IRS Supports Tax-Exempt Status for Pastors Endorsing Political Candidates

The IRS has stated that pastors endorsing political candidates from the pulpit should not risk losing their tax-exempt status. This move aims to exempt religious organizations from the Johnson Amendment, a rule established in 1954. The IRS, along with the National Religious Broadcasters Association and other parties, have requested a federal court in Texas to halt the enforcement of the Johnson Amendment against them.

The Johnson Amendment, part of the U.S. tax code, prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. The IRS and plaintiffs argue that the amendment infringes on their First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech and religion.

The IRS has historically not enforced the Johnson Amendment against houses of worship for political speech. President Trump has expressed a desire to eliminate the amendment and issued an executive order in 2017 to that effect. The IRS and the National Religious Broadcasters Association have not commented on the matter.

Legislation has been proposed by Republican lawmakers this year to repeal the Johnson Amendment.

According to the source: AP News.