify for the housing allowance as well.

Commission Urges an End to the IRS Ban on Politics in the Non-Profit Pulpit

Written by Don Byrd
The IRS maintains the same rule for churches and religious organizations that it does for all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations: To maintain tax-exempt status, such organizations must refrain from engaging in political campaigning for or against candidates. A commission created by Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), however, is urging the government to remove that restriction for churches and religious organizations on the argument that a ban on politics in the pulpit violates the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom.

Religious Objection to Taxes Lands Oregon Man in Prison

Written by Don Byrd
A federal judge rejected the religious freedom argument of an Oregon man charged with evading taxes for 10 years, sentencing him to 8 years in prison after a jury found him guilty earlier this year.