IRS Inquiry Puts Planned Parenthood’s Tax-Exempt Status Under Scrutiny

Planned Parenthood sign outside building.

Planned Parenthood found themselves in hot water again. 40 Days for Life has filed a complaint against Planned Parenthood, alleging political coordination with the Harris Walz campaign. The complaint focuses on the Sarasota facility’s use for political activities. Planned Parenthood may face funding cuts from the Trump administration.

Planned Parenthood’s Political Activities Challenged

The anti-abortion group 40 Days for Life has filed a complaint with the IRS, accusing Planned Parenthood of politically facilitating the Harris-Walz presidential campaign. The Sarasota, Florida, facility is cited as a location for illegal political coordination. According to the accusations, the location allegedly hosted campaign-related activities that were deemed incompatible with the rules of 501(c)(3) organizations. The complaint, filed in December, reignites discussions about Planned Parenthood’s funding and regulatory obligations as a tax-exempt organization.

Among the allegations, the complaint suggests that Planned Parenthood offered its facilities for political activities through an art gallery lease. Flyers promoting “Tim Walz Tuesdays” were reportedly distributed, signifying a political endorsement. The 42-page complaint associates these events with regular observances by 40 Days for Life, who have been actively protesting outside Planned Parenthood locations across the country.

IRS Complaint Details

Planned Parenthood is accused of hosting phone banking events for the Harris-Walz campaign, which could jeopardize its tax-exempt status. Shawn Carney, CEO of 40 Days for Life, expressed dissatisfaction with such activities, saying, “And you cannot do that as a 501c3.” This is extremely basic. They were foolish to do it.” The complaint includes photographs and eyewitness accounts of campaign staff members allegedly entering the Sarasota office.

“And you just can’t do that as a 501c3. This is very, very basic. They were stupid to do it.” Shawn Carney

Planned Parenthood has yet to respond to these serious allegations. LifeSiteNews and Fox News Digital attempted to obtain statements but received no response. This silence fuels speculation and calls for an investigation by state and federal officials. Shawn Carney hopes the Trump administration will take action and has informed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of the alleged violations.

Broader Implications and Political Repercussions

The situation raises serious concerns about the scope of political activities permitted by tax-exempt organizations. It also brings the possibility of Planned Parenthood’s defunding back into the political spotlight. Several prominent figures, including incoming Vice President JD Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson, have expressed support for defunding measures. This complaint could have an impact on the ongoing discussion about reproductive rights and government funding for Planned Parenthood.

“This is one of the many violations we’ve seen Planned Parenthood do, because we’re physically at these abortion facilities, holding peaceful vigils and offering medical alternatives to abortion…we see a lot of things that Planned Parenthood does.” – 40 Days for Life CEO Shawn Carney

The outcome of this IRS complaint could establish a precedent for defining nonprofits’ political limits. The IRS’s response, as well as any subsequent legal or political action against Planned Parenthood, will be closely watched as this case progresses. Republican leaders and pro-life advocates anticipate a thorough review, which could reshape the political landscape for similar organizations in the future.

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