Reply #13: But as one person noted, they can live in tax free houses (or mansions)

[AnArmyVeteran]

If they live in a house the church paid for doesn't he have to pay the same tax rate as someone who lived in a similar valued piece of property? If it would cost a preacher $1000 a month to live in a comparable apartment or house, shouldn't he have to pay taxes on that as income? Or is it just another way to avoid paying taxes?

I am a minister of the Universal Life Church. It cost $3 for my credentials. And yes, it's legal. I am a legitimate minister and can legally marry people, among other official duties and the state will recognize me as a bona fide minister. There's nothing to stop me from turning my house into a 'church' and avoiding paying any property taxes. My 'church' would be as legitimate as any other religion and at least my church wouldn't be filled with child predators.

BTW, my Dad became a bishop in the same church by paying $5 more!. We're a very religious family. Wherever two or more of us were gathered, that was a church, even if we were sitting in a bar drinking margaritas. :)

Oh yeah,
Amen, and amen...