Is Scientology auditing tax deductible?

Question

Just curious. :)

Answer 1

There was a "settlement" in 1993 between the church and the IRS that allows their members to claim the money as a charitable deduction.  

The IRS was foolish in allowing the "education" to be deductible because it ostensibly provides a benefit to the members and led the way to numerous other lawsuits from people trying to deduct religious education.

Answer 2

You already asked this over in R & S. Violation of the guidelines.  

Here's what I answered on the last one from several days ago. I guess you didn't see it.

It's covered partially just like any other religious donation.

There are limits, based on Income and the ceiling set out in IRS Code and there's a ceiling as to how much can count. Scientologists pay taxes. I know I sure do!

Answer 3

In USA it is.  

Not in Australia or New Zealand.

Answer 4

It is in the USA where Scientology has full recognition and charitable status as a religion granted by the IRS (after their extensive "audit" ! ) .

All donations to recognized Churches are "tax deductable" as charitable in the USA.depending on your income etc. There are limits and restrictions, of course, (it is the IRS after all)

(The Church also has to show annually that these funds are  used for their charitable purposes,  once granted)

Other countries have different structures for charities or tax laws , or rules or barriers regarding  religious recognition,so it can vary elsewhere.

Not every country has a 1st Ammendment or applies it if they do or upholds the International Charter of Human Rights.

Answer 5

"The IRS was foolish in allowing the "education" to be deductible because it ostensibly provides a benefit to the members and led the way to numerous other lawsuits from people trying to deduct religious education."

Well, I think the IRS was foolish, but not for that reason. Many churches will claim that donating to them provides a benefit, but this is a religious/metaphysical benefit and not a provable financial one. You can't say that donating to a church shouldn't be tax deductible because the church claims that god will reward those who contribute many times the value of their contribution.

Metaphysical or religious benefits, claimed or real (since you can never prove them, they only come in the 'claimed' variety) are not benefits for tax purposes.