• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Pridgeon & Zoss, PLLC

Just another WordPress site

  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    • Review Us
  • Meet Our Attorneys
  • Tax Law Services
    • CP504 Notice in MN
  • Professional Referrals
  • Our Required Retainer Deposit & Fees
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Home / Tax Controversy / Does the IRS discriminate in its tax practices?
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    • Review Us
  • Meet Our Attorneys
  • Tax Law Services
    • CP504 Notice in MN
  • Professional Referrals
  • Our Required Retainer Deposit & Fees
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Call
Contact
Blog

Does the IRS discriminate in its tax practices?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was recently accused of discriminatory practices. In Linchpins of Liberty v. United States of America, a group of plaintiffs allege that the agency intentionally delayed the approval of their tax-exempt status.

How did these groups build a case against the IRS? One of the linchpins for the case is the fact that the tax laws are designed to be “administered fairly and without regard to politics of any kind.” These allegations involve delays to the tax exempt status of conservative groups, like the Tea Party. 

The delay was the result of the agency contacting the organizations with broad requests, including the names of contributors to the organizations. This led to hesitancy amongst potential donors and caused hurdles for the organizations to partake in activities that were otherwise available.

What was the holding in this case? The then Director of the IRS’s Exempt Organizations Division is quoted in the case. She states that the agency used a method to target certain organizations. She stated that this was “absolutely incorrect,t it was insensitive, and it was inappropriate.”

In addition to this admission, audits conducted by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) found that the IRS was searching for organizations with “political-sounding” names and was “on the lookout” for “Tea Party” applications.

Does the IRS use discriminatory practices? This case provides one example of discrimination by the IRS. It led to a change in procedures designed to ensure the fair and impartial application of tax laws.

However, the case serves as a reminder to closely examine tax controversies. Do not ignore any concern that a tax issue is unfair, biased or simply wrong. Contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. 

On Behalf of Pridgeon & Zoss, PLLC Oct 31 2017 Tax Controversy

Primary Sidebar

Do Not Delay Responding to a Tax Notice

Name(Required)

Practice Areas

Tax Disputes

  • Tax Litigation
  • Audits
  • Tax Appeals
    • Appealing a Levy Action

Business & Payroll Taxes

  • Trust Fund Assessments
  • Complying with Sales and Use Tax Laws

Self-Employed

  • No Taxes Withheld

Outstanding Balances

  • IRS Collections and Currently Not Collectible Status
  • Settlement Options
    • Offers in Compromise
    • Installment Agreements

Latest Blogs

5 Things to Do if You Get Audited in Minnesota

March 27, 2023

What is a Trust Fund Recovery Penalty?

January 31, 2023

A Guide to the Minnesota Tax Appeal Process

January 27, 2023

The Secret to Successful Self-Employment

October 19, 2022

Things You Should Expect Being Self-Employed in Minnesota

October 13, 2022

Footer

Edina Tax Law Office

4951 W 77th Street, Box 11
Edina, MN 55435

Telephone: 952-835-8320

Fax: 612-682-4711

Roseville Tax Law Office:

1915 Hwy 36 West, Box 3
Roseville, MN 55113

Telephone: 612-455-8948

Pridgeon & Zoss, PLLC provides legal counsel for clients in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin

© 2025 Pridgeon & Zoss, PLLC. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy