New report from U.S. senator says NFL not paying taxes

NEW YORK — The National Football League is taking some criticism in Congress.

A U.S. senator said the league is skipping out on federal taxes because it claims it is a nonprofit organization.

A new report from Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn said filing as a nonprofit saves football and other pro leagues from paying $91 million in federal taxes, even though tax money helps the league

"We've kicked in for NFL stadiums about $6.5 billion, and for NBA arenas $3 billion," said Sports Fan Coalition representative Brian Frederick.

The Panthers pay taxes, but the league, which is headquartered in New York and paid the commissioner $11 million in 2010, does not.

That could be frustrating to local fans who pay taxes and who pay  more than $6 for a beer at Bank of America Stadium.

A DeAngelo Williams' jersey costs $100 at the NFL's online store.

Fans who pay more than $100 for a ticket at so many NFL stadiums and who need more than a $20 bill for parking are saying this is outrageous.

"The NFL has a strong lobbying presence here in Washington D.C. That is why they keep their tax breaks, and that is why it's going to be so hard to get rid of that tax break," said Taxpayers Protection Alliance representative David Williams.

The league said it's structured as a nonprofit, gathering, then funneling TV money and other proceeds to the local teams, Panthers included.

One tax watchdog group said if the government does hike taxes on the league, the cost might be passed along to the fan.

WSOC