When will the US begin taxing Churches?

[Farbin Kaiber]

I'm predicting that the US Government will soon be coming up with a plan to tax religious organizations, effectively repealing the Non-Profit Status of millions, if not billions of dollars.

They are already un-congressionally fleecing large multinational corporations, so this should be the next card in the deck.

By the end of 2010.

[chadthestampede]

this thread needs moar poll

[mrsleeve]

wont happen as much as I would love to see this happen, it wont.

[Wiglaf]

i feel sorry for whoever tries this, the bible belt would bury him.

On the other hand, a quick visit to any ghetto would clue you in to how much this gets abused.

Is that law federal or a state to state thing? I would think property tax is something pertaining to mayors, no higher than state senator.

[Farbin Kaiber]

It's only a matter of time. What reason do you think Congress had Sen. Grassley on his mission? Do you not recall the inquiries in 2007-2008?

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/06/cbsnews_investigates/main3456977.shtml

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/feb/08/080011/na-senator-set-to-intensify-investigation-of-minis/

When he went looking, the Gov saw just how much taxable income they were losing. It has all been in an attempt to remove 501(c) from Non-Profit, religious entities.

They have been planning this for a while.

[mar1t1me]

The thumpers would spare no expense of any kind to convince their flock that the desire to begin taxing the church was the work of the Devil Incarnate.

Sarah Palin would no doubt claim that she could see Heaven from where ever she was and that God himself had appointed her as The One to defend the poor little churches from the big evil Devil.

Much drama to follow.

[Farbin Kaiber]

If it happens, We will be well on our way to living under the rule of the American Crown.

[decay]

i'd also love to see this happen, but i don't think it will.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Do you know what you are saying? Do you have any idea what this means to our society?

[LBJefferies]

If it happens, We will be well on our way to living under the rule of the American Crown.

Please explain...

[decay]

i don't quite see how taxing churches equates to living under a religious monarchy.

[Farbin Kaiber]

What I'm saying is if this changes, the entire freedom of religion actions sought after by our forefathers will have been in vain. We will have thrown away everything they based this country after. Taxation of religious entities, will undoubtedly land them in the pockets of those who determine how much money they owe each quarter. Thus, the freedom afforded these entities will have been absolved, and power transferred to the bigwigs in control.

[Vedubin01]

?? tin foil.....

Say if Government starts taxing Churches, Government gives discounts to churches that start following "programs" of the government, church starts preaching government propaganda to the mindless masses. Thus living under the American Crown.

[Farbin Kaiber]

^ That.

[decay]

Government gives discounts to churches that start following "programs" of the government, church starts preaching government propaganda to the mindless masses. Thus living under the American Crown.

that has been happening, for almost 10 years now. only it's grants, not discounts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House_Office_of_Faith-Based_and_Neighborhood_Partnerships

For fiscal year 2005, more than $2.2 billion in competitive social service grants were awarded to faith-based organizations.