General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Should Churches Be Taxed? [View all]cbayer
(146,218 posts)For all of you that consider yourselves people of reason who base your rational decisions on evidence and data, you really need a civics lesson on this.
Churches are 501 (3) c organizations. This is the same category used for all non-profit organizations, be they religious or not. That would include some of our most favorite ones.
With only a few exceptions, churches abide by the exact same rules as other non-profits.
The exceptions have to do with a parsonage exception, for which I think there is a good case for eliminating, and some annual paperwork requirements, which I also think should be eliminated.
Otherwise, they are identical.
To exclude churches from this category and allow it for non-religious organizations would be a 1st amendment violation. Those that want to eliminate the tax status run the risk of dismantling the religious clause completely, including the separation part.
In addition, until secular and governmental agencies step up to the plate, proposing that churches have a disincentive for providing charitable works will only hurt the neediest and most marginalized among us.
Now, there are clearly some churches that are grossly violating the rules concerning non-profits. They are the exceptions, as most churches get by on a shoestring, but they are glaring and extremely offensive.
The IRS needs to step up to the plate and challenge their status. It is their negligence that is a huge part of the problem.