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FUN WITH 527s

August 24, 2004

It's probably bad news when Internal Revenue Code sections become part of our political discourse, but Section 527 has achieved that dubious distinction. Section 527 "Political Organizations" have become the preferred "soft money" vehicle under the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law.

Because they are a creature of the tax law, "527s" have to file reports with the IRS. The IRS posts these disclosure reports on their website here. For example, you can find the pro-Kerry "MoveOn.org Voter Fund" disclosure forms, as will as the anti-Kerry "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" forms. The forms show that MoveOn.org spent $3.1 million in the second quarter, vs. the Swift Boaters' $60,403.

To save time for you political junkies out there, here are links to some recent disclosure filings (pdf format):

MoveOn.org Voter Fund

Form 8872, Political Organization Report of Contributions and Expenditures:

Second Quarter 2004
First Quarter 2004
Year-end 2003

Swift Boat Veterans for Truth

Form 8872, Political Organization Report of Contributions and Expenditures:

Second Quarter, 2004 (only filing; new organization)

Have fun!

(Thanks to Tax Analysts for the tip).

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