Why don't churches and religion get taxed?

Question

If your answer is seperation of church and state its the wrong answer because the church has LOTS of influence in the whitehouse.

Answer 1

Churches and religious organizations do not get taxed because they are registered as non profit organizations.

Answer 2

Cos they're non profit

Answer 3

They do buddy. CHURCHES DO GET TAXED

Answer 4

good question. I shall watch the replies.

personally I think im in the wrong game....ya rekkon it's time for a female, redhead tv evangelist?

Answer 5

It goes back to way back in the day when Christians were the only religion.  The government were all Christians back then so that's how they made it.  good question.

Answer 6

The basic premis behind that is the Freedom of Religion... the power to tax is the power to distroy.. and, in fact, there have been many attempts to suppress churches by means of zoning and other regulatory restrictions as well as through taxation. And also remember that a government that has the power to give one everything that they need also has the power to take it away....

Answer 7

In order to have tax exempt status you must demonstrate that you are working for the good of the community. For example, by doing charity work, providing free counseling services, or helping the poor.

This is one of the reasons why groups like the Scientologists are classified as a business rather than as a church for tax purposes. They do nothing for the wider community, only for themselves.

Answer 8

Churches and religions are generally set up as non-profits and disgorge their income.  In most places they do indeed pay property tax but generally have no profit.  Some preachers are not set up as non-profits (like some on TV) and they do indeed pay income tax.  However, gifts are not taxable as income.  That is not unique to churches.  A gift to you is also not taxable as income.  Aslo, non-profit status is not unique to churches.  An outfit like the United Way is non-profit and pays no income tax, but does pay property tax and other taxes.  So, as the premise of your question is incorrect, your question makes no sense.

Answer 9

Because they are like criminal organisations.  

Answer 10

I really dont know

Answer 11

The government try to avoid unwanted religious behavior

Answer 12

it is another religious war...

Answer 13

I went to a church that has a transparency policy. I know for a fact that they do get taxed.

Answer 14

because they are non profit.. hahahahhahahah...

fact is cus they represent huge blocks of voters..

pay off the few thousand people who rule this country.. is a lot cheaper than paying off every citizen..

it's called bribes and corruption

Answer 15

They claim to be "non-profit" and "helping the community."

Answer 16

because they are supposed to be not for profit. and a benefit for the community

Answer 17

Because they are government agents.

Answer 18

Because they are Supposedly Non-Profit...LOL