The groups were applying for tax-exempt status as "social welfare" groups.
Commissioners are also struggling over whether to regulate thousands of charities, labor unions, trade associations and "social welfare" groups.
They weren't petitioning to become recognized as "social welfare" groups because they were hoping to save on costs.
Are such c(4 s really social welfare groups or are they primarily political groups, which would trigger disclosure?
The law grants them an exemption from income taxes on the contributions they receive if they are "social welfare" groups.
The section is reserved for "social welfare" groups, and politics is not supposed to be their primary activity.
IRS regulations say social welfare groups may engage in electoral politics, but it may not be their primary mission.
The I.R.S. recognizes at least 44,000 organizations as 501(c)(4) "social welfare" groups, according to public agency data.
Chances are super PACs and related "social welfare" groups will find more effective ways of spending their money.
The decision was also applauded by groups representing charities, labor unions, trade associations and social welfare groups, which worried that regulations would chill their activities.
However, the scope of the new regulations has also drawn the attention of charities, unions, trade associations, social welfare groups and other nonprofits.
