Why Are Churches Tax Exempt?

Question

Is it because they don't get involved with politics?

Answer 1

They are considered non profit!

Answer 2

Good question, as many, like the Catholics, hoard precious paintings and other artifacts! Whether most want to admit it, religion IS A BUSINESS!

Recently, some properties of churches are not tax exempt, especially those bought that have nothing to do with the church and more to do with investment!

Answer 3

1) As part of their tax exempt status, they are not allowed to engage in partisan politics. We all know how that is enforced. Can ynybody say Jesse Jackson?
2) I think it was Chief Justice John Marshall who said "The power to tax is the power to destroy". By this logic, taxing religious institutins violates the free expression clause of the 1st amendment.
3) Most if not all non for profit organizations are tax exempt.

Answer 4

One reason, yes. Another is they're non-profit.

Although the IRS often overlooks political activity by churches, it has repeatedly warned clergy and faith-based groups that it intends to enforce its rules this year, in part to correct what IRS commissioner Mark W. Everson called "a disturbing amount" of political activity by churches and charities during the 2004 election.

Answer 5

They are non profit supposedly but we all know they do get involved in politics and they do make money else why would they have air conditioned dog houses?

Answer 6

Thats one reason. But it all stems from McCulloch v. Maryland where the court ruled that "The power to tax is the power to destroy". To prevent excessive government entanglement in matters of religion, to prevent government levying taxes to favor one denomination over the other, and to prevent Churches and the Government from becoming to interconnected, the government ruled that in order to preserve the freedom of religion in America, they should remain tax exempt

Answer 7

Funny isn't it.

The churhces are the biggest (and richest) land owners in most countries. They are worth BILLIONS

And still they guilt trip some pensioner into giving them what little money she has "towards the new church roof"

I find the whole thing utterly repugnant.

Answer 8

no,its because they are non-profit,,,, meaning the church nor no one in the church, gets the money they take in,, this doesnt mean they cannot pay a pastor/secretary/ other expenses etc, its the same rules for other non-profits, like the Red Cross,,,

Answer 9

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES SHOULD BE


Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82:3-4



GOD BLESS

Answer 10

Non profit and something called separation of church and state.

Answer 11

Well, they control the US Gov and the World