Navigating Legal Paths And Complexities

The Restriction of Political Campaign Intervention by Section 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organizations

On Behalf of | May 6, 2015 | Nonprofit |

Nonprofit organizations are formed under different statutes. Participation in the political process is limited for many of these organizations.  As the next national election approaches, the restrictions on political speech by nonprofit organizations is more important than ever. To that effect, the IRS recently published a warning to all 501(c)(3) enitities related warning against participating in political elections:

“Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.

Certain activities or expenditures may not be prohibited depending on the facts and circumstances. For example, certain voter education activities (including presenting public forums and publishing voter education guides) conducted in a non-partisan manner do not constitute prohibited political campaign activity. In addition, other activities intended to encourage people to participate in the electoral process, such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, would not be prohibited political campaign activity if conducted in a non-partisan manner.

On the other hand, voter education or registration activities with evidence of bias that (a) would favor one candidate over another; (b) oppose a candidate in some manner; or (c) have the effect of favoring a candidate or group of candidates, will constitute prohibited participation or intervention.” 

If you would like additional information regarding a 501c3 opportunities to participate in the political process or if you are involved with another type of nonprofit entity, please contact us.