Maryland: 100 churches make campaign contributions
Tribune News Services reports: Campaign finance reports show that more than 100 churches in Maryland have gone against federal tax law by making campaign contributions to political candidates in recent years.
Across Maryland, at least 115 churches have given to about 40 candidates of both major parties since 2000, according to a review by The Sun newspaper, Baltimore. Although the donations are generally small and sporadic, they go against Internal Revenue Service regulations that prohibit churches from advocating for specific political candidates.
Churches that give to candidates can face revocation of their tax-exempt status or a 10 percent excise tax on the contributions, according to the IRS. -- Chicago Tribune | Churches break IRS rule on gifts