Status of Proposed Section 501(c)(4) Rule Changes

As reported in multiples news sources (e.g., the NY Times, Reuters, and Business Week), the IRS has announced that it will likely revise proposed regulations addressing the political activities of section 501(c)(4) entities.  Here is the text of the official announcement from the IRS:

Last November, Treasury and the IRS proposed a new regulation governing political activity of section 501(c)(4) organizations. The proposal generated over 150,000 written comments — the most comments ever received by Treasury and IRS on a proposed tax regulation. Consistent with our standard rulemaking process, we intend to review those comments carefully, take into account public feedback, and consider any necessary changes. Consistent with what Commissioner Koskinen has previously stated, it is likely that we will make some changes to the proposed regulation in light of the comments we have received. Given the diversity of views expressed and the volume of substantive input, we have concluded that it would be more efficient and useful to hold a public hearing after we publish the revised proposed regulation. Treasury and the IRS remain committed to providing updated standards for tax-exemption that are fair, clear, and easier to administer.

JRB