9 chapters across the catalog
IRS Johnson Amendment Exemption, Church Political Endorsements
The IRS announced a major policy shift allowing churches and houses of worship to endorse political candidates from the pulpit without losing their tax-exempt status. This effectively carves out an exemption to the 1954 Johnson Amendment, provided the communications occur through "usual channels" during religious services.
President Trump has proposed removing the tax-exempt status of university endowments, specifically targeting Harvard. The discussion highlights how private institutions with billions in assets avoid property and income taxes while receiving government funding. The hosts suggest Harvard's legal pushback is a "trap" that will only bring more negative public attention to their financial privileges.
A discussion on how the IRS can be used as a political tool to pressure non-profit organizations. The segment argues that the non-profit model is inherently risky for media organizations because it grants the government oversight and potential leverage over operations.
Beto O'Rourke, Religious Institution Tax-Exempt Status
Beto O'Rourke states during the CNN town hall that religious institutions, including churches and charities, should lose their tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage. This position is discussed in the context of ongoing legal debates regarding the Civil Rights Act and discrimination.
Christine Lagarde, IMF Tax Exemptions and Global Leadership
IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde is questioned on BBC's "Hard Talk" about her tax-exempt salary while she advocates for global tax compliance. Lagarde defends the exemption as necessary for "tax independence" from local authorities in Washington DC. She concludes the interview by suggesting that the solution to tax avoidance is a universal, global taxation system.
NFL Tax-Exempt Status and Level 1 National Security Designations
The hosts investigate the Department of Homeland Security's "Level 1 National Security Event" designation for the Super Bowl, concluding it may be a fabricated or misapplied term. A major point of contention is the NFL's status as a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, which allows the league office to remain tax-exempt. They contrast this tax status with the billions in revenue generated and the cutting of federal food stamp subsidies.
World Cup 2018, Netherlands Tax-Free FIFA Bid
The Netherlands is bidding for the 2018 World Cup by offering FIFA complete tax-exempt status, including a waiver of the 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all purchases. This would allow FIFA officials to avoid taxes on hotels, fuel, and groceries. The hosts criticize the government for offering such concessions while the country remains without a formal governing cabinet.
University of California, Administrative Salaries and Tuition
The University of California system is facing criticism for high administrative salaries, with some officials earning over $300,000 annually while the state faces a budget crisis. To increase revenue, the university plans to raise the percentage of out-of-state and international students. The hosts argue that the high cost of attendance is pricing out middle-class California families from their own state institutions.
Irish Artist Tax Exemption, Australian Outback Train Travel
Ireland offers specific tax benefits and potential citizenship paths for artists and writers, providing an alternative to high-tax jurisdictions. In a separate travel anecdote, a journey across Australia via the South Pacific line is described, featuring the longest straight railroad stretch in the world. The 24-hour train ride to Perth is characterized as an exhausting experience despite its old-fashioned atmosphere.
