The Obama IRS revoked the nonprofit status of a veterans group after the organization sold tickets to a Trump event to raise money for US veterans.
The group sold tickets to Trump’s speech earlier this week aboard the USS Iowa.
Veterans for a Strong America raised money after selling tickets for up to $1,000 a piece to see Trump speak aboard a retired US battleship.
The Obama IRS acted in less then 2 days after the speech.
Amazing how fast the IRS can move when they want to. Meanwhile, numerous conservative groups are still waiting for their tax exempt status.
The AP reportd:
The Internal Revenue Service revoked the nonprofit status of the veterans benefit organization that hosted and sold tickets to a foreign policy speech by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump aboard a retired U.S. battleship, The Associated Press has learned. The group’s endorsement of Trump at the event also could raise legal problems under campaign finance laws.
Trump’s campaign did not respond to questions from the AP about whether it was aware that the IRS had revoked the nonprofit status of the Veterans for a Strong America, which sold tickets to Trump’s event for up to $1,000 as a fundraiser. The IRS issued its decision Aug. 10, citing the group’s failure to file any tax returns for three consecutive years, according to IRS records reviewed by the AP.
The group’s chairman, Joel Arends of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, said the organization was appealing the IRS decision. He would not provide AP with copies of any tax returns, which would show how much money the group has collected over the years and how it spends its money. By law, such records are supposed to be available to the general public for inspection.
Meanwhile, Media Matters and several Democratic front groups maintain their tax exempt status.
