Should churches pay taxes?

Mippo · 10-20-2008, 01:38 PM

First off, there is nothing in the constitution that states that we can't tax them. Secondly, the reason we exempted them in the first place is really no longer relevant today in my opinion. The reason they were exempted was that governments believed that churches along with other types of community groups enhanced and supplemented government services such as feeding the hungry, housing those in need of shelter and in general using private funds for public good.

I've gotten into quite a few debates over this issue with religious people, but what do you guys think about it?

Turgur · 10-20-2008, 01:47 PM

I not only think they should be taxed, but all churches should be destroyed. Fuck religion

Zerai · 10-20-2008, 01:48 PM

I think they should be taxed definitely. Then let them use their charity to write off against it. Like a normal business.

Scientologist · 10-20-2008, 01:50 PM

I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be.

Jysin-DW · 10-20-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zerai

I think they should be taxed definitely. Then let them use their charity to write off against it. Like a normal business.

This.

Knucklehead · 10-20-2008, 02:01 PM

I'd be worried that what little leverage the IRS had over a preacher endorsing candidates from the pulpit would disappear completely. What would stop televangelists from becoming official Republican party apparatuses. Ugh.

k^M · 10-20-2008, 02:03 PM

the money they make IS income, so theres no reason it shouldnt be taxed. and anything that goes to charitable causes can be deducted up to a maximum amount. Doubt they'd owe any taxes anyway as I dont think churches make enough money to be taxed, but im sure its possible in some places.

Tuco · 10-20-2008, 02:05 PM

I remember when I played Sim City, every once in a while I would be told that the citizens wanted a church and that it would cost me nothing but would improve the area around said church. It had the same effect as a park, basically, but but was totally free.

If we can assume that chuches typically improve the area around them (which they may or may not), it would make a good argument for why they shouldn't be taxed.

The counter argument to that, that they should write the taxes off and be tax free is a good one, however it adds a financial burden to the church. Also, I don't know if a lot of the good things that churches do (outreach outside the city, county, state and even country) can help them be tax free.

Also, how much could a typical church offset their taxes with tax write offs? Perhaps a more knowledgable person could weigh in their thoughts, but are things like the hired pastors/clergy/imam's salary, building maintnence, construction and consumable goods for the church counted for them? Because that makes up a lot more of costs than giving food to the poor really.

On the other hand, it would generate income for the government.

tjac · 10-20-2008, 02:10 PM

No taxation without representation.

In taxing churches you would invite them to meddle even more in government than they already do.

Warrian · 10-20-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turgur

I not only think they should be taxed, but all churches should be destroyed. Fuck religion

86% of the world disagrees with you.

Auryan · 10-20-2008, 02:29 PM

how much money do you guys think churches are bringing in?

Except for a few rip off artists like benny hinn, people aren't getting rich from church.

Szlia · 10-20-2008, 02:36 PM

Isn't scientology considered a church in the US? Does that mean they are not paying taxes?

Scientologist · 10-20-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Szlia

Isn't scientology considered a church in the US? Does that mean they are not paying taxes?

Yes.

James · 10-20-2008, 02:41 PM

A fact that no one but Scientologists are really happy about.

OneofOne · 10-20-2008, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auryan

how much money do you guys think churches are bringing in?

Except for a few rip off artists like benny hinn, people aren't getting rich from church.

Um... Ever heard of the Vatican? They own about 15% of the stocks on the market in Italy.

Here in the US some of the churches in the larger cities pull in insane amounts of cash. Sure the little church in Nowheresville USA with 40 members makes little, but do not be under the assumption only televangelists make cash.

Mormons have a 10% tithe on their earnings. The same church currently spending money trying to get an anti gay rights bill passed in California.

10-20-2008, 01:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mippo Tuco's real life pic! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ranger Posts: 1,705 -123 Internets	Should churches pay taxes? First off, there is nothing in the constitution that states that we can't tax them. Secondly, the reason we exempted them in the first place is really no longer relevant today in my opinion. The reason they were exempted was that governments believed that churches along with other types of community groups enhanced and supplemented government services such as feeding the hungry, housing those in need of shelter and in general using private funds for public good. I've gotten into quite a few debates over this issue with religious people, but what do you guys think about it?

10-20-2008, 02:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
Szlia Conquest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 5,646 +25 Internets	Isn't scientology considered a church in the US? Does that mean they are not paying taxes? __________________ -retrosabotage-

10-20-2008, 02:41 PM	#14 (permalink)
James You are just another normal! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 9,392	A fact that no one but Scientologists are really happy about. __________________ Like a ship without an anchor, like a slave without a chain, just the thought of those sweet ladies sends a shiver through my veins. And I will go on shining, shining like brand new. I'll never look behind me, my troubles will be few. Goodbye stranger, it's been nice. Hope you find your paradise. Tried to see your point of view, hope your dreams will all come true. Goodbye Mary, goodbye Jane, will we ever meet again? Feel no sorrow, feel no shame. Come tomorrow, feel no pain.

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10-20-2008, 01:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
Turgur Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 87 +3 Internets	I not only think they should be taxed, but all churches should be destroyed. Fuck religion

10-20-2008, 01:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Zerai ~ Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An Igloo Posts: 3,873 +6 Internets	I think they should be taxed definitely. Then let them use their charity to write off against it. Like a normal business.

10-20-2008, 01:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
Scientologist Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 669 -55 Internets	I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be.

10-20-2008, 02:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
Knucklehead Registered Loser Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ATX Posts: 624 +25 Internets	I'd be worried that what little leverage the IRS had over a preacher endorsing candidates from the pulpit would disappear completely. What would stop televangelists from becoming official Republican party apparatuses. Ugh.

10-20-2008, 02:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
k^M AoE Hazzard Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 742 -37 Internets	the money they make IS income, so theres no reason it shouldnt be taxed. and anything that goes to charitable causes can be deducted up to a maximum amount. Doubt they'd owe any taxes anyway as I dont think churches make enough money to be taxed, but im sure its possible in some places.

10-20-2008, 02:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tuco Forum Janitor Join Date: May 2002 Location: Detroit Posts: 10,723 +75 Internets	I remember when I played Sim City, every once in a while I would be told that the citizens wanted a church and that it would cost me nothing but would improve the area around said church. It had the same effect as a park, basically, but but was totally free. If we can assume that chuches typically improve the area around them (which they may or may not), it would make a good argument for why they shouldn't be taxed. The counter argument to that, that they should write the taxes off and be tax free is a good one, however it adds a financial burden to the church. Also, I don't know if a lot of the good things that churches do (outreach outside the city, county, state and even country) can help them be tax free. Also, how much could a typical church offset their taxes with tax write offs? Perhaps a more knowledgable person could weigh in their thoughts, but are things like the hired pastors/clergy/imam's salary, building maintnence, construction and consumable goods for the church counted for them? Because that makes up a lot more of costs than giving food to the poor really. On the other hand, it would generate income for the government.

10-20-2008, 02:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
tjac Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,629 -18 Internets	No taxation without representation. In taxing churches you would invite them to meddle even more in government than they already do.

10-20-2008, 02:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
Auryan Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 101 -8 Internets	how much money do you guys think churches are bringing in? Except for a few rip off artists like benny hinn, people aren't getting rich from church.