Representative Pat Meehan (R-Pa.) introduced H.R. 1314, the “Ensuring Tax Exempt Organizations the Right to Appeal Act.” This bill would amend the tax code to restore 501(c)4 organizations’ right to appeal adverse IRS determinations.
Congressman Meehan explains the importance of this bill:
“Recent events have shown in stark terms that the IRS is anything but infallible. Basic fairness dictates that organizations whose tax-exempt applications are denied should have the right to appeal the determination. My legislation will help ensure that all Americans get fairer treatment at the hands of the IRS.”
Given the IRS’ tendency to discriminate against individuals based on their political beliefs, H.R. 1314 is important in ensuring every American taxpayer’s right to free speech without fear or threat of intimidation by the IRS. This legislation would create a necessary check on the federal agency’s power.
“All organizations seeking 501(c)4 status should be entitled to an impartial application review process by the IRS. This should, at a minimum, include the option to directly petition the IRS if a group’s request for tax exemption is rejected. I applaud Congressman Meehan for spearheading this noncontroversial bill to grant organizations this fundamental right to appeal adverse determinations by the IRS.”