Should we tax the churches?

Question

In the United States, broadly organized religious groups are able to work more-or-less tax free. The churches, which are businesses (they have employees, operators, and a board of directors) do not have to pay taxes. There are groups that claim this is due to religious freedoms, but...

How about worshiping minorities? Many Buddhist homeowners or business owners maintain shrines as is common to their religion. These shrines require regular maintenance and supplies (such as incense and marigolds), but I doubt that the owners are able to “write off” their expenses the same way that churches are. Wicca (and other Pagan religions) have similar problems, as the practitioners of those religions often have to do or make a lot of things themselves. Should they be penalized because they don't have the equivalent to “Saint Jude” stores?

We claim a separation of church and state, but what it seems to me is that we allow large corporations to flourish while making the little guy pay. Thoughts?

Answer 1

In the UK we're turning them into bars and restaurants and I think it's great.

Answer 2

This question has been asked and answered many times. But once more, here's why churches aren't taxed. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of religious expression. Through many (200+) years of review and scrutiny, the courts have determined, taxing churches would inhibit the free expression of religion. It's the same principle which doesn't allow poll taxes, an idea used many years ago to keep poor people from voting. While there may be some churches which abuse this right, most don't. Churches which have been found guilty of political influence and intrusion have lost their not-for-profit status. There have also been many cases of people setting up their own religions, in their garages, and getting tax exempt status. Wiccans have equal protection under the constitution and are accorded tax exempt status for their societies as well. If you have any doubt, go to the IRS and look at their approved charities. You will be amazed at what you will find.

If you truly want separation of church and state, leave the churches alone. 200 years has developed the system we have. It works, it's not perfect, but it's about the best you can hope for.

Answer 3

They should pay taxes just like everything else. Churches own huge chunks of land, and then don't have to pay property tax, which is the main reason I can't buy a home. I found out that the pastor of a Lutheran church, in a large town, made $80,000 a year. Church taxes should be based on some formula that takes in Profit and charity, to make it fair.

Answer 4

I believe they should pay taxes, all taxes that exist, just like everyone else does. I think donations should stay deductable so people will continue to support the organizations however. I also feel the clergy should pay all taxes as well. Maybe they do, I don't know for sure.

Let's face it, they are a business just like all the others.

Why should they object? They can still spread the word, whatever that may be.

What about other non-profit organizations?

Answer 5

Taxing the Church would seem beneficial but the then problem you have is that the Church would demand representation in the State: something Governments deliberately steered away from a long time ago in the First World, anyway.

While they may generate ridiculous sums of untaxed wealth, it seems better than the alternative - thats how prohibition and catholic schools start becoming law.

Also remember that Churches do not receive any funding from the general Public - they run on charities of their worshipers. It just so turns out that Catholicism is really, really, really rich.

Answer 6

The tax exemption is based on churches being NON POLITICAL. However, churches have decided to be political so they can 1) force their religious dogma down everybodys' throats and 2) so they can cash in at the public treasury under Mr. Bush's so called "Faith Based Initiative" which amounts to tax payer paid subsidy for pro-Republican political endorsements from the pastors. The churches are corrupt. Jesus Himself would have no problem throwing them out of the temple today because they are whoring after money--that is clearly the goal of the churches today, rather than preaching or saving souls. They are hypocrites. Of course they should pay taxes. And penalties and interest, too, based on when they violated their promise to be non-political. And if there is any criminality involved, any fraud that any other citizen would go to jail for, the pastors should, too.

Answer 7

I agree. Some churches study business methods to learn how better to "market" their religious services. Congregations pay thousands of dollars to hire church consulting firms. Mega churches, with congregation members numbering into the thousands, do so well financially that they draw the attention of business publications, such as The Wall Street Journal and The Economist. These report that mega churches typically offer " 'one-stop shopping' for body and soul." Church complexes may include restaurants, beauty salons, saunas and sports facilities. But what do the preachers teach? Not surprisingly, the gospel of prosperity. Believers are told that they will be rich and healthy if they contribute generously to their church.

False religion meddles in war and politics, spreads false doctrine, tolerates immoral sex.

We are all distressed about crimes committed in the name of religion. Warfare, terrorism, and corruption perpetrated by those who claim to serve God offend our sense of justice. Religion is the root of so many problems.

The fault lies, not with all religion, but with false religion.

A widely respected religious figure, Jesus Christ, indicated that false religion produces bad works, just as a "rotten tree produces worthless fruit." (Matthew 7:15-17).

Soon, though, an amazing event will take place. In a sudden, shocking move, the world's political powers will turn on false religion and completely destroy her! What will prompt this action? The Bible book of Revelation answers: "God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought." (Revelation 17:17) Yes, God will call false religion to account for all the despicable acts she has committed in his name. In a stroke of perfect justice, he will use her political paramours as his instrument of execution.

True religion practices love, trusts God's word, strengthens families and upholds high moral standards.

If more people practiced true religion, the Holocaust could have been prevented and genocide would scourge the world no more.

Answer 8

In that case Christians should have equal rights in schools to worship and public prayer oh dear that would upset the commies oh sorry "People For The American Way" . America has a Christian majority yet is treated like second class citizens in some states because of a militant minority which pretends to be patriotic but loathes traditional values and faith . Taxation should equal representation in my view but will the pretend patriots accept it?.

Answer 9

All churches should pay taxes. Did you know that nearly 25% of the land in the U.S. is owned by churches? If the churches paid property tax alone, we would be able to QUICKLY wipe out the national debt. In addition, if the churches were taxed on income (like all other businesses), we would be able to cut taxes in other areas (such as gasoline).

There is one respectable church in the U.S. who does pay taxes voluntarily rather than accept the tax exemption that all others enjoy... the Church of Satan!!!

Answer 10

I don't believe any Non-Profit organizations have to pay taxes...

Here some info for you:

"Federal, State, Sales, Payroll Taxes, etc.
Tax-exempt organizations usually do not have to pay federal taxes on income. In addition, many states provide exemptions to income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, etc. It would be extremely difficult to track and report any standard guidelines about these various types of taxes across the states. "


so if we tax the church, we tax abuse shelters, NA/ AA, Pro-choice and Life organizations and so on....


by the way, all of these organizations do recieve "donations"

Answer 11

i think churches should have to pay taxes just like everyone else. i mean they collect enough money for god ever week you think they could give uncle sam a taste. i didnt know its was a religious freedom to not pay taxes. lets start our own religion called dowhatchawan and we can all live tax free. the only rules of our new religion you dont force it on people and you mind your own business