WASHINGTON, May 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Internal Revenue Service cautioned religious groups that they can lose tax-exempt status by engaging in partisan politics.
The IRS, which regularly issues the notice every four years, and has since 1992, said religious groups are not allowed to participate in any political campaigns, for or against any political candidate, the Washington Post reported Saturday.
They are also not allowed to donate to campaigns, engage in political fundraising, or hand out partisan literature.
Churches, charities and schools are, however, allowed to hold voter registration drives or nonpartisan educations sessions for voters.
Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., said that individual clergy should be allowed to endorse candidates during religious services as a right of free speech.
