Probe Continues of 60 Tax-Exempt Groups, IRS Says; Barred Political Activity at Issue

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Byline: Guy Taylor, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

The Internal Revenue Service said yesterday that it continues to investigate more than 60 tax-exempt organizations - including about 20 churches - of accusations of engaging in improper political activities concerning the 2004 presidential election.

The IRS first revealed that it was probing the groups last year, and it was not clear yesterday whether disciplinary action has been taken, or will be taken, against any of them.

"Federal law prohibits us from discussing specific cases or even confirming them," said Bruce I. Friedland, a spokesman for the service, who declined to identify any of the groups beyond saying …