Can we start taxing the church now?
By anib1227
@anib1227 (77)
Philippines
September 17, 2009 6:26am CST
It seems that the line separating church and state is so dim recently. People who want to serve the state are seeking opinions from church people and these church authorities are also becoming vocal to the state affairs. Recently, church affairs are being honored through national holidays and there are other events wherein the separation of state and church is erased.
Churches also owned some big businesses, schools, vast parcels of land, etc that are earning.
Now, I am just curious if we could start accounting these church businesses and start taxing them. Can we start taxing the church now? Is it possible? Mylotters, please share your opinions.
2 people like this
7 responses
@Tantrums (945)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
Not the Church really but those businesses that are run or managed by the church... Here in our city (Baguio), the Catholic church has a mall and it's very controversial because they don't pay taxes and the rent on their stalls is as high as a cat's back!
@kryptoscode (452)
• Philippines
18 Sep 09
Are we referring only to catholic churches or all the other religion churches? I think in my opinion they have to pay if they are engage in a business that makes them profit.
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
That is possible my friend but I don't think if the catholic church, agree with that particular issue. Because under the constitution provides only for the free exercise of religion and there should be no discrimination. There is no words referring to tax, that churches should be exempted...The only required of the constitution is that no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
That my share...have a nice day!
@anib1227 (77)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
Nice one, aerous. If the opinions you stated above are correct, then the state should invoke these points unless the state (represented by the elected officials) cowers to these godlikes who claimed they owned truths and moral duties to see the people living hellish lives. Have a nice day, too.
@xtedaxcvg (3189)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
I guess the above post answers your question. In my opinion, I wouldn't really mind if churches be exempted in paying taxes. After all, they got the money from contributions and donations. Why would you tax someone who received money from other people just because they're feeling generous. If this is going to be the mentality then everybody should be taxed everytime they receive money from other people out of generosity.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
18 Sep 09
I'm not really sure on this one. I really don't know much about the churches and their taxes. I do agree that the line separating church and state is very very fine. In fact the church seems to be one of the main reasons that gay people are not allowed to be married and get the same benefits as other couples. If state and church are truly separated it doesn't seem really seem it. 
@shewolf52002 (1214)
• United States
18 Sep 09
I have to say I disagree about the seperation of church and state, particularly where I live. Seems to me if there were really such a narrowing of the line that abortion on demand would have a tougher time surviving, God would be back in the schools and this country would not be talking about removing God from every public venue. (court houses and the ten commandments, public land and nativity scenes, Christmas replace with X-mas and so on)
As far as the tax exempt status for a Church and other charities there are hoops that these organizations must jump through to get this status.... At least that is how it was for the church and charity I worked closely with. Not for profit status is not as easy as saying oh I'm a church and I dont want to pay taxes.
I think that the government should leave the churches alone, and if they are smart enough to have a business that is earning them some money for ministry.... let them have it. Again I can only speak about the church I am involved with but I know other than a salary for the pastor, (a modest one) all the money coming in goes to bills, missions and ministry.... feeding the poor, helping others with bills, free literacy classes ect... Just my opionion from my experience with my own church.
@anib1227 (77)
• Philippines
18 Sep 09
Well said. But, there is this Separation of Church and State in our constitution. We can't remove unless we changed the consti. However, the line of this separation is getting finer everyday. Well, good for your organization if you give all back to the needy. Did you noticed my other query?
Can we account these monies to ascertain that all goes back to charities? At least, to file financial statements and audited records to the revenue bureau.
If churches could not be taxed for now, then at least their wealth could be accounted for.
@saluyot (63)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
the church big businesses and other properties that rakes in huge amount of money should be taxed. what should be exempted only are those so-called donations, alms, etc. but if the money comes from doing commercial endeavors or fromm their income-generating business and other sources of money, it should be taxed. fair is fair. even a simple juan dela cruz is taxed. why shouldn't be the ultra-billionaire church?
@anib1227 (77)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
When I said church or churches, I meant here all organizations/institutions of worships or the likes and their businesses and properties.
I do agree that donations, alms, etc should be exempted from tax but income derived from other sources like their schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and real estates can be subjected to tax that is why I asked if we could account these income. All monies and revenues in excess of their charitable activities can be taxed but what I supposed to read (in this discussion) here are legal remedies or limitations of imposing tax to church. Anyway, thank you and keep on mylotting.
@aseretdd (13730)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
I think the Church pays taxes... but they have a certain discount... i worked for a Catholic school for 7 years it is own by the Archdiocese... and as far as i know... they are not exempted from paying taxes... even land that they own is subject to yearly real estate tax...
