Political gifts by churches break IRS rules

[Shelor]

More than 100 churches in Maryland - including dozens in Baltimore - have made campaign contributions to political candidates in recent years, an act that is prohibited by federal tax law and blurs the line between politics and the pulpit.

Some have given repeatedly, such as the Southern Baptist Church in East Baltimore, which made a dozen campaign donations between 2000 and 2004 that add up to more than $3,000, according to a review by The Sun of candidate finance reports.

Statewide, at least 115 churches have given to about 40 candidates since 2000, according to the review, and while the donations are generally small and sporadic, they flout Internal Revenue Service regulations that prohibit churches from advocating for specific political candidates.

"They're not supposed to do that," said Rob Boston, a spokesman for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a Washington group that has filed complaints against churches with the IRS for similar lapses.



http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.churches26feb26,0,5870925.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

[tecelote]

1. Quick! Fire the dissenters in the IRS and hire some good solid

religious agents that will overlook the law until we can change it!

God and GW demand it!

[napi21]

2. So WHAT is the IRS going to do about it, and WHEN????

There have been several posts here on DU, about churches breaking the IRS laws. There has only been ONE that received some notice from the IRS. I know if they suspect ME or the company I work for, of breaking one of their laws, they open a case file immediately, and in some situations, immediately send you a bill for what they decided you owe, and it's up to YOU to prove them wrong or just pay the darn bill!

When are they going to do that with these churches?????

[adriennui]

3. easy answer

tax religious organizations: churches, synagogues, mosques, etc. treat them like the rest of us fools.

[Moderator]

4. Duplicate topic

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2129994