Oh No

[DRMIZER]

Even though it is said that Jesus instructed his followers to pay their taxes, most Christian churches are exempt from paying their fair share of taxes. One requirement to avoid paying taxes is for the religious groups to refrain from getting involved in politics. However, many of them want to do both, avoid paying their taxes plus push their political agenda. Now, the IRS is starting to confront them. http://www.capitolhillblue.com/content/2006/07/irs_to_churches_dont_campaign.html

What do you think about this?

[Missouri Mule]

I think we ought to tax the hell out of them.

[Smugmofo]

Religion should be taxed regardless of its political agenda. Operating a church don't differ from any business.

[The Big Bog]

What?!?! You think these fine people should be taxed???


http://www.newsreview.com/binary/fed69233/mixspecial-5328.jpeg


What are you people? Heartless?

[neo of the mind]

Let's not forget about the fact that a large portion of funds given to churches are used to help people in need. Just speaking money-wise, if the churches were not doing it, then the government would be doing it. If the governement is doing it then they will spend more of your money to do it then they would receive via taxes on churches.

[burntgorilla]

If the governement is doing it then they will spend more of your money to do it then they would receive via taxes on churches.

Not if they tax them enough.

[Eddie]

]Let's not forget about the fact that a large portion of funds given to churches are used to help people in need. [/B] Just speaking money-wise, if the churches were not doing it, then the government would be doing it. If the governement is doing it then they will spend more of your money to do it then they would receive via taxes on churches.

Can`t companies make write-offs for charitable work or funds? If they can, why not simply treat churches the same. It makes no sense IMO.

[burntgorilla]

Is it just churches, btw, or all religious places? Couldn't my house be a place of worship?

[neo of the mind]

The main reason that so many churches can help people directly is the fact that they are not taxed. The majority of churches are small and would only be able to exist if they were not taxed by the government. Taxing them "enough" would have the same affect as closing them down, which again, the government would fill their shoes.

So would you rather have a system where people voluntarily give funds to help people because they want to or would you rather have the government take it by force?

[burntgorilla]

People will still donate to churches if the church is taxed.

[Eddie]

So would you rather have a system where people voluntarily give funds to help people because they want to or would you rather have the government take it by force?

I`d rather have the government take it.

[melchizedek22]

If you want a tax exemption,stay out of politics!If you want to get on a religious tax exempt TV show like the 700 club,and preach right wing republican politics.pay up!

[neo of the mind]

People will still donate to churches if the church is taxed.

That wasn't my point. Read my actual posts.
To summarize for you since you are not comprehending it.

Most churches = small church = not a lot of operating funds =small margin of remaining money after obligations are fullfilled = can't pay bills due to being "taxed to the hilt by government" = closing doors = government stepping in = 90$ out of 100$ being wasted on bureaucracy = higher taxes that you will whine about.

You may want to be taxed more by government, but I want less taxes.

[burntgorilla]

I don't see why churches should be exempt just because they do a bit of good work on the side.

[neo of the mind]

All non-profit groups are exempt from paying taxes. Churches are non-profit, thus the tax exempt status. Plain and simple.

[steveksux]

If you tax churches they'd just raise their tithe over 10% to make up the difference and you guys would just be paying the taxes anyway. ;)

Randy

[neo of the mind]

A tithe is 10%, so you can't change it to something else and still call it a tithe. People that give money to religious organizations can give as much over 10% as they want to, they can give all their money if they wanted to.

Fact is, most church members don't give 10% but give less. That being the case, they haven't, even if they could, "raise" the amount of giving that is obligatory.

I don't like taxes and would rather limit the taxation by the government on any and all entities, versus raising it, regardless if it benefits me directly or not.