Write-Offs:

January 12, 2006 | Read Time: 1 minute

U.S. Representative Adam B. Schiff, a California Democrat, and two other members of Congress have requested a federal investigation into news reports that the IRS conducts reviews of churches and other places of worship based on the content of sermons or other discourse delivered as part of religious services or gatherings. A copy of the letter is available on The Chronicle’s Web site (http://philanthropy.com).
The IRS has fined the Luna Community College Foundation in Las Vegas $100, saying it made a $1,000 political donationby paying a fee for a golf tournament. The tournament raised money for two Democratic state senators. Federal tax law bans charities and foundations from contributing to political campaigns. The foundation said it was unaware the donation was improper.
The IRS has named Lois Lerner director of its Exempt Organizations office, which oversees charities. Ms. Lerner replaces Martha Sullivan, who retired from the IRS at the end of 2005. Ms. Lerner was previously director of the Exempt Organizations office’s section on rulings and agreements.