Would you be in favor of taxing religious organizations, churches, etc?

Question

Should religions pay taxes to the government (property taxes, income, etc)?

Answer 1

I am a Christian Pastor and I have never believed a Church or any orginazation should be tax exempt.

I do not believe records should be kept of who gave what or how much.

I do not believe Christians should be able to claim their offerings, gifts or Tithes on their taxes.

I do not believe in Tithes (only freewill gifts from the heart).

I do not believe a Church should have to be regestered with the State or Federal Gov.

I do not believe in keeping "Membership" records, God knows who His people are.

That is why I am Independent, (NO) denomination, I answer to God and God alone in my Christian walk.

I also want to add that some of the answers here says Church and State should be seperate.

Think about this, the ONLY way a Church can be tax exempt is to register with the Government, and the Government then decides (IF) they will let you claim to be a Church or not.

DOES THAT SOUND LIKE SEPERATION TO YOU?

Answer 2

absolutely. Unless they can prove that they make no profits but they can't
PS: Paying taxes is not a violation of seperation of church and state. If they are making money off faithful citizens of the state, they own property in the state, they buy cars and other goods like regular citizens then they should pay taxes. Has nothing to do with seperation of church and state really, it's just what they should do to run as a money making organization in any given state.

Answer 3

Christian churches aren't the only tax exempt churches, all religions that the US government recognizes as real religions are tax exempt, because they do not make much money to begin with, they only make money from donations, and that money only goes towards keeping the church running, and what is left over goes to the clergy of the parish, priests do not make much money and if we started to tax churches then the churches would not be able to support themselves. If we start taxing any religion then there is no longer separation of church and state (one of the things America was founded on), because the government would be interfering in religious affairs.(which is also why the government cannot force churches to allow female priests.) when the government starts interfering with churches, then the government officials can start allowing their religion into the government. and there are other ways to reduce the debt, get rid of welfare(there is something that is abused widely and causes a lot of government spending)

Answer 4

Many churches already do. But no one should be paying property taxes period. Nobody should have to pay an annual government rental fee.

Answer 5

No.
Why?
Because any such organisation is made up of people who have already paid their taxes.
And religions should not be making any profits, like a normal business,
Taxes should apply only to profits.
Most times they do.
most religious organisations have built up their assets through donation by members. As stated who have already paid taxes.
It would be double dipping.

Answer 6

No, it helps me identify the pseudo christians from the real.

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As seen from some of the answers from these pseudo christians, they have not done their homework. They are not seperate from government if they are currently a 501c3 sanctioned operation. Exactly the opposite. They appeal to the current Ceasar of the day for his dainties in the way of being ommited from his taxes. He gives them their request, but requires they not speak against him, for if they do, their dainties shall be stripped from them. They give their money to the 'church' and then apply to Ceasar for a tax write off, getting benefit from him for having applied to his government controlled 'church'. If you write off your 'giving' to the 'church' and get it back as a credit on your taxes, exactly how much did you give? The answer is nothing!

WAKE UP PEOPLE. I am a watchman on the wall, and I have sounded the alarm! Your blood will not be held to my account, but to your own.

Answer 7

absolutely not! Churches are not businesses. They are places of worship and refuge for Christians. there is no reason why you should harass them with taxes. In fact, in the Biblical days, tax collectors were hated by EVERYONE! dont be a tax collector

Answer 8

Bet you'd see a lot of preachers trading in those Sedan De Villes for a Honda Accord. Bwaa ha ha ha!!

Answer 9

Business.

Answer 10

Absolutely. Churches are businesses.