General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Does anyone else think it's time to tax the churches? [View all]xxxsdesdexxx
(213 posts)They provide you with a service -- religion -- and expect a form of payment -- donations. You could argue that not everyone donates, but their is pressure from the church leaders and from one's fellow churchgoers to do so -- pressure to donate is more prominent in some faiths than others. There is no reason that they be able to keep that money tax free. You could argue that they should get a lower rate than others, and I wouldn't disagree with you on this, but keeping everything tax free is not fair. Churches don't spend everything they get on aiding the poor and needy and should thus not be tax exempt. They have to pay church leaders and for the construction and maintenance of their buildings. Maybe give them a deduction on what they actually spend on the poor and needy, and tax them on all the money they didn't spend on the poor and needy.