Pastors Giving the IRS the One-Fingered Salute

They've had enough and now they're fighting back. Pastors across the US feel that the ban against partisan political rhetoric from the pulpit violates their First Amendment civil right to free speech. Since 1954 the IRS has seen it differently: if churches wish to continue to enjoy their tax-free status they should keep their mouths shut during election season. The pastors argue that other non-profits are able to take political positions and so should they.

So later this year the pastors plan to coordinate a day of protest when they will collectively voice their political views. Watch for it, coming to a church near you on Sunday, September 28.

The IRS maintains that anyone violating this rule will face financial penalties to loss of tax-exempt status.

Who's right? I have no idea but it will be fun to watch!

No Campaigning From the Pulpit

In case you missed it, there’s a prohibition against preaching about candidates. Churches and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits and charities aren’t allowed to back a candidate running for political office. They are able to take positions on issues but even that rhetoric needs to be limited.

In a recent public statement Commissioner of IRS' Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, Steven T. Miller, said that he wanted issue this reminder now in light of the earlier than usual presidential campaigning.

Need more information? Check out the IRS’s Tax Information for Charities and Other Non-Profits page.