Why don't churches pay taxes on their income and real estate?
915840
Excellent question...there should NOT be exemptions for these institutions...I agree, they should pay tax on real estate, that is for sure...and only bonefide charities should be tax exempt. Most churches seem intent on improving the minister's life style, not charity work. Perhaps it is time to eliminate all of the exemptions.
1181790
A friend is a minister and he says Its a great way to get wealthy. You usually get great benefits free housing. A Car should be provided and almost all of your expensis are covered. If you run a large church you should be able to clear close to a hundred thousand dollars a year. The downside Is that you will often have to tell people things that you know deep down are untrue. He also doesn't like the hippocracy of his congregation.
96259
You are correct, it is unbiblical for a preacher to require members to tithe of income. Also tithing was always food never money and the tithe was always eaten by the tither. Read Deut. 12 and 14. Can a church survive? Yes but not as a mega church. the churches would be smaller and be more quality than quantity (Jesus himself only had twelve apostles). Eliminate tithing and the pastor is forced to live by faith, not many of them want to do that though.Our church does not believe in tithing of income nor do I take an offering(some do give anyway). When God decides it is time to close up then we will close up. All churches should run on faith not business tactics. The only thing most pastors have faith in is their ability to con their members out of more money.\n\nAnd in Malachi when it mentions will a man rob God(preachers love that one) no one mentions that this is written to the Levitical priests Mal 2:1. It was the priests stealing the tithe from the tithers. It must be an honest mistake that they forgot this. lol. Malachi 3:8 ties in with I Samuel 2:12-17. There were corrupt priests stealing then and there are corrupt preachers stealing now. I can hear the lake of fire calling for them now. Shhh listen and you will hear it also, it sound sorta like this 'will the ushers please come forward'
175988
that costs money and with no return. this way they gain money. poor wont give you oil! multi million contracts! be realistic. just go in non christian countries and local churches there in time of disasters. even they wont feed those who say no to conversion. no gain no charity. these are the time of give and take. no giving without return .
1033410
If the Church has an income from books, tapes and so forth yes.\n\nBut if the Church is being supported by those that attend through offerings then I would have to say NO.
1137125
I agree, where I live there are several religious institutions with prime land that pay no taxes.  Yet, the roads by them are plowed, and they get all services. \n\nSomething is wrong.  They should pay taxes, maybe at a different rate, but they should.
191342
Check IRS rules, they state that all expenses of providing or furnishing a home qualify for the Minister's Housing Allowance, but the housing allowance must be stated in writing by the religious organization governing board Before any compensation is paid to the minister.  IF not in the Housing Allowance, then probably no deduction.
190087
No it just makes no sense. The government would not only use it for personal gain but political gain as well!!\nThe Church should be left to those who care about the saving of souls,not the people who just want power.
106415
Depends on what type of taxes you're talking about.  Several states have no income tax, but have other types of taxes.\n\nHere's an article on CNN's site that talks about it, and has two links to useful lists.\n\nhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/04/08/real_estate/tax_friendly/index.htm
813706
Again, what rentals.....depends by who.  If it is say church housing, for rental by Christian followers, then yes, it's constitutional.
129387
no it is tax defered, because it is not a buildable piece of property.
64030
They are a not-for-profit organization.\n\nYou only pay taxes on profits.
54627
You aren't the first to ask. http://www.salestax.org/  \n\nHowever, taxes seem to be more about redistribution of wealth than fairness.
238933
if they did would that do away with homelessness? no it would not. there are people that give money to help fight homelessness all the time. yet it's still around.why not just give everyone a home to live in ? why ? because that would be to easy...yes i know, where is all that money going to came from?   how about some of this money that the tax payers pay in everyday that gets wasted on stuff that doesn't help anyone.....churchs do their part in helping with the homeless, so lets not take away the help that they do have. because i don't see to many others trying to step in and save the day.
1038454
That is pretty much up to the Church. That is not only "private" property, but Church property. Most jurisdictions "cut Churches some slack" for such events. IF the "fund raiser" is for the direct benefit of the Church or one of it's non-profit groups, there should be no problem.
1081094
b/c some churchs(and their ministers) are selfish and hoard their money.
140933
contact your church office and they may able to help you our or also you can check with IRS