Should churches and other religious institutions pay taxes?

Question

They expect to have their "morality" inserted into law, should they not pay their "admission charge" (as George Carlin so eloquently put it).

Answer 1

That would be in direct violation of constitutional law.

Considered, inhibiting religion.

Answer 2

Yes

Answer 3

No.

Answer 4

no because there is a separation between church and state. the gov't shouldn't be able to make money off people's faith and devotion and donations. as far as regulating churches that use their tax exempt status to their advantage or to the clergy's advantage- i do think that there should be some kind of classification or some kind of audit to make sure that churches aren't taking advantage of their members as well as making sure that "self help" groups and "motivational speakers" are not getting to use the advantage of being called a church because they might use the word God once and a while. or some other higher power.  

Answer 5

Absolutely!

Answer 6

Yes, some abuse the priviledge and are now being investigated by the IRS.  Most private schools, hundreds of thousands of non-profit organizations (many of the larger make large sums of money), institutes and think tanks all get tax exemptions--religions are just one of many.  If you get your way, let's let them ALL get taxed.  

There are some CEOs of non-profits who make over $1 million a year in salary--those are the ones who should be investigated, along with Benny Hinn.

Answer 7

Yes, absolutely. If people want to build places to congregate and share fantasies, fine, but they should not be subsidised by the state!

Answer 8

Too phucking right they should.

Ok I'm not gonna pay any more tax cos I believe in the tooth fairy, is thatok?  

Answer 9

No one should

Answer 10

Absolutely. Even if you still gave them a tax break (i.e. they didn't pay as much in taxes).  

Answer 11

Yes. Your answer and reason are contained in your question.

Thumbs-down means you didn't pay attention in high school government class.

Answer 12

Ministers and Church workers pay income taxes.

You could charge us Property taxes, but then to be fair, you should also give our Catholic Schools their fare share of Property taxes collected from everyone for the School System based on how many students attend the Private Schools.

Our Church would come out WAY ahead!

Peace and God Bless.

P.S. I am the "Original" "C"

Answer 13

didnt they think of it in the 1st place?

Church just likes to get money

but they really should pay tax!

Answer 14

I agree.  The National Secular Society campaigns for this, amongst other things, so I suggest you join, as the subscription helps them in their work.  Better to get active than just talk about it :)

Answer 15

Yes they should pay tax.

Answer 16

Yes! The amount of tax they'd pay! Don't understand why they shouldn't pay and we have to.

The Greek Orthodox Church in Cyprus is currently the richest organization on the island. O_o

Answer 17

I don't know.  Didn't the founding fathers come to this country to avoid that in England?

When someone accused Jesus of not paying his temple tax, He had someone deliver a coin to the temple "for the sake of righteousness."  And when some Pharisees challenged Jesus on paying taxes (personal, not from a church) Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar."  But the temple and secular taxes were separate.

Answer 18

If churches started going against the constitution and pay taxes,then the Government can run the churches.

  George Carlin is burning in h**l right now.

Answer 19

If they get involved in politics, then they should pay taxes

Answer 20

If they make profits, then like all other businesses they should pay tax.

Answer 21

They should certainly pay taxes as with any other organisation.