CEI Supports Legislation to Protect Free Speech, Prevent IRS Abuse

The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) applauds the Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act (H.R. 5053), sponsored by U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.). This bill would protect taxpayer identity and prevent the Internal Revenue Service from improperly targeting certain non-profit organizations by repealing the IRS requirement that nonprofit organizations submit private donor information (Schedule B) as part of their Form 990 annual returns.

CEI President Kent Lassman gave the following statement about the bill:

“We commend Rep. Peter Roskam for leading the charge to rein in the IRS’s abusive targeting of organizations and individuals who hold views the agency does not like. The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that supporters of nonprofit policy groups are entitled to their privacy and a degree of confidentiality. Yet, leaks by the IRS and state tax agencies have resulted in nonprofits, and the individuals who support them, being subject to personal threats and intimidation by those who disagree with them.

“No one should be singled out by their government and punished for their personal beliefs. Rep. Roskam’s Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act is a step toward protecting Americans’ rights of free speech and association.”