Taxing churches sounds like a great idea

[capleton]

I don't see why they shouldn't be taxed, churches make tons of money through tithes and collection plates, perhaps that money should go somewhere that is useful.

[alanjh595]

Donations are after tax money. The taxes were paid by the giver after the taxes were deducted at the source.

[normaM]

yes, all churches, mosques, etc should be taxed. I don't think it would be political suicide - pretty sure majority of people feel the same way

[spooker]

Donations are after tax money. The taxes were paid by the giver after the taxes were deducted at the source.

So businesses shouldn't be taxed because the consumer already paid taxes on their income? Not sure where you were trying to go with this ... sure seems like many churches are selling a service, "if god compels it, please make a donation" ... considering how much political clout the church has held for centuries I'm not surprised that they continue to have tax-free status ... though just like politics I feel it has become corrupted by its own means ...

[my5cents]

Donations are after tax money. The taxes were paid by the giver after the taxes were deducted at the source.

So businesses shouldn't be taxed because the consumer already paid taxes on their income? Not sure where you were trying to go with this ... sure seems like many churches are selling a service, "if god compels it, please make a donation" ... considering how much political clout the church has held for centuries I'm not surprised that they continue to have tax-free status ... though just like politics I feel it has become corrupted by its own means ...

Don't forget sales taxes, property taxes, all paid with after tax dollars.

One of the better tax breaks is the tax break on contribution to a political party,,, go figure.

[alanjh595]

Yup, I agree with the above 2 comments.

I understand and agree with you both.

[Glacier]

In order to not sound like a bigot or a racist a person who wants to "tax the churches" needs to define which taxes they are talking about. Otherwise, they just sound like a knuckle dragging hater who knows nothing about how the tax code works.

If we are talking about property tax for charitable organizations like churches, well, just say so instead of this gas lighting cliche. If some other taxes, be specific.

[1nick]

Any money the church receives from its parishioners or profit from its holdings etc should be taxed as income. After expenses of operating a church, paying the guy at the pulpit, charity expenses etc anything over should be defined as taxable income. If there’s nothing left in the pot at year end then they’re good. I’m sure they’re clever enough to make it work ;-)

Anyway off to change my knuckle bandages…

[Bsuds]

In order to not sound like a bigot or a racist a person who wants to "tax the churches" needs to define which taxes they are talking about. Otherwise, they just sound like a knuckle dragging hater who knows nothing about how the tax code works.

If we are talking about property tax for charitable organizations like churches, well, just say so instead of this gas lighting cliche. If some other taxes, be specific.

I don't know about in Canada but I have heard that in the US they own many business properties.

I have also heard that if they paid taxes on said properties it would more than cover all the income tax people pay.

That's all hearsay of course and I have no proof but if that was to be true then it's a shame.

[Glacier]

Any money the church receives from its parishioners or profit from its holdings etc should be taxed as income. After expenses of operating a church, paying the guy at the pulpit, charity expenses etc anything over should be defined as taxable income. If there’s nothing left in the pot at year end then they’re good. I’m sure they’re clever enough to make it work ;-)

Anyway off to change my knuckle bandages…

I worded my post the way I did because I don't know much about how charities work, and would like to learn more details instead of just "tax the churches" as some battle cry to "burn them all down."

I will have to research this at a later time as to what happens if they have money left over at the end of the end. In the corporate world, you would have a corporation pay corporate tax. Charities should pay this as well if they do have money left over, or at least if the bank account exceeds some level, let's say $100,000 at the end of the year.

[capleton]

Not taxing them is how those pastors get rich, no reason not to but I guess Jesus needs money.

[stuphoto]

The reasoning for the tax exemption disqualification is because of the churches involvement with residential schools.

I'd remove the exemption because ALL churches should pay taxes.

I think most people would realize I am 100% against the whole concept of residential schools.
I also have strong feelings against Organized Religion.

However I at least Hope not all Residential Schools were bad places , and some were just performing a service for the government.

In addition I know some churches preform valuable services for their community and often for free.
However for the others, yup Tax Them All!

[Glacier]

Not taxing them is how those pastors get rich, no reason not to but I guess Jesus needs money.

Being a pastor is one of the lowest paid professions. Pastors who have masters degrees who have to have a second job driving school bus or something just to make ends meet since the church will pay them maybe $40,000 per year if it's a typical rural church that has a small congregation.

[stuphoto]

There is no denying that Glacier,
You and I both know some small town churches are more a labour of love and probably cost more in monthly experiences than they will ever see in donations.
The problem is the other end. The Bakkers and the Benny Hinn are also lumped into the same group.

[Glacier]

There is no denying that Glacier,
You and I both know some small town churches are more a labour of love and probably cost more in monthly experiences than they will ever see in donations.
The problem is the other end. The Bakkers and the Benny Hinn are also lumped into the same group.

For sure. I recently saw the documentary "American Gospel" that featured Benny Hinn's nephew exposing the fraud that he is. And he is the worst kind of fraud. Faking miracles to get desperate people to give him money while he lives in extreme wealth in some palace in Dubai. The guy certainly pays millions upon millions in taxes every year, but really he should be in jail because he is a fraud and morally reprehensible.