WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Internal Revenue Service says about 60 examinations found that tax-exempt organizations, such as churches, carried out prohibited political activity.
The IRS, in a release Friday, said it began looking at tax-exempt groups after complaints during the 2004 election cycle. Its study stretched across the political spectrum and was without regard to political affiliation.
Of the 82 examinations concluded, the IRS said nearly three-quarters found violations. The tax-collection agency said most of the problems were one-time isolated cases of prohibited campaign activities that the IRS handled with letters to the organizations.
However, there were three cases involving organizations that are not churches that the political activities were such that the IRS proposed pulling the groups' tax-exempt status.
Violations the IRS listed included endorsements for or opposition to a particular candidate either from the pulpit in printed matter or on organizations' Web sites; giving some candidates preferential treatment by allowing them to speak at functions; and giving cash contributions to political candidates.
