Should Churches Remain Tax-Exempt?

[Thumpalumpacus]

[Tonus]

Will not god provide?

That's a good point-- though it could just as easily be said that it is god's will that churches remain tax exempt. But it would be interesting to see that used as a reason for taxing them; if it is god's will that your church make enough to get by, then you're not worried about a tax. Or even point out that it's just another trial that they must bear before receiving their reward. Heck,many religions promote the idea of giving away wealth and depending on god. Taxing churches should not be a hardship, just another way to serve him.

[robvalue]

I think Christians read the first amendment to be, "The government shall not interfere with our special treatment. Christians that is. Other religions can fuck off."

I mean, say I start my own religion. Do I get a building to spout my drivel out of? Or do I have to make do with not praying in public like the hypocrites?

[Minimalist]

Will not god provide?

Apparently not.




Fuck him.

[Thumpalumpacus]

[Nope]

I am not an accountant so maybe I am wrong on this. Don't business get to deduct the cost of running their business from the amount that they earn when they pay taxes?(Hopefully, that made sense) I still don't see how taxing churches would run them out of business. There might be a few less mega churches but they would probably be replaced by smaller churches. Perhaps the church would pay pastors a lower salary or get more involved in helping the poor so they can become a nonprofit.

Besides, those on the far right are always going on about how competition weeds out those who can't compete. Why shouldn't the same process apply to churches?

[Tonus]

How much did they budget for payoffs when they have to buy the silence of all the kids that get buggered in there?

---

I still don't see how taxing churches would run them out of business.

Property taxes could be a burden on small churches. Unless they send someone to go fish up a trout and find a check to cover the taxes in its mouth. That's what Jesus did, after all.

[robvalue]

If I don't get given my own building, that's interfering with my right to do my religious stuff. Even if its just me. Look at how many churches Christians have got! Why am I being oppressed?

I remember hearing something about the government deciding what is and isn't a religion, and having a minimum number of followers. That's some bullshit, I'm being oppressed again.

[Minimalist]

Man, I just can't put my finger on it, but there's something about a camel and the eye of a needle that's just on the tip of my tongue.

[Thumpalumpacus]

I am not an accountant so maybe I am wrong on this. Don't business get to deduct the cost of running their business from the amount that they earn when they pay taxes?(Hopefully, that made sense)

Some, but not all, expenses are deductible. Payroll, insurance benefits for employees, rent or lease payments on your business space, those things are deductible. Expenses such as storage are not. Some of the COGS is exempt, some must be capitalized, and some is taxed regularly.

Long answer short, not all expenses are write-offs, but some are.