Why don't the church pay tax?
-Hedge
Hedge, here are some answers to why churches are not taxed in the US:
"Read those tax laws carefully. Churches exist not only as places of worship, but to allocate resources collected to feed the poor, house the homeless, clothe children, and spread the Gospel. It does none of these things to earn a profit. Similarly to churches you will also find that charitable organizations such as Salvation Army, Red Cross, Goodwills and Thrift Stores are also not taxed like other businesses. Section 503(c) corporations that specialize in providing health services to the indigent are also not taxed like other businesses. The biggest thing being that such organizations (churches, hospitals, thrifts, etc.) use their resources to give a benefit to humanity and they provide services free of charge."
"Churches are under the classification of charitable organizations. At one time, churches were the major force in caring for the poor and sick. It was believed that they provided so many services to the community that by not taxing them they would have greater resources to offer these services."
"The church is not a business, it's an organization and just like other non-profit organizations that actually help people, it is supported by the tithe and offerings the MEMBERS, not you, give. So sorry to burst your bubble, but you can't get any credit for that."
"Because of the so called separation of church and state. The church is not allowed "representation" and as we know "no taxation without representation."
"All who attend church are citizens as well and pay taxes so they already pay for police, fire etc. and churches do have to pay for their own expenses, utilities. insurance etc."
