IRS Reconsiders Johnson Amendment, Allows Churches to Endorse Political Candidates
The IRS now states that churches can endorse political candidates without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status, challenging the longstanding Johnson Amendment.
Churches may endorse candidates from pulpit, IRS says
World News Group
IRS lifts ban on churches endorsing political candidates
Washington Examiner
Overview
- The Johnson Amendment restricts tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from endorsing political candidates.
- Historically, the IRS has rarely enforced this amendment against houses of worship.
- A Christian media group is suing the IRS, claiming violations of First Amendment rights.
- The IRS now supports churches endorsing candidates, citing the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.
- Former President Trump and Republican lawmakers advocate for the repeal of the Johnson Amendment, gaining traction with the IRS's new stance.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the IRS's stance on pastors endorsing political candidates as a defense of religious freedom and free speech. They emphasize the lack of enforcement of the Johnson Amendment, suggesting a bias towards supporting religious expression in political contexts, while also highlighting ongoing legal challenges and legislative efforts.
"The IRS agreed in a court filing that churches can endorse political candidates without fear of losing their tax-exempt status."
NBC News"The IRS says pastors who endorse political candidates from the pulpit should not have to risk losing their tax-exempt status."
ABC News"The IRS says pastors who endorse political candidates from the pulpit should not have to risk losing their tax-exempt status."
Chicago Sun-Times"In a break with decades of tradition, the Internal Revenue Service says it will allow houses of worship to endorse candidates for political office without losing their tax-exempt status."
NPR"The IRS says pastors who endorse political candidates from the pulpit should not have to risk losing their tax-exempt status."
Fortune"The IRS says pastors who endorse political candidates from the pulpit shouldn't have to risk their churches losing their tax-exempt status."
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FAQ
The Johnson Amendment is a tax code provision introduced in 1954 that prohibits 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates to maintain their tax-exempt status.
The IRS now interprets the Johnson Amendment as not applying when churches discuss political candidates through their usual channels of communication on matters of faith, effectively allowing endorsements without jeopardizing tax-exempt status.
This change could increase political involvement by churches, as they may now openly endorse candidates without fear of losing their tax-exempt status, potentially altering the political landscape and influencing elections.
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