Tea Partiers Protest IRS Abuse

On May 21, Mission Viejo residents joined in a nationwide Tea Party protest, drawing attention to the IRS targeting conservative groups. Approximately 300 South County patriots lined the street near the Chet Holifield (“Ziggurat”) Federal Building at Alicia Parkway and Avila Road in Laguna Niguel. Another Orange County rally took place in Santa Ana.

Two weeks ago, news confirmed that the IRS has abused its power by going after right-wing groups. Reports indicate the Laguna Niguel IRS office had a role in hampering the efforts of Tea Party organizations seeking tax-exempt status.

The May 21 rallies pointed to the Obama administration’s use of the IRS as a political weapon against conservatives. By applying heightened scrutiny and demands for inappropriate information, the IRS delayed and thwarted Tea Party requests for 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status. Some groups said they stopped trying when the IRS demanded personal information about members and their political affiliation.