Tea party activists are protesting the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of conservative groups during the 2010 and 2012 elections.

The rally at the Georgia State Capitol was one of several held across the country. In Cincinnati, tea party activists gathered outside the IRS office that handled group applications for tax-exempt status. IRS officials have acknowledged that some conservative groups received inappropriate attention and questioning.

In Atlanta, about 200 activists heard from several speakers including Gov. Nathan Deal, who said "you don't have anything to worry about on the state level" when it comes to taxes.

Debbie Dooley with Tea Party Patriots says the extra scrutiny cost her group at least $250,000 in legal fees. She says the IRS wanted the group's donor list, volunteer names, copies of emails and copies of supporters' comments on Facebook.

Tags: Protest, IRS, Georgia Tea Party Patriots, Georgia Tea Party, Internal Revenue Service, Tea Party groups