New exemption: Average taxpayer

New exemption: Average taxpayer

As we learn more about the scandal at the IRS. we have also learned that a 501 is not a new pair of Levi jeans; it is a section in the tax code that governs tax exemption status for: 501(c) (3); Religious, charitable, scientific and educational. 501(c) (4) Social Welfare (whatever that is). 501 (c) (5); Labor, agriculture, and 501 (c) (6) Business leagues, chambers of commerce.

This raises the question why are religious groups, social welfare, scientific, educational groups, labor, agriculture, business leagues and chambers of commerce eligible for tax exemption in the first place.

I am sure that lobbyists for all of the above organization and groups can make strong arguments as to why they should receive tax exemption status. But what argument can be made for conservative and liberal political groups receiving tax exemption status.

I can understand charities if they are closely monitored being eligible for tax exemption, but for all of the rest, I say end tax exemption for religious, social welfare, political groups, labor, chambers of commerce agriculture, business leagues, scientific and education groups and organizations. If not, then let’s have a category of tax exemption for the average taxpayer.

Victor Darst

West Dundee