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Lesbian Counseling Non-Profit Denied Tax-Exempt Status

Kathy’s Group, a non-profit organization that offers free counseling to lesbian breast cancer victims, their partners and families, is protesting an IRS decision denying them tax-exempt status. The IRS told Kathy’s Group members that it had to provide services to all women to be considered for tax-exempt status. Although the group does not pay taxes due to its small budget, it cannot apply for foundation grants without the tax-exempt status.

The Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. sent a letter to the IRS on behalf of the group, citing other non-profits, such as the American Association of Retired People and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, that receive tax-exempt status and cater to specific portions of the population. David Buckel, a Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund Inc. attorney said, “As far as we’ve been able to determine, the IRS has no authority to require Kathy’s Group to alter its mission.”

IRS officials refused to comment, stating that awards for tax-exempt status are strictly confidential.

Sources:

AP - April 14, 1998

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