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U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein letter to Ida Campburn Subject: Scientology's tax exempt deductions allowed for costs at religious studies and services. Date: June 2002 U.S. Senator from California replied in a letter to Ida Camburn regarding the IRS policies
on Scientology deductions for religious schooling. "Dear Ms. Camburn
"Thank you for writing to express your concern regarding IRS policy and
more specifically, deductions allowed for costs at religious studies and
services. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to
respond.
"On January 9, 2002 in the case of Michael Sklar v. Tax Court the U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals decided that the Sklars did not show that their
payments for the secular and religious private education of their children
exceeded the market value of other secular private school education
available. Therefore the Sklars were ineligible for the deductions that
they took on the tax returns in question.
"The Court's opinion states that the sole issue in question was whether
the Sklars' claimed deduction was valid. and 'not whether the members of
The Church of Scientology have become the IRS's chosen people.' The
opinion also states that if the IRS is guilty of providing preferential
treatment, the proper course of action is not to allow the IRS to expand
its allowances for improper deductions, but rather a lawsuit to stop the
policy of what the court may see as preferential treatment.
"In a closing agreement between the IRS and the Church of Scientology, the
IRS formally recognized the Church of Scientology International as a
charitable organization. In its decision, the Court comments that the
IRS's refusal to reveal this agreement with the Church of Scientology is
questionable. The IRS insists that its closing agreement with the Church
cannot be disclosed because it contains tax return information.
"I value and respect your opinion and hope that you will continue to share
your concerns and ideas with me. If I can he of further assistance, please
do not hesitate to call my staff.
"With warmest personal regards. Message-ID: 3d0ddb8b.80760310@news2.lightlink.com
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