Muslim charities’ tax records sought

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Senate Finance Committee has asked the Internal Revenue Service to turn over confidential tax records related to 25 Muslim charities and organizations for an investigation into the sources of terrorist financing.

In a letter to IRS Commissioner Mark Everson, the committee leaders said they want to investigate and oversee the government’s scrutiny of groups that “finance terrorism and perpetuate violence.”

“Many of these groups not only enjoy tax-exempt status, but their reputations as charities and foundations often allow them to escape scrutiny, making it easier to hide and move their funds to other groups and individuals who threaten our national security,” said Chairman Charles E. Grassley, Iowa Republican, and ranking Democrat Max Baucus of Montana.

The committee’s investigation, first reported in The Washington Post, includes requests for the organizations’ tax returns, lists of contributors, applications for tax-exempt status, and all materials from examinations, audits and criminal investigations. Its request to the IRS was made last month.

Tax laws prohibit the disclosure of confidential tax and financial records in most cases. One exception allows the chairmen of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, which write tax laws and oversee the IRS, to request copies of tax return information.

A spokesman for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations questioned the motivation of the study as an attempt to “tarnish” the image of Muslims in America.

“It’s really a disturbing development when some of the largest and most respected Muslim organizations in America are treated as if they’re the Mafia, basically,” said spokesman Ibrahim Hooper. “I think this will send a chill through the Muslim community and further alienate American Muslims.”

Sayyid M. Syeed, secretary-general of the Islamic Society of North America, said the members of his group have nothing to hide. The group, an umbrella association of Muslim organizations, is among the largest on the committee’s list.

“We’ll be happy to share our information,” he said. “That’s what it means to run a charitable organization in America.”

The charities include: SAAR Foundation and its affiliates, Global Relief Foundation, Benevolence International Foundation, Muslim Arab Youth Association, Muslim Student Association, Islamic Association for Palestine, Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, Muslim World League.

Also included are the International Islamic Relief Organization (or Internal Relief Organization), Al Haramain Foundation, Alavi Foundation, Institute of Islamic and Arabic Science in America, Islamic Assembly of North America, Help the Needy, Islamic Circle of North America, Islamic Foundation of America.

The other listed groups include: United Association for Studies and Research, Solidarity International (or Solidarity USA), Kind Hearts and Islamic American Relief Agency.