We want our religion legally recognized by the US government. What paperwork do we need to complete?
2007-08-22 18:42:26 · 9 answers · asked by urukorcs 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
The federal govt cannot "recognize" a religion -- except for very specific federal agencies (such as veterans affairs, for burial purposes).
Other than that, you can have and follow any religion you want. That's guaranteed by the 1st Amendment. The govt has no say in the process.
However, you don't get any special treatment just because you are a religion. If you want special treatment, you need to conform to certain federal requirements.
For example, religions are one of many different groups under section 501(c) of the tax code that can be tax exempt as a non-profit organization. But that's not limited to religions, nor are all religions automatically non-profit.
2007-08-22 20:11:47 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The United States Constitution expressly forbids the federal government, or any of the states, from adopting or recognizing any official religion.
Therefore, it is illegal for any religion to be "official."
If you wish to start a religion, it is only necessary that you declare such relgion to exist. There is no "registry" or other official list of recognized religions maintained by any level of the government.
2007-08-23 01:57:15 · answer #2 · answered by Jason W 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you want to go to the IRS.gov website, there are several forms related to tax-exempt status. You will also need to complete forms in each state in which you have a congregation to get tax-exempt status under state law. You might also want to look at section 501 of the tax code.
2007-08-23 01:49:30 · answer #3 · answered by Tmess2 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In the United States, the closest thing to being "official" as far as religion goes is convincing the I.R.S. that you qualify for tax-exempt status.
2007-08-23 01:46:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
the IRS is the only one who says , what is a worthy religion or not
all the more reason to get rid of it
2007-08-23 02:00:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's against the constitution. Besides, religion is all a bunch of anachronistic hogwash for ignorant idiots anyway.
2007-08-23 01:47:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
basically none besides tax exemptions
become ordained online free
2007-08-23 01:47:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get enough idiots to believe it
2007-08-23 01:50:17 · answer #8 · answered by James 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Well it's mostly the liberals fault, since they won't allow such things.
And I dunno the paperwork....
But it'd be nice
2007-08-23 01:45:13 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋