Do you believe churches should be taxed?

Question

Whos sick of people joining religious groups to launder their money?

no Nancy, churches that are recognized by the IRS are exempt from paying taxes

home-school: I think the less taxes paid, the less infrastructure can be developed to supplement a growing economy...and maybe everyone including the people who dont support churches would have to pay less taxes...

oh please, the supporting the poor thing...look at the Catholic church...do they really support the poor when the cardinals get driven around by chauffeurs with Audi A8's and BMW 760si's? What about all of the gold and precious stones they have? I think it should be a world-wide thing. Some churches have more gold than what a smaller countries currency is worth.

Answer 1

Yes.

I didn't always think that way.... back when churches were in the "soul" business.

But, in the last 10-12 years, many have taken up politics; in the churches, in public forums and endorsements.

Today, most spout politics from the pulpit....so, pay up I say......

Answer 2

The religious function should not be taxed. But some churches now have a lot of employees running social programs for their members. If the whole community is not benefiting from those programs, then taxpayers are subsidizing them for something that benefits only their own.

Answer 3

Only if it can be proven that they are a for profit business or they are trying to directly influence the political system. Or a related law is being broken.

And im sure that would affect some. How about we start with that church in Chicago harboring that that criminal Elvira Arrelano for the last 6 months or so.

Answer 4

I don't believe in personal income tax, and I definitely believe that personal income tax should absolutely be abolished, as it is both immoral and unconstitutional. But, churches are businesses, and just like any other business, they do make a profit. Calling oneself non-profit does not make it so! I think it is wrong for churches to be exempt from taxes, while individuals are not considered exempt. I believe that personal income tax should be abolished altogether, and the 16th amendment revoked. *sm*

Answer 5

I agree, churches should start paying taxes. Here in Wisconsin, we have Pastors in poor areas driving BMWs wearing their fancy outfits.

While at the same time, in the suburbs, the ministers are living in nice homes, free of charge, and if the church owns the home, they are also tax free.

the other issue is the transferring of ones title to their home to the church so that they can avoid paying property taxes. this happens a lot with inner city churches.

Churches/Ministries have developed a bad reputation for discovering ways to pay taxes and unfortunately the good ones will have to suffer.

Answer 6

If you are going to do that then take tax exempt status away from Blind Industries..Goodwill...Political Campaigns..just tax the living daylights out of every institution..Private schools..
Food Kitchens..any service organization like the Lion's Club..

Let's take the impetus out of doing service and Volunteerism
away from our culture..Unions..Think tanks...Trade Associations..Retirement Service Centers..Boy Scoiuts Girl Scouts..imagine the money on their Cookie sales..

so Gov't programs can benefit the public sector..first

Answer 7

I'm never in favor of raising anyone's taxes, the less taxes that are paid, the stronger the economy will become and the less poverty and misery will ensue. I'm not surprised the father of all lies planted the thought of taxing Churches in order to help foster more envy, poverty and misery.

Answer 8

Churches who engage in money laundering are violating federal laws and voiding their tax-exempt status.

So, if they are doing that, then they no longer count as non-profit groups that are entitled to tax-exempt protection.

That doesn't mean blaming every single religious group, just because some of them may be breaking the law.

Answer 9

Yes they should. Especially considering we now have churches using their status to break the law. Such as where they harbor immigrants who are being deported claiming they are giving them sanctuary. You also have churches that will tell their members who they should vote for. Churches should not be tax exempt.

Answer 10

No..Church's are responsible for the vast majority of private charity in the entire country...based on that alone they would end up exempt. Why would you want to take from the poor just to grind your axe?