Why should churches not pay property taxes?

Question

Adyghe1985
Exactly what public good do they do, and why should that exempt them from paying their share of the taxbase whose infrastructure they use? How are they different from businesses that "do good" but still pay their taxes?

widarth77
While many churches do charity work, a lot of their collection plate goes to building huge ornate buildings fpr the worship of a being I consider to be fictional. Much goes into proselytizing for other members, like a multilevel marketing scheme. In the USA lots of that money goes towards political campaigns and PAC's. Why should my tax dollars support that?

Answer 1

You raise an interesting question. First, you do realize that "churches" per se are not tax exempt? To gain tax exempt status, they must register as a non-profit corporation under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3).

This is the same the same code provision organizations such as the American Red Cross, Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity, Planned Parenthood, the Salvation Army, and the YMCA and YWCA register under. It's the general tax law provision granting federal tax exemption to non-profit organizations.

If you think about it, there is a certain sense to not taxing a non-profit organization beyond the idea of supporting good works. By definition, these organizations are not supposed to make a profit. So it's "income" generally comes from individuals who support the organization's mission and have already been taxed on those funds. Now, if you give money to a ... call it a private entity for lack of a better term ... Church or any other organization that has not registered as a 501(c)(3) corporation, it's going to have to pay taxes on those funds. And as you might imagine, this tends to lower the contributions (the amount of tax deductibility varies).

Of course, these tax exempt non-profit corporations give up something to gain their tax exempt status. They are generally prohibited from conducting political campaign activities to influence elections to public office.And "no substantial part" of its activities may be devoted to lobbying. As you might imagine, this limitation has caused some churches not to claim a tax exempt status. And it has gotten other 501(c)(3) organizations in trouble (including some churches), thus, risking their tax exempt status.

Now as I understand your question, you want the government to treat Churches differently from the way it treats other non-profit corporations such as the Red Cross? I think there are real constitutional issues with your proposal. In addition, removing the limitation on the involvement of formerly tax exempt churches in elections might have a profound affect on the political landscape. Or do you propose to continue muzzling churches and restricting their right to free speech rights (which they voluntarily gave up when they sought tax exempt status as a nonprofit corporation) even though they would no longer enjoy the benefits of a tax exempt status?

Laura

Answer 2

First let me say that I am not Christian. I just don't think that you should tax a church. Churches are supposed to be non profit and therefore would fit into the non taxable buildings. Some churches barely make enough on donations to keep the facility running. If you tax them then that church will have to be shut down and all the people in it will have to go elsewhere or they won't be able to go to church at all. However, I think that each church should have to prove that they are non profit and produce their records every year to be able to get this status. I know a few churches that should be taxed and heavily because they are taking money from the people left and right for other things besides tithings. If a church is really a church then they will be glad to show records and if they are not then they will fight it and/or show altered or fake records. Then how can they say that others will go to hell if they themselves are saying lies.

Answer 3

The whole reason in the beginning was the same reason for the beginnings of this country.

Our forefathers never envisioned a country where all were free to do as they wished as far as religion goes. What they did envision and strive to make sure never happened in American was a country that would be controlled by a certain religion.

They had fled from europe and the control that the Roman Catholic church had. You were compelled to be Roman Catholic, there was no other choice and you were not free to just reject it.

Our forefathers wanted to make sure that never happened here in American with any church.

Now it used to be that not everyone got a vote in this country. In the beginning you had to own property in order to vote. Men that did not own property could not vote.

Once the property tax was placed into existance, it was decided that the churches would not pay property taxes, and thus would not have a vote in govermental affairs and thus this would keep them from gaining control of the government.

It continues to ths day, and it is not a bad thing. Right now in this country if a church is found to be preaching politics from the pulpit or their website, they do lose their tax exempt status.

It was in the beginning, and still is an attempt to make sure that no church gains control of the government.

Answer 4

They should. I think the bible has something about giving Caesar what is his (taxes). My Kindred has tax exempt status, but we pay taxes anyway. It's part of pulling your own. We use the public roads, etc. Besides, we don't need gold plated Thor's Hammers or silk Rune Banners or solid gold drinking horns. They add nothing to the spiritual power of a blot or sumbel. That comes from within, not from the swag on your altar.

You know, even the First Church of Satan pays taxes, and they also have exempt status.

~Morg~

Answer 5

Because they serve a public good when they are used to that extent....

It also helps to relieve the financial burden on the churches and allows them to keep their doors open to those who seek a better way.

Churches in a way serve as a sort of public welfare system.

Edit:
Well said, wldathrt77, well said.

To questioner:
Read wldathrt77's statement...

Answer 6

they are a not for profit organization. They have many tax breaks just like any other charity, or Non-profit organization. All churches qualify for these tax breaks. Not just "christian" churches. They do have their own category that they fall under though, simply because churches are churches.

Answer 7

they are tax exempt because our government allows them to be

Answer 8

public place just like public schools

Answer 9

I don't know why, but I believe they should pay property taxes.

Answer 10

It's cool not to.