Can I start my own religion/cult for the tax-free benefits?

Question

Does it have to be an established religion to get the tax free benefits? Or have a certain muber of followers? What other legal benefits do religions have over say- an average person, like myself?

*in the US

"For a dear price you shall pay."
Does anyone actually speak this way? What year is it for you? Are you from 1843?

Answer 1

Sure. There are so many splinter groups of Christianity that that's your best best to fly low under the IRS radar.

You do have to keep track of members and report income. Having a regular meeting place and times of worship lends credibility.

In fact, I'm rather surprised there aren't more trendy church out there already. One that gathers to socialize and laugh on Sunday mornings. Some of the ecstatic churches are moving in that direction... but not everyone likes to dance... or needs special effects.

I can see it now...

Holy Word of Humor Congregational
Great Giggling Gospel Church
First Church of Jesus Smiling
Saint Bellylaughs Cathedral

Answer 2

You have to check with your state to see what requirements they have for recognizing your organization as a "religion." You would need a certain number of followers and some kind of organization structure. You are essentially creating a non-profit organization, and need to get 501(c)3 status. The *organization* won't be taxed the way businesses are, and you as a non-profit employee may be eligible for certain tax breaks, but it's not like you're going to suddenly get off scot-free. Creating your own religion will NOT solve any problems you are currently experiencing; at best, it will exchange them for a new set of problems.

Answer 3

The site below gives you the requirements. You don't really get a lot of benefit from federal tax exemption. It only applies to the church, not to you. You would still have to pay income tax if your church paid you a salary.

But as far as saying you're a religion, that's not a big problem.

Answer 4

To get the Tax Exempt Status, the government has to recognize your "religion"

Answer 5

You have the benefit of rejecting Social Security so you do not have to pay into it.

Answer 6

Of course you can, just look at the other religions that have done it

Answer 7

start it and I will follow you the first one

Answer 8

The USA's taxing agency, the Internal Revenue "Service" (IR"S"), is very liberal and progressive when it comes to taxing cults. However, cults must still pay income tax, and they must still pay Social Security tax and report income under the banking laws. The following text is a very brief extract from the StartChurch web site. I think it will explain the basics. You, too, may become a church in the USA if you want: it's real easy--- see the StartChurch web site for details.

Step 1: Incorporate
Why Incorporate?
In today's society things change so rapidly that most churches are being left in the dust. And no number of techniques will help you unless you orchestrate them through the proper channels. It is very important for churches today to incorporate as it creates an entity that can acquire property and hold assets in its name. If you want to be believable then create an entity that is believable. The Apostle Paul said it well in 1 Cor. 9:22: "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." You can only be as believable as the entity you create is believable. Contrary to the beliefs of some, when you incorporate your church, you are not subjecting God's kingdom to the laws of man. You are simply creating an entity that can act in the name of the church. Every state in America has its own set of legislation governing the way corporations are formed. You don't need to go and spend hundreds of dollars letting someone else do it for you when you can do it yourself for pennies on the dollar. Your basic blueprint for success will rest on the five steps needed to establish your church. If you have all five of these bases covered, you are assured success. We have been there and have also done it. We know where the pitfalls lie and how best to set up a church's corporate presence (Hosea 4:6). There is no reason to reinvent the wheel when there is a perfectly good working model already in place. Our years of experience will guide you step by step as you incorporate your church. By the time you are done incorporating, you will have an entity that allows your church to set any and all possible scenarios. There is certain language that your corporate documents need in order to create the flexibility necessary for your church to grow and broaden its outreach. The good news is, it certainly can be done and you can do it yourself.

Step 2: Get an F.E.I.N. Why Get an F.E.I.N.? You want to make sure that your church's finances are setup correctly. The checking account is where you store most of the general treasury of the church. Many churches have grown to stores millions of dollars in their general treasury. Without a checking account, you can be assured that your church will have a difficult time getting anything accomplished. Your church's checking account is the lifeline of every day operations. But in order for you to correctly open up a checking account in the name of your church, an F.E.I.N. is needed. With it, your church can begin its daily operations and safely store its money in the church's general treasury.

Step 3: Write Constitution and Bylaws Why Write Constitution and Bylaws? All church leaders want their church government to be one that protects the best interest of the church. There are too many churches today operating with inadequate Constitution and Bylaws and it can only mean one thing. They are headed for trouble. Unfortunately, true to scripture, in every house there are vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor (2 Tim 2:20). There will be people that will challenge your Constitution and Bylaws with bad intentions. Your church needs to ensure that the Constitution and Bylaws create a full-proof method of ensuring the longevity of the church. At Startchurch, we have already done that for you. Every possible loop hole needs to be closed and every possible measure needs to be taken to ensure that the Constitution and Bylaws agree with the corporate documents. As you establish your church, you must allow God to lead you and help you do it without having to hire outside help. Click continue to go to the next step.

Step 4: Become a 501(c)(3) Why become a 501(c)(3)? This the step of steps. Many churches per every day are not able to show their 501(c)(3)-determination letter in order for individuals who want to make a large contribution to have the peace of mind that their contribution is tax deductible. By becoming a 501c3 you take a giant leap in securing the future of the church. You have probably investigated to see how much it would cost you to hire a CPA to do it for you and have been astounded at the price. There is good news. You can do it yourself and do it better than any CPA. Who knows your church better than you? By putting in place all of the necessary steps, the future of your church will be bright. For you never know the day that a perfect stranger will walk into your office with a large check in hand saying, "I want to give this to your church?" You will not get caught off guard. You will be ready to show your proof that you are a 501(c)(3). Click continue to go to the next step.

Step 5: Become Sales and Use Tax Exempt Why Become Sales and Use Tax Exempt? This final step is the one most forgotten about. Day after day churches purchase things for the ministry and pay anywhere between 6%-8.5% sales tax. The truth is that for most churches that should not be so. Every pastor in America would not refuse an 8% increase in their tithes and offerings. However, too many do refuse such an increase simply by not becoming Sales and Use Tax exempt. Not all states collect sales tax and not all states extend this exemption to churches. Why not have the exemption? That is part of being a good steward. If you are ready to get your church off to a good start then now is the time to act. Don't let the time pass you by. The earlier you start the better you will start.

Step 6: License Your Ministers (Optional) One of the greatest advantages of establishing a church is your autonomy. When a church is autonomous, it a has a greater ability to establish relationships with other churches regardless of their denominational backgrounds. Additionally, it brings your church the ability to license ministers in accordance with the convictions of the leadership's heart. When licensing, one must keep in mind that it is God who ordains and man simply recognizes what God has already done. The word license as found in Webster's dictionary is defined as "permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business or occupation or in an activity otherwise unlawful." Here we see that when your church grants a ministerial license it is granting someone the authority to perform certain acts that he/she would not otherwise be able to perform. Examples are marrying, funerals, pastoral counseling, clergy-penitent rules, special rules for filing taxes, etc. Whenever your church grants a license the government accepts it as valid and allows the person to exercise the rights and privileges that come with being a licensed or ordained minister.

Good luck, but if you start a good one you're going to have a lot of guests.

Answer 9

Hey, how did you do that? Yahoo removed my question about my own cult. Lucky girl...

Answer 10

Will it involve polygamy? If yes, I'm in.