Joe Rothstein: Reform of U.S. Tax Exemptions Would Net Tens of Billions in New Revenue

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On hearing the news about IRS scrutiny of tea party applications for tax exemption, the most common response from my circle of friends and acquaintances was, "these tea party groups are tax exempt? How come?"

"How come?" It's a very good question.

It even puzzled Rep. James McDermott, a Washington state Democrat who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, one of the multitude of committees investigating the IRS. Said McDermott to the tea party witnesses present:

"I'd like to remind everyone what we are talking about here. None of your organizations were kept from organizing or silenced. We are talking about whether or not the American taxpayers would subsidize your work. We are talking about a tax break.

"Each of your groups is highly political. From opposing the President's healthcare reform, to abortion restrictions, to gay marriage, you're all entrenched in some of the most controversial political issues in this country. And you are asking the American public to pay for that work. The line between permitted political activity and non-permitted political activity can be very fine, and it's important that tax payers know which side you fall on."

To read the rest of EIN News' syndicated columnist Joe Rothstein's commentary go to:

- How Come Tea Party Groups Are Tax Exempt Anyway - http://uspolitics.einnews.com/column/153652066/how-come-tea-party-groups-are-tax-exempt-anyway

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SOURCE EIN News