‘Modern Family’ star Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Marriage Equality Group targeted by IRS

In a newly released IRS document, the Modern Family actor’s non-profit group Tie the Knot was singled out to undergo special scrutiny.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson wasn’t the only non-profit group on the list. The Wall Street Journal reports that some liberal organizations seeking social welfare nonprofit status were also flagged on the list.

Last month, Tie the Knot appeared on a list issued by the IRS consisting of multiple advocacy groups. The applications for nonprofit status was eventually approved, but were also flagged for additional scrutiny due to the groups seeking status as 501(c)(4) social welfare-nonprofits. This tax code requires groups to spend the majority of the funds they raise for educational purposes as opposed to political purposes.

Tie the Knot is a group intended to support gay rights and marriage equality. Ferguson founded the group with his fiancé Justin Mikita. Tie the Knot sells designer bow ties over the Internet and donates the funds to gay rights and same sex marriage awareness. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the group launched in September 2011 and received a tax exemption last January when their non-profit status was approved.

Ferguson plays a gay character on Modern Family with a steady partner and an adopted daughter.

Photo Courtesy of ABC Media