There's a difference between a charity and a religion.
I'm not talking about charities run by religions (there are non-religious charities too), I'm talking about the actual churches.
Saying they shouldn't because they help people doesn't cut it. Doctors and therapists help people too, and they pay tax.
2007-04-07
23:43:45
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9 answers
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asked by
Anonymous
in
Society & Culture
➔ Religion & Spirituality
Consider the size of Benny Hinn's estate as a good example
2007-04-07
23:44:27 ·
update #1
If other businesses are taxes, then they should be taxed as well... it is favoritism.
2007-04-07 23:47:05
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answer #1
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answered by Invisible_Flags 6
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I agree. I think all the charitable things a church does should be tax free. But where you draw the line can be difficult. Giving food & clothes to the impoverished would count. Counseling should be included, too. But what about visiting the sick in the hospital. A church does so much good - which good deeds deserve to be untaxed & which are considered "business operations" therefore taxible.
But I think you are a bit confused on one point. Preachers pay taxes. While a non-profit oganization doesn't need to pay taxes, its employees do & a preacher is the employee of the church.
And please don't confuse Benny Hinn with the typical preacher. Unfortunately, the most famous preachers are the worst examples of what a preacher should be. (With the exception of Billy Graham - he's a true servant of the Lord)
2007-04-09 00:04:15
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answer #2
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answered by Smart Kat 7
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You honestly think that every church and pastor is like Benny Hinn and makes a profit?
Many churches LOSE money because yes,they help people.When my church runs an outreach program,they don't charge for it-doctors and therapists DO.
2007-04-08 06:52:27
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answer #3
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answered by Serena 5
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In principle I'd agree with you. Churches certainly DESERVE to be taxed. But I'm very leery about doing anything that might break down that wall of separation of church and state. The fundies are already working hard to merge christianity and government, let's not help them do it.
2007-04-08 06:47:47
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answer #4
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answered by Skippy 6
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Jealous or what? No one supports atheistic preachers? Oh yeah never mind.
Churches are organizations that support their own causes ie ministries and they don't need the government telling them where there money needs to go.
So the separation issue no longer matters? I might be willing to make a concession if we can teach the Bible in schools!
2007-04-08 06:54:15
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answer #5
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answered by Who's got my back? 5
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According to the IRS it's because of the first amendment and their unique status within society. They do however pay taxes under certain circumstances. By the way, you don't pay their share of taxes; they just don't have any.
2007-04-08 06:50:44
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answer #6
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answered by Keith 4
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Before they can be taxed we need them to report their finances. Churches are immune to that requirement. A priviledge no other institution except organized crime enjoys.
2007-04-08 06:50:30
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answer #7
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answered by U-98 6
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yes tax the churches all thay want is money
2007-04-08 07:06:37
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answer #8
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answered by andrew w 7
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There is no reason why they need to be exempt
2007-04-08 06:54:09
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answer #9
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answered by hot carl sagan: ninja for hire 5
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