Pastor Robert Jeffress Tells Commission the IRS Targeted His Church, Putting New Spotlight on Political Speech by Houses of Worship

A high-profile pastor says IRS scrutiny crossed a line

Dr. Robert Jeffress, the longtime pastor of First Baptist Dallas, told a federal Religious Liberty Commission in Dallas that the Internal Revenue Service singled out his church for unusual scrutiny. His testimony, given in front of lawmakers and religious leaders, framed the issue as more than a private complaint: he said it was an example of government action that chills religious speech and could have real effects on how houses of worship take part in civic life.

The accusation landed in a crowded policy debate. At stake is how the IRS enforces rules about political activity by tax-exempt organizations, and whether those rules are being applied fairly. Jeffress urged the commission and members of Congress to act, arguing that current practice threatens religious freedom and the right of pastors to speak on public issues from the pulpit.

Details of the testimony: what Jeffress said happened

Jeffress described a pattern of interactions with tax authorities that he said went beyond routine questions. According to his testimony, the IRS sought internal materials and examined sermons and other communications as part of its inquiries. He painted the requests as intrusive and aimed at influencing what his church could say about political matters.

He also recounted how the experience affected his congregation. Jeffress said staff and volunteers felt exposed and uncertain about what they could say from the pulpit without risking official action. That fear, he argued, curbed public debate and discouraged faith leaders from engaging in discussions about public policy or elections.

Throughout his remarks, Jeffress framed his case in familiar terms for the commission: he presented specific incidents as evidence of overreach and then asked for concrete relief. He sought clearer rules that would shield churches from intrusive inquiries, and he asked lawmakers to consider changes that would prevent similar conflicts in the future.

The commission hearing included questions from members who wanted to know whether the IRS followed its own procedures, whether the requests were unusually broad, and what kind of documentation the agency had relied on. Jeffress’s testimony was bolstered by other witnesses who described comparable experiences or legal theories that, they said, point to systemic problems in enforcement.

Why the rules matter: Johnson Amendment and the choices ahead

The core legal backdrop is a long-standing tax rule that limits political campaign activity by organizations that receive tax-exempt status. That rule is meant to keep tax-free charities and churches from acting like campaign arms for candidates. If the rule were loosened or interpreted more narrowly, houses of worship would face a new choice: either stay fully out of politics or speak freely and risk losing tax benefits.

There are a few paths lawmakers could take. Congress could pass a law to repeal or change the restriction. Regulators at the Treasury and IRS could alter how the rule is enforced through guidance. Either route would reshape incentives for religious leaders and donors, and could invite more political speech that is paid for with tax-advantaged funds.

Immediate reactions and who hasn’t yet replied

The commission received the testimony with public interest; some attendees praised Jeffress for speaking out, while others pressed for more evidence on how common such IRS actions are. There was no immediate, detailed response from tax authorities on the record at the hearing. Advocacy groups on both sides of the issue are expected to respond in the days after the testimony.

Reporters looking for official comment should ask the IRS and Treasury whether they have records that corroborate or contradict the account and whether any change in guidance is planned.

Longer view: past controversies, records to watch, and the next steps

The testimony comes against a backdrop of past IRS controversies and headlines about how tax rules are enforced. Similar debates flared up in earlier years when conservative groups said they had been singled out for extra review. That history makes this hearing more than an isolated moment.

Practical next steps for coverage include requesting agency correspondence, audit records, and the full transcript of the hearing. Watch whether the commission issues recommendations and whether lawmakers draft bills or hold follow-up hearings. Any formal probe or legislative push could set a clearer course for how religious speech and tax rules interact going forward.

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Sources

• prnewswire.com