Straight Talk: Don't Blame the IRS For Doing Their Job

[kpete]

Lawrence O'Donnell joined former IRS official Marcus Owens and Democratic strategist Julian Epstein for some straight talk on IRS activity with regard to their examination of applications for tax-exempt status and whether what they did was improper. Here are some facts to go with the discussion:

*Over 80 percent of applications submitted for tax-exempt status were from conservative organizations.

*The only organization to have its tax-exempt status revoked was one run by Democratic women to try and encourage more women to run for office.

*There is no requirement that any 501(c)(4) organization apply for approval of their tax-exempt status. If they do not apply, there is a risk of audit and disqualification down the road, but they are not required to apply to be a 501(c)(4) entity.

*Despite Rush Limbaugh's exaggerated claims, there was no limitation imposed by the IRS on these groups' ability to influence the 2012 election.

*Many of the IRS requests for information came about because of activities observed by agents in real time.

VIDEO & MORE:
http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/dont-blame-irs-doing-their-job

[KoKo]

1. K&R