In an earlier blog we told you about Catholic Answers, Inc. and their court battle with the IRS regarding an excise tax that was imposed on the organization for political expenditures.  The IRS originally imposed the excise tax in response to letters the organization published online criticizing Sen. John F. Kerry, who was at that time presumed to be a presidential candidate.  The IRS eventually abated the taxes and refunded the amounts paid by the organization, however, Catholic Answers filed suit in the Ninth Circuit arguing that the IRS tried to prevent the organization’s challenge of the statute by refunding the excise tax.  The Ninth Circuit affirmed the lower court’s dismissal of the suit and it was recently announced that the Supreme Court has also denied certiorari (i.e., they are also refusing to hear the case). 

The denial of certiorari can be found at:  http://www.supremecourt.gov/Search.aspx?FileName=/docketfiles/11-511.htm.

Tags: abated, Catholic Answers, excise tax, IRS, John Kerry, Ninth Circuit, presidential candidate, taxes