Doug:
Murphy can refer to GATA however he chooses. It is an organization's activity, not how it is perceived that affects its status as a tax-exempt entity. Contributions to a tax-exempt organization are tax deductible so long as that organization does not violate its stated purpose for which it was formed. One of the violations is engaging in political activity; i.e., helping to elect certain candidates to office or helping specific political parties. Bill Murphy may perceive GATA as a type of political party, but unless GATA is engaged in political activity, it is in no danger of losing its tax-exempt status due to politically motivated action. What is operative is not what Bill Murphy says, but what GATA does. GATA is NOT, repeat NOT, engaging in political activities. Murphy's statements are irrelevant in determining their tax exempt status. It is the activity they engage in that is relevant.
You are correct that one must check on an organization's status to ascertain for certain they are a tax-exempt entity; however, any assertion that one is at risk of losing contribution deductions to GATA because of Murphy's statement is ludicrous. The idea that the IRS would review the tax exempt status of a small-potatos organization like GATA is even more ludicrous. They don't have the resources to review all the tax-paying, multi-national corporations, much less tax-exempt gnats like GATA. Assuming GATA is, in fact, a tax-exempt organization, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it losing its status.
Terry |
