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IRS Delay In Granting Tax-Exempt Status Questioned

By Howard M. Friedman

A press release issued yesterday by the Thomas More Law Center questions the propriety of a delay by the Internal Revenue Service in granting tax exempt status to the Coalition for Life of Iowa. The IRS has questioned the "educational" nature of the Coalition's materials, prayer meetings, talks and other Pro-Life activities. Apparently the IRS also says that in order to receive 501(c)(3) status, the Coaliltion must agree to limit its "picketing" and "protesting" of Planned Parenthood. According to theTMLC press release: "The repeated questioning of the Coalition suggests that the IRS may be denying or delaying tax-exempt status to an eligible organization based solely upon its religious affiliation and speech. Many other organizations regularly advocate on both sides of these issues, and they have not been hindered in obtaining or maintaining tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3). "

Full post as published by Religion Clause on July 07, 2009 (boomark / email).