Tax-exempt churches, an idea whose time has passed? - U.S. Politics Online: A Political Discussion Forum

MattLarson · #1 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

In these tough budget times, I am at a loss as to why certain religious activities which bring in millions of dollars are exempt from the tax collector.

Now, I understand why a small church might need tax-exempt status to survive. But these shopping-mall sized churches that are popping up would seem to indicate that there are quite a few congregations that are flush with cash. Seems a bit unfair that they don't have to contribute to the tax rolls to me.

Matt

Donkey_Left · #2 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

I agree. I don't have a problem with religious charities being exempt, but churches should have to delineate between which is a legitimate charity, and which is part of the business of religion.

daddio · #3 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattLarson

In these tough budget times, I am at a loss as to why certain religious activities which bring in millions of dollars are exempt from the tax collector.

Now, I understand why a small church might need tax-exempt status to survive. But these shopping-mall sized churches that are popping up would seem to indicate that there are quite a few congregations that are flush with cash. Seems a bit unfair that they don't have to contribute to the tax rolls to me.

Matt

are you willing to cut loose other "rich" non-profits ?

MattLarson · #4 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Sure. I don't think churches should be treated differently than any secular activity of comparable size and income.

Matt

chassisman · #5 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

It was my understanding that churches can lose their tax exempt status, yet I've never seen an example of it being enforced.

CDavidNeely · #6 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Greetings and Feliciations,

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattLarson

In these tough budget times, I am at a loss as to why certain religious activities which bring in millions of dollars are exempt from the tax collector.

Now, I understand why a small church might need tax-exempt status to survive. But these shopping-mall sized churches that are popping up would seem to indicate that there are quite a few congregations that are flush with cash. Seems a bit unfair that they don't have to contribute to the tax rolls to me.

Matt

Working at Wal-mart showed me just how many churches use their tax-exempt cards. I sold 52" plasma screen tvs, Wii's, PS3's which were paid for while using tax exempt cards. I do think that all religious groups should have to pay taxes and not get off free. My reason for this is multifold. Someone gets to decide what is an actual church, it cuts money from the local, state and government incomes and is used as a way of saving money. Considering how religion and money are tied together in this country is really strange. Supposedly, we are keeping religion and government seperate. However, we allow churches and other religious groups a free-ride when it comes to taxes.

Sincerely Yours,
C. David Neely

John Drake · #7 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

You BLASPHEME

Surely the Lord has saith unto you. Yea, your preachers shall drive chariots of Mercedes and wear suits of Armani, and still shall they pay no taxes forever, all the days of their lives. Hallelujah

Can I get an AMEN, brothers?

Imperator · #8 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattLarson

In these tough budget times, I am at a loss as to why certain religious activities which bring in millions of dollars are exempt from the tax collector.

Now, I understand why a small church might need tax-exempt status to survive. But these shopping-mall sized churches that are popping up would seem to indicate that there are quite a few congregations that are flush with cash. Seems a bit unfair that they don't have to contribute to the tax rolls to me.

Matt

welllllll, we can say same of colleges that have endowments that are churned for special activities, even though the school still receives monies etc. from the government.

Imperator · #9 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Drake

You BLASPHEME

Surely the Lord has saith unto you. Yea, your preachers shall drive chariots of Mercedes and wear suits of Armani, and still shall they pay no taxes forever, all the days of their lives. Hallelujah

Can I get an AMEN, brothers?

the reverend Al Sharksin ( from what divinity school he gradated has never been established btw) will surely give you an amen....or Rev. Wright, a million dollar mansion AND a 10 million line of credit, who new being lowly old parish rev. could be so juicy?

can I get a witness form the congregation?

daddio · #10 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDavidNeely

Greetings and Feliciations,

Working at Wal-mart showed me just how many churches use their tax-exempt cards. I sold 52" plasma screen tvs, Wii's, PS3's which were paid for while using tax exempt cards. I do think that all religious groups should have to pay taxes and not get off free. My reason for this is multifold. Someone gets to decide what is an actual church, it cuts money from the local, state and government incomes and is used as a way of saving money. Considering how religion and money are tied together in this country is really strange. Supposedly, we are keeping religion and government seperate. However, we allow churches and other religious groups a free-ride when it comes to taxes.

Sincerely Yours,
C. David Neely

do you want the ACLU, Sierra Club, Red Cross, Doctors without Borders, etc, etc etc, fill in the blank, to also have to pay up ? they are all covered by the same protections.

mudwhistle · #11 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by daddio

do you want the ACLU, Sierra Club, Red Cross, Doctors without Borders, etc, etc etc, fill in the blank, to also have to pay up ? they are all covered by the same protections.

I think the government should stop funding the ACLU, NPR, PBS, or any other left-wing communications organization.

daddio · #12 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudwhistle

I think the government should stop funding the ACLU, NPR, PBS, or any other left-wing communications organization.

I did not realize the ACLU got tax money, thanks

sign the petition to stop it !

TwoDrop · #13 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Fine then I'll speak up against my tax dollars going TO religious groups, as in drug treatment programs, for example, when there's one that uses scientifically proven treatment methods versus one that spreads the gospel to patients and calls it a type of "healing."

I've already written a letter about it to my state's Congressional Representative in fact. Yay me!

iamwhatiseem · #14 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

I would agree that certain parts of a church property should be taxed.
Such as:
Entertainment areas
Parsonage over so many sq ft.
Garages/Auxiliary buildings

Ministers should pay taxes on their income when that income is above set amount, say at regular rates over $45,000.

daddio · #15 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoDrop

Fine then I'll speak up against my tax dollars going TO religious groups, as in drug treatment programs, for example, when there's one that uses scientifically proven treatment methods versus one that spreads the gospel to patients and calls it a type of "healing."

I've already written a letter about it to my state's Congressional Representative in fact. Yay me!

link ?

generally speaking, religious non-profits have to adhere to the very same guidelines that secular ones do when accepting money to provide benefits.

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