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Post Published: Apr 21, 2016

FAQ – IRS Targeting Investigation

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  • Did the IRS target conservative groups based on their political ideology?
    • Yes. The IRS systematically scrutinized and delayed conservative groups applying for tax-exempt status. The IRS identified these conservative groups based on inappropriate screening criteria, took no action on these groups’ tax-exempt applications for several years, and posed intrusive and inappropriate questions to these organizations.
  • Were liberal groups also targeted by the IRS for scrutiny based on their political ideology?
    • No. Despite the Democrats’ repeated insistence that the IRS targeted progressive groups, an investigation conducted by the Treasury Inspector General Tax Administration (TIGTA) found no evidence that liberal groups were systematically targeted for added scrutiny based on their political beliefs.
    • Read our report debunking the myth that progressives were targeted here.
  • What was Lois Lerner’s role in the IRS targeting scandal?
    • Lois Lerner is the former Director of the IRS Exempt Organizations (EO) Division and was extensively involved in targeting conservative-oriented tax-exempt applicants for inappropriate scrutiny while working to maintain a veneer of objective enforcement.
  • Did Lois Lerner waive her 5th Amendment right to protection from self-incrimination?
    • Yes. On May 22, 2013, Lois Lerner voluntarily gave an opening statement, under oath, discussing her position at the IRS and professing her innocence. On June 28, 2013, the Committee approved a resolution determining that Ms. Lerner waived her Fifth Amendment right.

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