Is taxing churches unconstitutional?

[Salty]

From another thread:

Not to mention the Constitution.


The code is written to avoid a legal challenge.


By the way, the idea that the churches should "shut up" about politics, is the most ridiculous, godless, and secular thing I have ever heard. Had churches done this throughout history, we would still be part of Britain. The idea that churches should be quiet, OR that they should pay taxes, is an absolutely unconstitutional idea....

Here is the entire text of the First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Where do you see that churches paying taxes is unconstitutional. Newspapers have the freedom of press - but they have to pay taxes.

Is tax free status unconstitutional?

Your belief that church taxes are unconditional is on the same level of the "right of a woman to control her body" (abortion))

Now, I am thankful that the US or the States/Commonwealths do not tax churches (for non-business purposes) .

If I am incorrect, please enlighten me.

 

[Revmitchell]

No but it is against the IRS code



http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf

 

[Salty]

No but it is against the IRS code



http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf

Exactly my point! There is a big difference between a law and a constitutional right. We should be informed to know the difference!

 

[Revmitchell]

Exactly my point! There is a big difference between a law and a constitutional right. We should be informed to know the difference!

Call me on my cell

 

[Aaron]

I am a church member and I get taxed. The government taxes churches everyday.

 

[Alcott]

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

The only way to carry out those words in their entirety is to limit them according to those first 5 words, which is not done, as we know. "The ability to tax is the ability to destroy," as someone well said. If a church which says (as from its pulpit or on its bulletins or mailings) certain things can be taxes because of it, while another church is not taxed which does not say those things, how are both clauses not violated?

 

[Arbo]

Now, I am thankful that the US or the States/Commonwealths do not tax churches (for non-business purposes) .

Based on posts in other threads, I was under the impression that you were for church taxation.

 

[billwald]

Compare the situation of 501c3 contributors deducting contributions AND church income being tax exempt with the right wing complaints about businesses paying income taxes AND stockholders paying taxes on dividends. Why is double exemption good but double taxation evil?

 

[Revmitchell]

Compare the situation of 501c3 contributors deducting contributions AND church income being tax exempt with the right wing complaints about businesses paying income taxes AND stockholders paying taxes on dividends. Why is double exemption good but double taxation evil?

If that has to be explained then it most likely will not be understood.