Letters: Tax troubles for the White House

Re “Scandal born of vague IRS laws,” News Analysis, May 17, and “Ousted IRS chief defends agency,” May 18

The outcry against the IRS over its targeting of conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status is justifiable. The IRS has two obligations when handling such cases: to ensure a level playing field and to provide a timely response. Complaints from the affected groups suggest the IRS failed on both counts.

And with such a high number of violations being cited, the problem does not appear to be a brief slip but instead one that arose because of the culture at the IRS.

If organizations are to receive extra scrutiny based on political activity, then probably no group is completely innocent. One possible solution that would also boost the coffers of the U.S. Treasury would be to eliminate 501(c)(4) status altogether.

Nelson Marans

Silver Spring, Md.

There is an obvious flaw with the idea that the IRS’ Cincinnati office, which handles applications for tax-exempt status, was so overwhelmed by applications that it singled out certain groups for additional scrutiny.

In delaying the approval of these applications, the IRS only created more work for itself. If you’re “flooded” with submissions, the easiest way out is to grant approval in a timely manner.

Pasquale Vuoso

Santa Paula

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like the IRS better than anyone else. But is it possible that the current “scandal” is not some malicious plot but just a plain old bureaucratic logjam caused by the creation of hundreds of new “tea party” groups all at once?

Couldn’t the IRS’ Cincinnati office have been a bit overwhelmed in trying to find a way to process and check out these new applicants for a 501(c)(4) exemption?

Saul Saladow

Los Angeles

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