Do you think that it's time churches start paying taxes?

Question

They provide a service and receive payment and they have their hands in the political system. If they want to do that, they can pay like the rest of us. I'm sure that it wouldn't be much of a burden and they probably would be tax exemptions for some stuff. I'm sure their political buddies can help with that.


Does not a 3 million dollar church work exactly like a 300 thousand dollar one? Does that 200ft. crucifix have to be seen from the space station or do the stained glass windows have
to go from floor to ceiling?

I might be missing the boat on this one. I'm tired and cranky. But at least I have an open mind enough to suggest that I could be wrong.

Answer 1

I have no problem with tax except status for churches and other religious bodies as long as we pagans can have the same tax exempt status which at this time there are many pagan tax exempt charities and community centers. .

As long as these benefits apply to all religions, I have no problem with it.
BB

Answer 2

Of course they should. It should, however be fair. This means ANY religious organization should be taxed. Also,if they fall in a certain income bracket they should possibly be considered exempt. Charitable work preformed by the organization should be counted as an exemption, with preference towards acts of charity WITHIN the US. I believe charity begins at home.@ Also, this has little to do with separation of Church and State. That is to prevent legislation of religion and religious ideals. It is also to protect citizens from being forced to participate in a majority religion if they choose not to do so. Old man from scene 24 had it right, now they attempt to use separation of C&S as a shield, while they usually deny it's existence. Whether or not money given to a religious organization is taxed beforehand (simple income tax) is irrelavent, as we buy goods from businesses on a daily basis. In turn the businesses are taxed. I'm suggesting that NEEDED expenses be deducted. Charity work within the US be deducted. It is perfectly reasonable. However, if the christian majority disagrees with this, perhaps we should outlaw the religious lobby. We should also appoint a panel (a panel appointed, of course, by people who are non-religious) just to make sure any legislation submitted is not religious opinion dressed in secular clothes. Gotta maintain that Separation of Church and State.

Answer 3

Yes, they provide a service and receive payment. But most "payments" are donations. On top of that the Churches belong to the faithful...who already pay their fair share of taxes.

I don't have a problem with the Churches' involving themselves in politics. After all they are responsible for souls and someone needs to speak up when they see our country happily zooming towards hell.

Other groups have non-profit status such as Churches of Satan, NAMBLA, KKK, etc.

Answer 4

A Catholic church in a town near me embarked on a 1 million dollar renovation. I asked the priest wouldn't it be better to use that money to help the needy and his answer..."we needed to replace the stations of the cross, and other things". So his statuary was more important to him than helping his fellow man. Yes, churches should pay taxes.

Answer 5

Churches, like other nonprofit organizations, provide services to society. Thus, the government does not have to provide these services. This lowers your tax burden.

Answer 6

No, unless we change the constitution to make the Church a state-sponsored religion. Taxes are for secular stuff.

Secondly, where do you think they get the money from? It's from charity. You saying that you want charity to be taxed! Can't people freely practice generosity without the government getting its greedy hand in the pot?

Answer 7

I think its time they follow Jesus' teaching about giving to Ceaser what is to Ceaser. Make them pay!!!

Answer 8

Yes I think they should.

Answer 9

that's a good question.