Ok, I know that churches don't have to pay things like property taxes on their land. I'm not sure what the laws are on other places of worship of differing religions but.... going on the assumption that places of worship can render their lands property tax free, If I were to turn part of my house into a place of Pagan worship, could I in fact take that area out of my property tax legally? Anyone know?
2007-12-10 03:07:04 · 10 answers · asked by iamwardicus 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'd guess you probably could, but you might have to open it up for worship or something else making it publicly accessible.
Maybe create a pagan center of worship on some corner of your property so that you don't have strangers stopping by to visit you inside your home?!
2007-12-10 03:11:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A yes or no answer is not possible, given the information you provided. But here is the IRS link to get you started.
http://www.irs.gov/charities/churches/index.html
One thing for sure, you actually have to have regular meetings and members.
Side note: churches should not be tax exempt. Read the information at this site to see an example of how much tax revenue is lost to church exemption. It they paid their fair share, we would pay much, much less.
http://www.gainesvillehumanists.org/chrchtax.htm
2007-12-10 04:05:54 · answer #2 · answered by Yinzer from Sixburgh 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have to have an actual religion and designate the whole building as a sanctuary to that religion. I'm not sure what would legally qualify as a religion, but you'd certainly have to have a statement of doctrines and show evidence that you pursue same, with the intention of having your doctrines presented to and available for other people.
2007-12-10 03:13:06 · answer #3 · answered by Steve 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a good question.
If not, then giving other religions an exemption would violate the establishment clause. Of course, several laws already do that, like denying pot to Rastafarians.
2007-12-10 03:11:49 · answer #4 · answered by David Carrington Jr. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. I have heard about people not paying property tax because their house is a center for their "religion". But I have heard about varying degrees of hassle to get this to work.
2007-12-10 03:10:47 · answer #5 · answered by Take it from Toby 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, it cannot be a portion of a residence. In other words, a pastor couldn't have a church meet in his house and claim tax exempt status.
You still have to register as a 501c3 non-profit.
Ath
2007-12-10 03:10:46 · answer #6 · answered by athanasius was right 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have to make a case with the IRS. Many people have tried and failed, being unable to prove that their residences are actual places of worship for a congregation.
2007-12-10 03:10:48 · answer #7 · answered by Skalite 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No the Pagan religion is not recognized by the federal government as a religion.
2007-12-10 03:12:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
by the tax law definitions, no, tax exemption is only for government "recognized" religions and only for places that are used specifically for the purpose of religious obeisances....
2007-12-10 03:11:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't you think that asking legal advice on Y/A is kind of foolish? That is a question that should really be given to a lawyer.
2007-12-10 03:11:16 · answer #10 · answered by Biker4Life 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋