Group Requests IRS Investigation Into SPLC's Tax-Exempt Status

A complaint filed with the IRS on Thursday calls for an investigation into the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) regarding its tax-exempt status, citing concerns over its alleged partisan political activities. The Center to Advance Security in America (CASA) argues that the SPLC engages in hyper-partisan behavior that undermines its charitable purpose.

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CASA Director James Fitzpatrick stated, "American taxpayers should not be expected to subsidize an organization that engages in daily attacks on Republicans." He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the SPLC’s activities, which he claims include labeling mainstream conservative beliefs as akin to those of the Ku Klux Klan.

The complaint, addressed to Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent, raises several issues regarding the SPLC's compliance with federal tax laws. It specifically mentions concerns that the organization no longer fulfills a charitable purpose and engages in partisan political activity, which could jeopardize its 501(c)(3) status.

The SPLC is described by the nonprofit watchdog InfluenceWatch as a controversial advocacy group that claims to monitor extremist organizations. Critics have accused the SPLC of mischaracterizing conservative groups and individuals as violent extremists, a claim that has drawn scrutiny and debate.

Fitzpatrick pointed out that the SPLC has a history of labeling only Republican candidates and officials on its so-called hate lists. He referenced a May 2025 article that characterized Turning Point USA, a conservative organization, as a group that promotes white nationalist conspiracies. "The article is filled with cherry-picked and out-of-context comments," Fitzpatrick said, arguing that it aims to incite hatred against the organization and its founder, Charlie Kirk.

The SPLC has faced criticism for its inflammatory rhetoric, which some argue contributes to a hostile political environment. Fitzpatrick noted that the SPLC's content has been linked to real-world violence, citing a 2012 incident where an individual opened fire at the Family Research Council's headquarters after identifying targets using the SPLC's website.

In a recent development, the FBI announced it has severed ties with the SPLC, labeling it a "partisan smear machine." This decision has further fueled the debate over the SPLC's role in political discourse and its tax-exempt status.

Fitzpatrick highlighted that the SPLC’s status as a 501(c)(3) organization allows it to raise funds while avoiding various taxes, including state and federal income taxes. This status also makes donations to the SPLC tax-deductible for contributors.

CASA's complaint concludes that the SPLC's documented partisan activities warrant immediate revocation of its charitable status. Fitzpatrick stated, "This step would not shut SPLC’s doors but would mean they no longer receive the tax benefits extended to non-political organizations."

The filing with the IRS follows CASA's recent complaint to the Virginia State Bar, seeking to revoke the law license of Democrat Attorney General candidate Jay Jones over controversial text messages and phone conversations from 2022.

As the debate over the SPLC's activities and tax-exempt status continues, the outcome of CASA's complaint could have significant implications for the organization and its future operations.