IRS stands by decision on Iowa church and the use of hallucinogenic drugs

The Internal Revenue Service is standing by its decision to deny tax-exempt status to a self-described church in Des Moines that allegedly uses a hallucinogenic drug in religious ceremonies.

Earlier this year, the Iowaska Church of Healing sued the IRS in U.S. District Court, challenging the federal agency’s decision to deny the church status as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization.

State records indicate the church was formed in Iowa in September 2018, and is run by Admir Dado Kantarevic, along with Billy Benskin and Merzuk Ramic. The church’s official location is Kantarevic’s home, located at 4114 27th St., Des Moines. The lawsuit makes references to the church having 20 members at one point in time.

Kantarevic says the church has never conducted any ceremonies at his home or anywhere else in the state of Iowa.

Read more: https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/12/29/irs-stands-by-decision-on-iowa-church-and-the-use-of-hallucinogenic-drugs/