Should religious organizations lose their tax exemption?

Question

Most religious organizations, at least in the United States collect an obscene amount of money. Many churches are the size of small cities on huge plots of land, utilizing the latest technologies, and are lead by millionaire pastors. Shouldn't these organizations contribute to the tax-pool just like every other business?

Answer 1

Agreed 100 times over.

I hope everyone is aware that, per capita, the Vatican is by a wide margine the richest country in the world. Then they hold out their palms some more.

Answer 2

properly i changed into deeply saddened to hearken to about the Catholic Charities and Archdiocese of Washington DC, considering i turned right into a former donor. I say former donor because they are going to not in any respect receive yet another cent from me. I say any church that tries to disclaim the civil rights of others must have their tax exemption status taken away and that i wish that donors to Catholic Charities of Boston and Washington DC will stumble on a cost charity to donate their money to.

Answer 3

It all depends how much of their income is for profit. If they're only bringing in enough to pay the bills, and they're donating much of their money to charity, no. And I beg to differ with your "most religious organizations" statement.

The whole point of churches being tax exempt is so that they remain apolitical. Tax them, and they should no longer be required to remain apolitical. Is that what you want?

Answer 4

The church building itself, parsonages, buildings and organizations that directly perform nonprofit work for humanity--keep the exemption. Property utilized for income purposes--tax it like any other organization.

Answer 5

I think any religion that pushes a political agenda should have it's tax excempt status revoked, and all preachers should pay income tax.

Answer 6

They should only loose tax exempt status if they get involved in politics.