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IRS Changes Rules: Houses of Worship Can Now Endorse Candidates







IRS updates political endorsement rules for churches 2025.

IRS Changes Rules: Houses of Worship Can Now Endorse Candidates for Beginners

IRS Changes Political Endorsement Rules

On July 8, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a significant change to its interpretation of federal tax law regarding houses of worship. Under the new ruling, churches and other religious institutions can endorse political candidates, which marks a departure from nearly seventy years of established law that prohibited such actions. This decision was made in response to a lawsuit brought by two Texas churches and an association of Christian broadcasters, highlighting a shift in the IRS’s stance under the administration of President Donald Trump.

Background on Tax Exempt Status

For decades, federal tax law has allowed houses of worship to maintain tax-exempt status as long as they refrain from intervening in partisan political campaigns. This regulation, known as the Johnson Amendment, was established in 1954 through the efforts of then-Senator Lyndon Johnson. The intent was to ensure that religious leaders would not use their tax-exempt status to influence electoral outcomes. However, the rise of the religious right in American politics has seen increasing pressure to modify or eliminate this regulation.

Implications of the New IRS Ruling

With the IRS’s new interpretation, houses of worship will enjoy privileges not available to other nonprofit organizations under the 501(c)(3) classification. This means that while most nonprofits must remain neutral, churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques can endorse candidates and actively participate in political campaigns. This change could lead to significant complications in campaign finance, as it opens the door for potential misuse of tax-exempt status for political gain.

Risks of Political Endorsements by Churches

The potential consequences of this new policy are considerable. If houses of worship become politically active, it could create a chaotic environment where campaign finance laws are circumvented. For instance, political parties and candidates could channel donations through tax-exempt churches, avoiding scrutiny and benefiting from tax advantages. Additionally, if foreign entities sought to influence U. S. elections, they might exploit these religious institutions to funnel support to specific candidates without public knowledge or accountability.



Public Opinion on IRS Changes

Interestingly, there seems to be little public demand for this change. Surveys indicate that a substantial majority of Americans, including many religious leaders, do not support churches endorsing political candidates. The new IRS position appears to address a problem that many believe does not exist, raising concerns about the potential for increased political polarization and the integrity of tax-exempt organizations.

Conclusion on the IRS Ruling Impact

In summary, the IRS’s new approach under the Trump administration marks a significant shift in how houses of worship can engage in political activities. This change poses risks not only to the integrity of the electoral process but also to the longstanding agreement between religious institutions and the government regarding tax-exempt status. As this policy unfolds, ongoing scrutiny and potential legal challenges are likely to arise, reflecting the broader societal debate over the role of religion in politics.