Robertson’s Campaign Says IRS Was Given Tax Data It Requested

Republican presidential candidate Pat Robertson’s campaign organization said Monday it already has submitted 1986 financial records the Internal Revenue Service is going to court to obtain.

“If there is a hearing, we will attend to show that we have complied with the order,” said Barbara Gattullo, a representative for Americans for Robertson. She said the material was turned over last week.

James F. Patterson, treasurer of the organization, said it has been ordered to court before U.S. District Judge J. Calvitt Clarke to show why the IRS should not be given records needed to verify the accuracy of the group’s 1986 tax filing. The hearing was originally set for today but was continued until April 28.

Court documents show that the IRS first requested the financial information in December, 1987. The IRS also asked for copies of fund-raising letters sent out and “records of any transactions with The Freedom Council or Christian Broadcasting Network.”

Robertson, a former religious broadcaster, founded the nonprofit CBN and was its president until last October, when he announced his candidacy.

Seed Money From CBN

The Freedom Council was established in 1981 with seed money from CBN. According to former council officials, nearly $3 million was pumped into the organization from CBN in 1985.

Many credit the Freedom Council, also a tax-exempt charitable organization, with mobilizing Robertson’s cadre of volunteers. Robertson used these volunteers to pack local GOP meetings and caucuses in several states.

Under federal tax laws, tax-exempt entities cannot raise money for, or support, political candidates.