IRS to Rewrite Proposed Rule on Politicking by Nonprofits

Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen tells USA Today that the agency is prepared to revise controversial new regulations on permissible political activity by nonprofit groups.

“In all likelihood we will re-propose a redefined rule and ask for more public comment,” Mr. Koskinen said Monday in a video interview with the newspaper. He said the changes will take into account fierce criticism of the proposed regulations from activists and organizations on both left and right.

Speaking earlier this month at the National Press Club, Mr. Koskinen said the process of re-proposing the rule and seeking additional public comment would not be finished until next year, according to The Hill.

The rule announced in November aimed to address partisan politicking by tax-exempt groups by restricting a number of campaign-related activities as elections drew near. It attracted an unprecedented 150,000 responses during a public comment period that ended in February. Conservatives say the rule impinges on free speech, while liberal groups object that it is too broad, limiting activities such as voter guides and registration drives.