Judge Approves NorCal Tea Party's Lawsuit Against IRS

CINCINNATI (AP) -- A federal judge in Ohio has approved class-action status for a tea party group's lawsuit stemming from Internal Revenue Service delays in approving nonprofit status for conservative groups seeking the tax-exemption classification.

The California-based NorCal Tea Party Patriots sued the IRS, along with workers and officials in Cincinnati and Washington, after it was revealed in 2013 that the IRS delayed approving conservative groups for the nonprofit status. No criminal charges were filed after an FBI investigation.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports a U.S. District Court judge in Cincinnati granted class-action status Tuesday. That means other impacted groups across the country can join the case unless they opt out.

The judge also sealed the case to protect taxpayer records that might be on file with the IRS and the tea party group.