From a Tax Professional's Perspective (of which I am) I would like to point out a few things.
1) As Fr. Anastasios said, we are not a non-profit organization.
The IRS cannot come after this board as A) Its not incorporated in any of the 50 states or US territories. B) We do not file IRS form 990 because we do not have standing as a non-profit organization.
2) Catholic Answers Forum aparrently is a registered 501(c)(3) charity which entitles them to give out letters for tax-deduction of donations. As a 501(c)(3) charity they are, among other things, "...absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) a candidate for public office.
3) As a registered 501(c)(3) Catholic Answers Forum is accountable to the IRS for mixing Politics with Religion. This is how the IRS went after a number of churches and revoked their Charity designation for letting a certain candidate speak while not inviting others. The idea is that you can use the church as a political forum if, and only if, you give the same amount of time and exposure to every candidate.
4) If and when this board becomes incorporated as a registered 501(c)(3) charity, there will need to be strict guidelines on what is said related to politics (such as the private forums). Essentially we are safe no matter what happens.
5) Once again, OC.net is not in danger of any action by the IRS or other taxing bodies. I will be more than happy to defend this position in a court of law or before a tax court judge.
This is my opinion as a tax professional and doesn't necessarily represent the opinions of the moderators or owners of this board or its members. It also may not be used to avoid taxes, penalties or interest as laid out by the IRS or other taxing authority in accordance with Circular 230.
-Nick
