On pages 6-13 and 6-14, the text explains that taxpayers are not allowed a business deduction for political contributions or for expenses incurred for lobbying activities.

How does the IRS define what is a political contribution that cannot be deducted? Is the disallowance limited to outright gifts, or does it extend to less direct methods of providing funds to a candidate or party? If the latter, please explain the circumstances in which the disallowance applies to something that is not an outright gift.

How does the IRS define what is lobbying, so that a taxpayer may determine what expenses are not deductible as lobbying expenses?

Many not-for-profit organizations are engaged in lobbying, but still qualify to receive deductible charitable contributions. Does this activity affect an individuals ability to claim a charitable deduction for contributions to an otherwise qualified organization? If so, in what circumstances, and how is the deduction affected?

Please answer each question in complete sentences, and cite name and number of the IRS publication or form/instruction where you found each answer, and the page number on which the answer is found. Use your own words in the answer do not copy the IRS language. Spelling and grammar count.