Statement of IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson
on TIGTA review of Exempt Organizations

“This report confirms what we’ve said all along. Political considerations played absolutely no part in the inquiries we launched last summer.

“I appreciate the prompt and thorough review of this matter by the Inspector General. As we develop our plans for future election cycles, his recommendations will help improve our process.”

A report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) has found that the IRS properly operated its program for investigating claims of inappropriate political campaign intervention by tax-exempt organizations. The TIGTA report also includes the agency's response to the findings.

TIGTA says:

• The IRS followed a consistent process when reviewing allegations of political activity.
• Political considerations played no role in IRS decisions to further investigate allegations of political activity.

Links:

• TEGE Commissioner's Response to TIGTA Report (PDF 357K)
• Report on IRS Review of Alleged Political Campaign Intervention (PDF 349K)
• Letter from tax-exempt organizations raising concerns about inappropriate political campaign interventions; Commissioner Mark W. Everson's response.