Robertson's Network Settles IRS Dispute

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Christian Broadcasting Network, founded by televangelist and former presidential candidate Pat Robertson, has settled a 12-year tax dispute, an Internal Revenue Service spokeswoman said this week.

The IRS retroactively revoked the Christian programmer's tax-exempt status for 1986 and 1987, when three of its affiliates became active in politics. As a result, CBN agreed to make a "significant" undisclosed payment to the IRS, said spokeswoman Patty Silverman.

In the settlement, CBN retained its tax-exempt status and donations to the group remained tax deductible, Silverman said.

The programmer, based in Virginia Beach, Va., produces the "700 Club" and other Christian broadcasts.

It agreed not to engage in political campaigning, Silverman said.

Robertson said in a statement that the settlement "permits CBN to get on with its worldwide Christian ministry while satisfying legitimate concerns of the IRS to ensure compliance with tax laws."