Tangent to the 'Should Religious Organizations be Tax Exempt?' question..

Question

I was reading the replies to a separate question asking if churches should be tax exempt, and I thought some of the replies were interesting. Some people didn't know they were, and thought they should have to pay taxes.. some said they shouldn't have to pay taxes as long as they stay out of politics/government.. some said as long as they are a non-profit they shouldn't have to pay taxes..

I wonder what you all think about tax-exempt organizations of any kind being involved at all in government or politics? Should they be allowed or is it just the religious organizations that should not be allowed? And why?

What about organizations that are tax exempt and receive govt funding? Should they be involved in politics or should they be pushed to remain bipartisan since they receive funds?

Essentially I am expanding the question beyond just religious organizations.

I will add my personal view in comments below..

Answer

I believe in separation of church and state. Religious organizations that file under a 501(c)(3) should not be allowed to participate in politics in any capacity. I don't agree with PAC and super PAC groups. I don't agree with religion ruling or muddying our government's role. 
   
People should be aware though that religious orgs do not have to file this way, so some organizations can have religious doctrines and be for profit.

Answer

It is COMPLETE bullshit that the multi-billion dollar industry known as the NFL is tax exempt. You want to fix something, start with professional sports! That will generate us some money.

Answer

I personally agree that religious organizations that are non-profit should be exempt from paying taxes. I believe this as part of a seperation of church and state, as well as for their non-profit status. I also believe it is better when they stay out of politics. I know the values associated with my religion and so I may cast a vote that I feel aligns with my values, but I do not want to see leaders of my religion getting involved, donating to, or openly supporting one side of government. I feel for me it is a boundary issue. Preach in the church, not from a government platform.

I also believe that other organizations that have tax exempt status AND receive government funds should be publicly bipartisan as an organization and not allowed to donate funds to support a political figure. I believe only individual citizens and privately owned tax paying corporations who do not receive govt support should be allowed to donate to a political figure or one-sided organization

Answer

They should pay taxes. Maybe percentage based somehow on congregation size? Idk.

Especially those bullshit ministries, for example Joel Olsteen.

Answer

I think any money that goes into someone's pockets, pastors, bishops, and such should have an income tax. Personally don't know enough about the rest of it to make an informed opinion.

Answer

Religious organizations should not be allowed in politics. The "church" & state need to keep separate. I don't believe they should be required to pay taxes. They rely on charitable contributions from monies that have already been taxed. I certainly believe that the employees should have to pay state and federal on their salary.

Tangent to the 'Should Religious Organizations be Tax Exempt?' question..

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