How do religious based political groups maintain a tax free status?

Answer 1

even though they may quietley support a certain political group, they do not openly endorse a party, then they will lose thier tax-free status.

Answer 2

Supporters of these proposals say a change is necessary because clergy are afraid to speak out on political issues. But this argument is mistaken. The free speech rights of religious leaders are already broadly protected by the U.S. Constitution. Clergy can and do address public policy concerns, ranging from abortion, gay rights and gun control to poverty, civil rights and the death penalty. They may support legislation pending in Congress or the state legislatures, or call for its defeat. They may endorse or oppose ballot referenda. Indeed, discussion of public issues is a common practice in religious institutions all over America.

The only thing houses of worship may not do is endorse or oppose candidates for public office or use their resources in partisan campaigns. This restriction, which is found in federal tax law, is not limited to churches and other religious ministries. In fact, it is applied to every non-profit organization in the country that holds a tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Contrary to the claims of many in the Religious Right, the IRS is not singling out houses of worship for special regulation. Thousands of educational, scientific, charitable and literary organizations hold the 501(c)(3) status, and all must abide by the legal requirement barring involvement in elections.

Why does this rule exist? The answer is obvious upon a moment's reflection: Non-profit organizations receive tax exemption because their work is charitable, educational or religious. That tax benefit comes with conditions. One requirement is that tax-exempt organizations refrain from involvement in partisan politics. This is a reasonable rule, since tax-exempt groups are supposed to work for the public good, not spend their time and money trying to elect or defeat candidates.

This regulation is also designed to protect the integrity of the election process. Special types of organizations already exist to help political hopefuls win public office. Those groups, such as Political Action Committees, have a different tax status and are organized under a different set of rules than 501(c)(3) groups, rules designed to ensure that the nation's campaign-finance laws are followed. Blurring the distinction between these two types of organizations would harm both religion and politics.

Answer 3

This concerns some old tax laws. Much the same way foundations and charities are tax free. The concept basically evolves around the fact they are non-political... while I will argue that one anyday.

As far as how they maintain this... they do it by following the non-political rule which has actually gotten quite a few of them into doo doo lately.

Answer 4

They actually absolutely ought to safeguard their present day tax- exempt status no longer all religious communities are tremendous -wealthy and somewhat nicely funded businesses , some are extremely getting through and a tax would all precise force them out of existence. there are also communities somewhat in rural factors that do extremely some solid for his or her community and taxing them would reason worry to those they serve through deferring money into authorities coffers somewhat than into soup kitchens and food banks. the authorities would not opt for it, the hungry do I actual have purely expained the humanitarian clarification for no longer taxing faith now for the political reason. no longer taxing faith in outcome robs that faith of potential. It thoroughly negates the argument of a tax payer annoying amenities and issues from the authorities for monies paid out. Denying potential to the Church is between the tacitly understood aims of the U. S. structure. The Founding fathers wanted a weak Church and not in any respect taxing them become one thanks to do it.

Answer 5

They support Republicans.

Answer 6

By listing themselves as part of a "church".

Answer 7

I think they're part Amish....in every way.