What is the financial-based reason why religious property is not taxed?

Question

We were discussing such tax exempt statuses and how it really makes no sense to give any religious property (churches, etc.) special consideration.

What does religion have to do with taxes?

Do you think that revoking this unnecessary exemption could provide financial assistance to local communities?

melsposty.....you sure have a sense of humor! Somehow, some way, organized religion has already infiltrated the government. Do you think it's only fair that so long as they play they should pay?

Answer 1

Freedom of religion , they don't pay taxes. What's more they get to deduct their "social club" dues on their tax forms as a charity.

Freedom of the Press, I still pay sales tax. How is this fair?

Answer 2

Since donations to churches (not the charities they sponsor) should be tax exempt because the people giving have already paid taxes on the money. But the church should pay at least the land value value on the site the church is built (because the church construction was probably done by donated time, materials and money. it should be exempt). taxing at least the land of the site would help the cities pay for the utility and street construction and maintenance in the street adjoining the property.

Like wise all money made by the church through investment and any capitalist venture should be taxed as well...

these taxes would be fair to everyone and would not be that large...but would prevent churches from hiding ordinary capitalistic profits.

Answer 3

There is no financial based reason ! We might as well tax their property, because they keep supporting politicians. Not only that, but many religious leaders treat their religion as a business to get very rich.

Answer 4

It's why religions are such a good investment. Start your own. If everybody had their own religion nobody would pay tax

Answer 5

It is the law.If one does not like it do something about it.If the churches paid taxes they would have a say so in the Government and the Government could say what religion could or couldn't do.

Answer 6

Religious organizations are usually involved in charity, education and public services that are supposed to be performed by government. Thus, in order to indirectly compensate the services of religious groups, the government no longer tax their properties.

Answer 7

Separation of Church and State.

Answer 8

"really makes no sense to give any religious property (churches, etc.) special consideration" duh. it's incentive. they provide more welfare care than the gov't.