How long until churches lose charitable status and pay tax

[sooperphreek]

with the huge properties some churches in town have wouldnt it be wise for municipalities to tax the churches instead of raising taxes on homes? not to mention the church offshoots like old folks homes on some of those properties creating income for these organizations being sheltered from taxation? i think that if the churches want the benifits of no taxation they should have to be under guidelines and prove what they are doing in their immediate community instead of sending money away to missionaries that do nothing for the communities the church organization is in. there should be set stipulations and if they dont meet them they should have tax shelters revoked.

[Nebula]

Church buildings and the land under them are exempt from property taxes under the Community Charter 220 (1)(h). Municipalities must grant the tax exemption.

[Boda]

[quote="writerdave"]Church buildings and the land under them are exempt from property taxes under the Community Charter 220 (1)(h). Municipalities must grant the tax exemption.[/quote]



Is that community charter law federal or provincial Dave?

[Nebula]

Provincial. There are two basic provincial laws that set up and govern how municipalities/regional districts/improvement districts operate: The Local Government Act and the Community Charter.

[Boda]

Couple more questions if you don't mind.

Does the Federal gov. dictate that Provinces can't allow municipalities to tax church owned properties?
If not, are there any provinces that do tax church owned properties or revenue?

Pretty sure I know the answer to the 2nd question.

[Nebula]

Does the Federal gov. dictate that Provinces can't allow municipalities to tax church owned properties?

Not that I am aware of. I believe the mandate comes from the provincial government.

If not, are there any provinces that do tax church owned properties or revenue?

Good question but I don't have an answer. I surmise no provinces do that.

[Boda]

quote]

Good question but I don't have an answer. I surmise no provinces do that.[/quote]


I surmise same. Can you imagine any government allienating that many votes?

[JonyDarko]

Not soon enough.